Summertime is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the weather—backyard barbecues, garden parties, running through the sprinkler! However, having a safe and even lawn is important to enjoy the best of the season’s outdoor pleasures. We all know that yard work can be a bit of a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. Read on for six hacks to make yard work easier:

1. Water early in the day for the best hydration
Suppose you’re looking for an easy way to take care of your yard and water early in the day. This will allow the sun to evaporate any excess water, leaving your grass and plants healthy and hydrated. Take advantage of rainwater collection via a rain barrel. However, when using a rain barrel, foundation experts suggest that you pay particularly attention to how your lawn is graded. It should slope slightly downward away from your foundation to avoid pooling water that results in foundation damage. Roofing and guttering is also important since you can use rain gutter systems to harvest rainwater for watering the lawn. Just ensure they are cleaned seasonally and functioning properly.

2. Aerate your lawn to oxygenate the soil
Aerating your lawn is a great way to improve its health and appearance. Aeration involves poking holes in the soil to allow air and water to reach the roots of your grass. This simple task can make a big difference in the health of your lawn. You can aerate your lawn with a hand-held tool or hire a professional to do it for you.

3. Fertilize and mulch in the fall
Fall is the best time to fertilize and mulch frequently. The cooler temperatures and longer nights help grass roots grow deep and strong, making them more resistant to drought and disease. Natural products break down slowly, releasing nutrients over time. However, it is important to consider leaf solutions pricing. This means that you can apply them less often, and they are less likely to burn your lawn. As a bonus, natural products are better for the environment than chemical fertilizers. So if you’re looking for a way to make yard work easier, start by fertilizing in the fall. Fertilizing your lawn in the fall is a great way to prepare it for the winter. Fall fertilizer contains nutrients that help your grass withstand the cold weather and provides a boost to green growth in the spring. You can apply fertilizer with a spreader or hire a professional to do it for you.  Also, you can use natural products like compost made from leaf debris and grass clippings throughout the season to improve the quality of your soil and help prevent weed growth.

4. Mow with the grass in mind
When mowing your lawn, it’s important to “mow high.” This means that you should set your mower blade to a higher setting. This will prevent your grass from being scalped, damaging the roots and leading to brown patches. In addition, tall grass helps shade the root system and retains moisture better than short grass. As a result, your lawn will be healthier and require less water. In addition, consider investing in a lawn mower with mulching capabilities. This will help you recycle grass clippings and other organic materials, making yard work a breeze.

5. Consider professional landscaping for larger projects
It would be best if you also considered hiring professional lawn care services to take care of the heavy lifting and larger projects for you. Things like tree removal, stone work, and regrading will free up your time to enjoy your yard instead of working in it. With a little planning, yard work doesn’t have to be a chore.

6. Use natural lawn care products
For many people, the thought of mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, and trimming hedges are enough to make them break out in a sweat. However, a few simple hacks can make yard work much easier. One of the most important things to do is to use natural products whenever possible—such as hen manure, natural compost made from lawn debris, etc. This means avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage plants and soil. Instead, opt for natural fertilizers and herbicides made from ingredients like compost and neem oil.