7 Mistakes Every New Homeowner Makes In Their Yard

Congratulations! You’ve just moved into your first home. Many possibilities await you to add your own personal touch. However, many responsibilities follow. Lawn care and maintenance is one of them that can sometimes be overlooked by a first-time homeowner.

If you moved into your home in the late fall or early winter, you may not have given the home’s landscaping much thought. However, as the weather starts to change, you can see changes in your yard that you may not have expected. Learning how to take care of your landscaping can be a challenge for any new homeowner. All new homeowners are bound to make mistakes, but here are few landscaping tips to help you avoid common errors.

Mistake #1: Not Hiring A Lawn Care Service

Many homeowners who are eager to DIY will see their lawn care as another project. But the fact is, you need some expertise to get rid of stubborn weeds that reoccur. While store-bought treatments may work in the short-term, it’s likely to not solve the issue. A lawn care service can help provide the professional treatments you need to get rid of weeds that ruin your lawn. The average cost to hire a lawn care service is $226, with most homeowners spending between $127 and $237.

Mistake #2: Removing Plants That You Can’t Identify

While the blooms of spring are exciting, it’s also time for other plants to begin emerging from the ground. Sprouts don’t always look the best and can cause confusion for what their true identity. As they grow, you may be able to identify what plants they are. Never remove a plant before you know what it is. It could be the perfect addition to your yard. Need help identifying mystery plant?

Mistake #3: Planting Vegetables & Flowers At The Wrong Time

A new garden brings so many possibilities. You can grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and more. Some homeowners prefer to start with seeds, especially when it comes to growing fruits and vegetables. But, you must plant them appropriately. Planting your garden at the wrong time may cause the seed to not grow appropriately. While most seed packets have instruction on them, find your planting zone to ensure you know when to get your garden ready.

Mistake #4: Transplanting Flowers Without Watering

If you have flowers that are already potted, you may consider moving them to a different part of your yard or to a different pot or container. While transplanting flowers seems simple, you must remember to water them right away and regularly, especially for the first few weeks so they can really thrive.

Mistake #5: Cutting The Grass At The Wrong Length

Cutting your grass isn’t just about appearance, but rather helping it to grow lush and full. Many new homeowners are surprised to learn that cutting grass too short can result in damaged turf. It is recommended that most grasses are cut between 2″ to 4″ high.  To maintain this height, you’ll likely be mowing the lawn at least once a week during the spring and into the early fall, especially right after a lot of rainfall.

Mistake #6: Planting Too Close Together

Many homeowners have a vision of a lush and thick garden, but unfortunately, few newer homeowners realize that it takes time to get there. For both plants starting from seeds or transplants, it’s important to give the roots space to grow and sunshine to thrive. If you’re starting from seeds or seedlings, always follow the instructions on the packet regarding spacing. This is also important if you’re starting a container garden, where nutrients may be more limited than when in the ground. Don’t overcrowd pots or containers

Mistake #7: Not Watering Your Lawn & Garden Regularly

Once your flowers and plants have been placed in your garden, step back and admire your work! However, the job isn’t over. Many new homeowners might neglect their yards and gardens within the first year by failing to create a watering schedule. Even seasoned homeowners fall into this as well. Create a schedule at the beginning of the season and stick to it.