We all want that perfectly groomed lawn and landscape, and sometimes in our haste of manicuring, we sometimes do more harm than help. Following the following budget friendly tips will help you replace what benefits have been stripped away from our lawns & landscaping.
1. Don’t Remove ALL The Leaves. One of the most significant benefits of the forest to plants is the decomposition of dead material at the base of the plants. We annually clean our landscape to keep it looking its best, while not realizing that in nature the organic matter we’re ridding our landscape of actually benefits the roots below. Leaving some of this material in our lawns and landscaping allows them to decompose over time, creating a free, nutrient-rich organic compost that feeds the roots below for years to come.
2. Improve Soil Conditions. The plants we place in our landscape were not meant for the heavy clay soils we place them in. Often home builders strip out the finest topsoil and build our homes and landscapes on the sub soil left over. This is a far cry from our plants natural habitats and from their birthplace at a nursery where they were brought up in the finest of conditions. To help our plants, consider adding an inexpensive soil amendment such as humus, or nutrient rich topsoil to the surface, then mixing it in with a shovel.
3. Deep Root Feed Your Plants. Purchasing nutrient spikes at your local garden center to pump nutrients into the root zone is a quick, and inexpensive way to help strengthen your plants as we head into winter. Another affordable option that lawn care providers and full service landscapers offer is Deep Root Fertilization. Besides the expertise you’ll receive from a professional, the equipment used will run at roughly 200psi pumping nutrients into your soil while also helping to break up and loosen some of that soil, having a similar effect to aerating your lawn. This gives the roots more of a chance to spread out and fill those pores created. Now that’s creating nutrients for your plants AND loosening up the soil, you’re plants will love it.
4. A lot of Plants? Start with Your Trees. After all, your trees are likely the most valuable and expensive piece of your landscaping. Street trees are always are at the top of the list for needing the special attention a deep root fertilization provides. There next to the street and are prone to salt damage, car damage, neighborhood traffic and all while trying to root out into a bed of clay and rock surrounded by a concrete casket of driveways, sidewalks and streets.
Need More Tips? Download Our Money Saving Lawn Care & Landscape Guide
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