The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to set goals and make improvements. Perhaps this upcoming year you’d like to lose a few more pounds. Maybe you’d like to finish that novel you started. Or, you’d like to pay off that mortgage or student loan.
As you make resolutions this year, don’t forget about your yard or garden. When you set concrete goals for your property and follow through on your promises, you’ll not only improve the overall appearance of your yard, but also increase your home’s resale value.
Not sure what resolutions to try this year? Here are a few ideas to help you start.
1. I Will Not Overwater My Grass
Grass needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, distributed evenly during two to three watering sessions. When you overwater your grass, you deprive the roots of oxygen, drowning and suffocating your plants.
Furthermore, if you water your grass daily, the lawn develops a shallow root system. As a result, the grass will become vulnerable to insect damage, disease, and temperature fluctuations.
For more precise watering, hire a professional to install an irrigation system. Adjust the settings throughout the year to account for temperature changes.
2. I Will Convert Lawn Space Into Garden Space
While a lush, green carpet of grass looks beautiful, it also requires a lot of maintenance. Grass needs precise watering, frequent mowing, and regular aeration to stay healthy, and all of this maintenance can sap your time and resources.
Instead of a carpet, think of your grass as an area rug. Though it occupies much of your space, it shouldn’t be the sole vegetation on your property. Talk to a landscaper about swapping some of your grassy patches for low-maintenance shrubs, perennials, or trees. Or for even less maintenance, consider a wellconstructed rock garden.
3. I Will Finally Remove That Old Tree Stump
Although root systems vary depending on the tree species, many tree roots stretch out several times the size of the tree’s crown. Consequently, when an old tree dies, you may struggle to remove the remaining stump due to the massive root system.
But you shouldn’t ignore that stump any longer. Roots often continue to grow long after the tree has died. If left unattended, your tree stump may send out new sprouts that can be costly and time consuming to trim back.
Furthermore, your guests and visitors may trip on the stump, increasing their risk for injury. Even if guests see the stump, they may have to maneuver awkwardly around its base before they can enjoy the rest of your yard.
If you struggle to remove a tree stump on your own, hire an arborist to remove the stump, or at least grind it down to a safe size.
4. I Will Plant Sustainable Native Plant Species
Exotic flowers and shrubs look stunning at first, but they can quickly become an invasive species, much like the perennial sweet pea, purple loosestrife, or myrtle spurge. Additionally, many non-native species struggle in Colorado’s harsher environment, so you may have to take extra time, care, water, and other resources to ensure these plants survive.
As you plant this year, take a few moments to incorporate native flowers, shrubs, and trees in your design. Because these native species have grown here for a millennia, they have the ability to withstand the local weather without a problem.
Need a list of native plant species to grow in your garden? Check out the Colorado Native Plant Society’s suggested plant list.
5. I Will Spend More Time Enjoying Mother Nature
Your garden and yard allow you to interact with Mother Nature on your own terms. Rather than spend all your time grooming, trimming, and pruning your yard, don’t forget to spend a few minutes simply enjoying the results of your hard work.
As one of your goals this year, aim to spend more time reading on the porch, swinging in the trees, or napping in the shade. Studies show that those who spend more time in nature have lower stress levels than those who rarely venture outdoors.
These are just a few resolutions to keep in mind this year. Feel free to exercise a little creativity and come up with a few more garden-related goals on your own.
The post 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Yard and Garden appeared first on Schulhoff Tree and Lawn Care.