Adding ‘native’ appeal to your yard will get you a greener lawn – it’ll be low maintenance & stronger against pests too
ONE gardening guru has shared his tips for getting a bug-free yard without the back-breaking work.
His transformative tricks will also help give you the lush lawn of your dreams.
HOMEGROWN
There’s no need to introduce exotic varieties when native plants are the easiest option for elevating your outdoor space.
“One of the most effective ways to have a greener front lawn is to incorporate native plants into your landscape,” said Chase Gregory of JSJ Unlimited, LLC.
“Native plants are adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife, making them more resilient and requiring less maintenance than non-native species,” he added.
He explained that these plants are ideal for attracting native pollinators and wildlife, “contributing to a healthier ecosystem.”
Incorporating both native grasses and wildflowers also means you won’t need to use any chemical fertilizers or toxic pesticides.
FLY AWAY
“Native plants are naturally adapted to the local environment, so they are less susceptible to pests and diseases, resulting in a healthier lawn,” he said.
Planting native species will also “attract beneficial insects,” which will create a balanced ecosystem in your own front yard.
Some of these helpful insects include ladybugs, lacewings, and pollinators.
“These insects help control harmful pests and promote a healthier lawn,” he said.
“You can build or buy insect houses, such as bee hotels and butterfly houses, to provide shelter for these valuable creatures,” he said.
KEEP IT PRECISE
For the most “wow” looking lawn, you’ll also want to practice “precise watering.”
While water is crucial for maintaining a green lawn, too much watering can cause everything from fungus to mold and even excessive weed growth.
For the best results, Gregory recommends installing a programmable irrigation system with rain sensors.
“This technology can adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions and the moisture level of your soil,” he said.
“It’s important to water your lawn deeply and infrequently rather than shallow, frequent watering. This encourages deeper root growth, making your grass more drought-resistant,” he added.
Retail giant Home Depot sells a $29.97 Dig Drip Irrigation Watering Kit.
The watering system is described as covering up to 150 square feet and can even be “expanded.”
The kit includes everything needed for complete installation, including drippers, which are “pressure compensating,” for a consistent flow.
A backflow preventer ensures that water does not re-enter the main water supply through siphoning.
Buy it now
*If you click on a link in this article, we may earn affiliate revenue.
Dig Drip Irrigation Watering Kit, $30, Home Depot
For the most blossoming yard in the neighborhood, you might just have to become an early bird.
He explained how watering your lawn early in the morning allows the grass to “dry before evening.”
Most importantly, this tip also reduces the risk of disease.
MAKE IT GREENER WITH MULCH
Whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of skipping out on the mulch.
“Applying mulch to your front lawn helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weed growth,” he said.
“Organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, also breaks down over time, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients,” he added.
Simply spread a layer of mulch around your trees, garden beds, and shrubs.
Just be wary not to apply too much mulch near tree trunks or directly on the grass as this can “suffocate the grass and tree roots.”
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space, and repel pests
*If you click on a link in this article, we may earn affiliate revenue.
- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packs of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like Amazon’s Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter, $35 to make more use of a small space.
- Use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, from Amazon to keep away bugs that eat your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce the use of pesticides and keep pests away from your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa’s Weeder – The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles, $45, from Amazon is a helpful tool you can use without having to bend over.
COMPOSTING COMMANDMENT
His next healthy lawn commandment involves composting a pile, the most “eco-friendly way to enrich your lawn’s soil naturally.”
Soil is rich in organic matter and nutrients that can work wonders for your grass.
Perhaps the best part is that you can find most composting materials around your home, including kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials.
You also reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills – and this translates to better soil quality.
He recommends spreading compost over your lawn in the spring and fall months to “enhance its fertility and structure.”
“It helps the soil retain moisture, provides essential nutrients, and encourages beneficial microorganisms that contribute to a greener lawn,” he said.