If you live in Florida, you already know that summertime always starts a little earlier than the rest of the United States. With the weather bringing a fair share of sunshine and rain, homeowners especially know how this time of year affects their lawns.

Having a green and healthy lawn enhances a property’s curb appeal. At the same time, letting the grass grow unrestrained can harm the look and feel of any home. That’s where proper lawn care and maintenance come in handy.

A well-maintained lawn has many advantages, including:

• Enhancing a property’s look and feel
• Controlling the cost of water and energy use
• Instilling personal pride in homeownership
  

If you want to maintain your lawn and garden economically, you’ve come to the right place. Here are three handy tips for your next yard work day to save money and keep your lawn healthy.

Refine Your Mowing Technique

Florida’s weather patterns during the summer months are defined by sunshine and rain. As a result, this time of year is when lawns seem to be at their most vigorous. Consequently, homeowners must mow and trim their lawns more often to encourage growth and keep their grass looking healthy.

Improper mowing technique is one of the leading causes of lawn damage. By brushing up on the basics, you can ensure your lawn remains healthy while saving time, energy, and fuel. Taking care of what you have now also minimizes the risk of costly regrowth efforts later.

The University of Florida IFAS has extensive advice on lawn care best practices designed to save money, protect the environment, and save resources. They have a great write-up on lawn mowing technique.

To summarize, the UF IFAS recommends:

• Mow often enough so that no more than 1/3 of the grass blade height is removed
• Keep grass clippings on the ground to help recycle nutrients
• Sharpen mower blades regularly to prevent damage to the grass
  

These practices work together to keep grass healthy and promote good growth. For instance, grass cut too short cannot effectively perform photosynthesis, degrading health. Grass blades at the right length are also important to prevent soil erosion and protect their roots.

About grass clippings: If you see your clippings “clumping” on your lawn, use a rake to distribute them evenly. Doing so encourages better water distribution and turf quality and prevents pest infestations.

Adopt Good Watering Habits

Florida isn’t called “The Sunshine State” for nothing. Sunlight generates heat, though, which has the potential to scorch lawns or render watering an unproductive endeavor.

With long periods of sunshine, your lawn is also susceptible to hot and dry conditions. During the summer, you’ll want to adjust your lawn watering schedule to give your turf enough time to absorb moisture.

Many lawn care companies recommend watering during early and mid-morning, typically between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM. This period is favored because it allows the soil in your lawn to remain cooler throughout the day.

It’s also a pragmatic strategy. Watering in the midday, where the sun is at its highest and most intense, will evaporate moisture quickly. Consequently, it increases water use, resulting in a higher water bill. Watering late in the evening risks encouraging mold growth, which will damage grass.

Make Productive Use of Organic Waste

Grocery shopping always provides many opportunities to save. What if you could take these savings further by using the inedible portions of your food?

Leftover food items are always a good candidate for gardening. These are the building blocks of compost, a helpful and natural fertilizer that encourages growth in gardens.

There are many advantages to making compost. They include:

• Reducing food waste by repurposing it
• Retaining moisture and adding nutrients to gardens
• Promoting the healthy growth of plants
  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a great article on composting and how you can get started at home. To summarize quickly, collect organic plant material (no greasy or cooked foods) in a closed-off bin and allow it to decompose. Mix occasionally to ensure the materials break down evenly.

It takes about three months to make garden-ready compost. Afterward, you can spread it throughout your garden, tree beds, potted plants, and more.

You can keep your yard looking great with good lawn care practices while saving money. Over time, you can attain a healthy yard well past the summer months and beyond.

First Florida encourages you to adopt good habits that improve your finances and life. Browse our collection of articles that provide money-minded tips and more.