In this article, we explore four frugal tips for cultivating a healthy lawn that boosts your home’s curb appeal, conserves resources and keeps your expenses low.

by Andrea Norris-McKnight

When lowering homeowner expenses, lawn care is an excellent cost to trim — and you don’t have to sacrifice a beautiful yard to save.

The following simple, frugal lawn care tips can allow you to enjoy a healthy, lush lawn for less.

1. Do Your Own Mowing

One of the simplest ways to save money on lawn care is to do it yourself. It may require an investment in a quality lawn mower and an edger, but over time, these items pay for themselves in savings on professional lawn care services.

Plus, mowing your lawn is an excellent way to get some exercise (something we all need as we age).

For an even thriftier option, consider using a manual reel mower. These old-fashioned mowers require no fuel or electricity, making them eco-friendly and budget-friendly. While they may require more effort to push than their powered counterparts, manual mowers provide a clean cut and are virtually maintenance-free.

2. Water Wisely

You want your lawn to get the moisture it needs without wasting water or money. To maintain a healthy lawn while avoiding waste:

• Water in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is minimized.
• Keep track of when it rains so you don’t water when your lawn doesn’t need it.
• Invest in a few rain barrels or make your own.

3. Fertilize Frugally and Naturally

Instead of splurging on expensive chemical fertilizers, nourish your lawn with affordable natural alternatives. Compost and organic soil amendments are excellent nutrient sources for promoting healthy growth and soil fertility.

Leaving grass clippings on the lawn to decompose rather than bagging and disposing of them can return valuable nutrients to the soil. This natural mulching technique saves time and effort and may reduce the need for additional fertilizers. Plus, it enhances soil moisture retention.

4. Consider Reducing Lawn Size

A smaller lawn means reduced water and maintenance costs. So, if you’re looking to slash your lawn care expenses even further, find ways to reduce the size of your lawn. Replace some grassy areas with low-maintenance alternatives like native plants, mulched beds or hardscaping features. Consider these Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Seniors (+ Tips).

Reducing the lawn may also require an upfront investment but will save you money over time.

Have a Lush Lawn for Less With These Frugal Lawn Care Tips

You don’t have to spend a lot of green to keep your lawn green. Implementing these economical lawn care strategies can allow you to enjoy the dual benefits of a beautiful lawn and a healthier budget.

Related Articles

• Affordable Alternatives to a Grass Lawn
• Affordable Organic Weed Control
• Readying Your Outdoor Space for Summertime Enjoyment

Reviewed May 2024

About the Author

Andrea Norris-McKnight took over as the editor of The Dollar Stretcher and After 50 Finances after working for the previous editor for almost 15 years. She has also written for Money.com, GOBankingRates.com, HavenLife.com and The Sacramento Bee.