Will the Grass Really Be Greener?
May 14, 2013Spring crept up on me this year, giving the weeds in my lawn time to spread before I was able to spread any weed control. On top of that, when I went to cut the grass for the first time last week, I discovered my lawn tractor had a flat tire that was not easily fixed. Luck was with me though, because just as I was about to give up on the lawn care that day, I heard the sound of a weedwacker and noticed a shiny 4×4 pickup truck and trailer parked in front of my neighbor’s house. “No problem, I can cut your grass and apply some weedkiller for you today” said the landscaper with a big smile – and a big price tag. I ended up having to pay him $160 to cut my acreage and attack the weeds.
Lawn care can be a significant cost of homeownership so don’t get caught unprepared as I was this year. Better Homes & Gardens offers these great cost-saving and easy lawn care tips that I wish I had followed, including the best times of year to fertilize your yard and apply weed and crabgrass killer, basic lawnmower maintenance, and information on soil aeration. DIY lawn care can save a bundle if you are willing to put in the time and effort of maintaining your yard. Here’s an example of the savings:
Professional Lawn Care Service
Bi-weekly cut/weeding $ 160
(April – Sept) x 12
Total Cost $1,920
DIY Lawn Care
New tire for tractor $ 25
Gas for tractor $ 60
Fertilizor (6 bags) $190
Weeding gloves $ 10
Total Cost $285
Doing your own lawn care can also have added health benefits. It gets you outside in the fresh air and provides a bit of exercise when you are bending over pulling out weeds. Even something as simple as planting flowers involves squatting, which engages your legs for support, your core muscles for balance, and your arms and shoulders for digging. By using the outdoors as your own personal gym, you’ll rake-in the benefits! You’re guaranteed to break a sweat, but you won’t be breaking the bank by having to pay someone else to take care of your grass and flowerbeds.