Don’t sell a house with a bad backyard

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Published Date 9/26/2024

Most Realtors would agree that if there were one thing that can send their buyers running, it’s a listing with a neglected backyard.

Homelight’s Emma Diehl reports that maintaining a beautiful lawn can be challenging, especially considering that 78% of adults have homes with grass lawns. “As America's largest irrigated crop, grass requires careful attention and proper care to thrive.”

She offers some key tips and solutions for common lawn problems, the first of which is learning proper mowing techniques. “A common mistake among homeowners is cutting grass too short. To keep your lawn looking tidy without damaging it by cutting only the top one-third inch of growth each time you mow, and mow when the grass reaches about three and one-third inches high. “Avoid cutting the grass too short, which can lead to bald or patchy areas and make the lawn vulnerable to weeds.”

Another is to learn when to fertilize. “Fertilizing at the right time and in the right way is crucial for a healthy lawn,” says Diehl, who says for warm-season grasses (such as Bermuda, St. Augustine, zoysia, centipede, or buffalo grass), fertilize at least once in early summer. For cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue) fertilize in early fall. Be sure to apply fertilizer when grass is actively growing and water the lawn thoroughly afterward. Avoid fertilizing during drought conditions.

Did you know you could save time and nourish your lawn by leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing? “They decompose quickly and return nutrients to the soil. Only bag clippings if your lawn is diseased to prevent the problem from spreading.”

To address bald spots, use a lawn repair mix (compost, grass seedlings, and fertilizer) for small patches, and for large bald areas, consider laying sod, which can root in 2-3 weeks. Professional installation is recommended for best results, and expect to pay $500-$800 per 1,000 square feet for sod installation.

Got grubs? Dead patches scattered across your lawn might be caused by these pesky critters. “Check for grubs by pulling up roots,” says Diehl. “More than 10 grubs per foot indicates an infestation.” Use a grub killer and prevention spray on the lawn, and after eradicating grubs, treat the patches as you would any other bald spot.

Weed control isn’t just a matter of pulling them to make the lawn look better. Diehl says different weeds require different treatment methods. For crabgrass, use weed spray to kill the existing stuff, remove weeds from the root and bag them. It’s also a good idea to keep grass higher to prevent seed germination.

For dandelions, dig up the plant and its root (they can be up to 10 inches deep), and use a dandelion-specific spray for easier removal.

Did you know that nearly half of all homeowners water their lawns too frequently? “Proper watering techniques are essential for maintaining a healthy lawn,” says Diehl, “Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth, do it early in the morning to minimize evaporation, and adjust watering based on rainfall and season.

If you're planning to sell your home, a well-maintained lawn can significantly improve curb appeal. Diehl says spending under $300 on lawn care services can yield a 352% return on investment. Just make sure your lawn is green and uniformly trimmed for showings.

Homelight, TBWS

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