Most yard tasks aren’t that difficult. The issues start when you don’t keep on top of things, and the landscaping takes on a life of its own. But the thing is, the longer things get left unattended, the more damage could be being caused. And they’ll likely sit unnoticed until they start causing major problems.
Let’s take a look at some of the more common yard maintenance mistakes homeowners make.
Ignoring Trees
The last thing you should be doing is ignoring your trees because they look fine, and you think they don’t need care and attention. But the reality is that many issues trees face aren’t always obvious until it’s too late. Cracks, root rot, and disease usually start where you can’t see them and build for months until they’re visible from the ground. By then, the tree could be a safety risk or cause other major concerns around your home.
There are some warning signs you can look out for, like bark peeling away from the trunk in large sections, or fungus at the base of the trunk, or even branches with no leaves. All of these can point to internal decay, and it’s time to call an arborist to assess the tree and catch problems before the tree becomes a bigger risk.
Mowing and Watering at the Wrong Times
Cutting the grass too short weakens the root system and makes it easier for weeds to take hold, as shorter blades can’t shade the soil the same way as longer ones. You should never cut your grass more than a third of the blade length in one go. This helps avoid this problem and supports healthy growth and a lush lawn.
You should also avoid watering in the middle of the day, as you’ll just lose the mixture to evaporation before it reaches the roots. Early morning watering is preferable and more beneficial, as this gives the grass time to absorb the water before the heat sets in and dries the blades.
Planting Without Checking What The Soil Needs
Plants that struggle to grow are often planted in soil that does not support them. Not due to them being planted incorrectly. Before you plant anything, carry out a simple soil test as this will tell you about the major nutrient content of the soil and its pH level too. If you have acidic soil, then azaleas or blueberries will thrive, but if you have alkaline soil, then these will fail regardless of sunlight or watering, and no amount of fertilizer will fix a mismatch that starts at the pH level.
Overlooking Drainage Issues
Standing water from rain, soggy patches that never seem to dry out, or grass that dies in the same spot every season are usually due to a drainage problem. Compacted soil, poor grading away from the house, or clogged gutters redirecting water into the yard are common causes.
A quick way to check is to dig a small hole about a foot deep, fill it with water, and see how long it takes to drain. If water is still sitting there after several hours, then draining is likely the underlying issue rather than anything to do with the grass or plants.
