How Do I Maintain My Lawn and Landscaping?

How you mow matters more than how often. Keep the mower blade sharp, and cut grass to a healthy height rather than scalping it short. Taller grass grows deeper roots, shades the soil, and crowds out weeds, which means less watering and less weed pressure.

Follow the one-third rule: never remove more than about a third of the grass blade in a single cut. During fast-growth periods that may mean mowing twice a week; in dry spells, it can mean leaving the grass a little longer.

Most lawns do better with deep, infrequent watering than with light daily sprinkling. Deep watering encourages roots to grow down, making the grass more drought-resistant, while shallow watering keeps roots near the surface where they dry out fast. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and disease risk.

Watch your local watering restrictions, which some Pennsylvania communities enforce in dry summers. A well-mulched, well-maintained lawn simply needs less water.

Lawns benefit from a seasonal feeding schedule that matches the local climate. Most Pennsylvania lawns respond well to fertilizer applications in the spring and fall, when cool-season grasses are actively growing. Follow the product instructions and do not over-apply, since excess fertilizer runs off into waterways.

Control weeds with the right approach for the season: pre-emergent treatments in spring prevent weed seeds from sprouting, while spot-treating established weeds is more targeted than broad spraying. A healthy, dense lawn is itself the best weed control.

Good landscaping is mostly about choosing the right plants and maintaining the basics. Select plants suited to your sunlight, soil, and climate so they thrive with less water and fuss. Mulch beds each year to hold moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots, keeping the mulch a few inches away from tree trunks.

Prune shrubs and trees at the right time for each plant, and keep them clear of the house, walkways, and roofline. Beyond the practical care, a tidy landscape is one of the highest-return improvements to your home's curb appeal.