New Year’s Resolutions.
Millions of Americans will make them this year (37% of the country according to Forbes Health).
But as we know, New Year’s Resolutions are far easier to make than keep. The Fisher College of Business reports only 9% of Americans successfully complete their resolutions; 43% give up hope on following through with their Resolutions by the end of January).
If your lawn could talk, what New Year’s Resolutions would it ask of you for 2024?
Your grass would probably start with more TLC (lawns are like puppies, they can’t get enough tender loving care).
Here are easy to follow and easy to keep New Year’s Lawn Resolutions for every homeowner:
Make Plans
Don’t want until May. Decide what kind of lawn you want to cultivate this year and cultivate a plan to make it happen. Also, resolve to get your soil tested this year if it’s been a hot two years or three since you’ve had it examined.
Monitor Your Lawn
The oldest saying in the lawn care game goes, “left unattended, pests, weeds, critters and disease will play.” Catch any potential health threats to your lawn before they become an infestation.
“If you catch these things early, then you can stop the infestation before it becomes a major problem and damages the health of your lawn – which would only spell more work for you come spring in order to get your lawn back in shape,” Lawn Love’s Sara Butler writes.
Keep Your Lawn Well-Nourished
Just like the classic Snickers commercial advises, “You’re not you when you’re hungry.” Neither is your lawn.
If your lawn is missing essential nutrients in its soil, go back to New Year’s Resolution Number 1: Get your soil tested. For brittle branches, leaves, slow growth or grass infested with disease or pests are clear-cut signs of a starving lawn in need of nourishment ASAP.
For we all know how dry a year 2023 was for our lawns.
Dry is definitely the (2023 weather) headline for Iowa,” Iowa State Climatologist Justin Glisan told the Dubuque Telegraph Herald.
Water Properly
Just like not everyone can be a fireman, not every amateur landscaper can water their lawn properly. We need to water smart, for our lawn and pocketbook’s health, as well as the environment.
“If you can take advantage of the weather and the natural cycles of the season, then you can improve the health of your soil and all the plants that grow in it,” Butler stresses.
Do It for You
Your lawn isn’t the only one who will benefit from regular care and maintenance. Lawn care is an excellent source of exercise and is good for your heart and health. Burn calories, build strength and spend quality time with your family and friends. Smart lawn care in 2024 is a win-win.
And there’s no better time than the heart of winter to get started.
“Ready, set, go,” Iowa Public Radio advises. “This is the year to take your goals ‘like better lawn care’ off hold.”
