The Hidden Cost of Skipping Landscape Maintenance
Small Landscaping Problems Can Cost More Than You Think
It's all too easy to put off the yard work when things look OK. A little bit of work in the form of a broken sprinkler, a patch of weeds, or a few dead branches will end up costing you a lot more if you just ignore it.
Regular landscaping maintenance will prevent you from having to deal with a much bigger problem later on. What to look out for and why early action is important.
1. Irrigation Problems Can Drive Up Water Bills
A broken or leaking sprinkler will waste a lot of water.
This doesn't just raise your water bill; it can damage your lawn and your plants and end up costing you a lot to repair.
Check these regularly:
Ensure the sprinkler heads work and that they cover the correct areas.
Look for leaks, pooling water, or unusually dry patches.
Change the watering according to the season.
Fixing irrigation problems as soon as they arise will save both water and plants.
2. Replacing Plants Can Add Up
Replacing dead plants is more expensive than simply buying new ones, as you'll also have to pay for removal, soil prep, mulch, and installation.
Find out why the plant failed (poor drainage, pests, or wrong conditions etc.) before you go and replant it, as you'll just end up going through the whole cycle again.
Regular pruning and watering will go a long way to protecting your landscape. Select plants that are appropriate for your yard in the first place, and you'll need far less maintenance.
3. Weeds Can Quickly Take Over Your Garden
A few weeds will spread very quickly and will take the water and nutrients from your plants and make your yard look all sorts of messy. The longer you wait, the harder the weeds are to get rid of.
To keep them under control:
Pull the weeds before they spread.
Use mulch to suppress weeds.
Look out for the bare patches where the weeds are starting.
Weeding on a regular basis is far easier than clearing the whole bed at the end of the season.
4. Don't Overlook Your Trees
Trees are of course valuable, but they do need looking after. Look out for dead branches, damaged bark and pests. Ignoring the problems can end up meaning more work later on, and dead branches can be a danger if they're above paths or buildings. Watch for any changes, and if in any doubt, call a professional for any major job or any work near power lines.
5. Could poor landscaping result in HOA fines?
In HOAs, landscape maintenance is a requirement. The rules will cover lawns, weeds, plants, trees, and debris.
If you don't comply, you could get a notice and/or a fine.
Ignoring the tasks can lead to a build-up of repairs and costs.
Check your HOA's landscaping rules and don't forget the basics (mowing, weeding, etc).
If you do get a notice, then have a look at what needs fixing and when.
6. How Scheduled Landscaping Maintenance Can Help You Save
Putting off routine maintenance invariably ends up costing more. A minor problem will turn into a major repair if you just ignore it.
A regular schedule helps you keep up. Depending on your yard, include tasks like:
Checking irrigation for leaks.
Pruning and removal of dead plants.
Weeding.
Looking for a plant or tree disease?
Clearing leaves and debris.
Regular checks will allow you to spot problems early on so that you can deal with the small ones before they become bigger ones. Every yard is going to be different of course, but having a schedule in place helps you to avoid those surprise repairs.
Keep Your Landscape Looking Its Best
Skipping landscape care may appear to be a cost-saving, but small problems will almost invariably escalate into higher costs.
Quality Gardening & Landscaping can assist with your maintenance requirements.
Ready to get the most out of your landscape? Get in touch with Quality Gardening & Landscaping for a free estimate to find out how we can help you keep your landscape looking its best.
Comments