Get matched with top lawn fertilization and treatment specialists in Saint Ansgar, IA

Lawns can be high maintenance, and therefore require regular spending if you’re not up for doing certain lawn care tasks yourself. But you can save time and money on lawn maintenance by mulching, composting, and planting species native to your area, so they keep alive with less ongoing TLC from you.

Putting too much lime on your lawn can change the soil's pH level from acidic to alkaline. While grass doesn't do well in acidic soils, an alkaline situation can be just as detrimental to its health. Alkaline soil blocks the grass's ability to absorb vital nutrients necessary for survival. If you apply too much lime, you can reverse the effects over a relatively short time by applying commercially available products designed for the purpose or by adding compost to the soil.

Yes, grass will regrow after forestry mulching, but the timeline depends on soil conditions, mulch thickness, and existing seed banks. The nutrient-rich mulch left behind helps retain moisture and improve soil health, encouraging regrowth. However, if the mulch layer is too thick, it may block sunlight and slow grass germination. For faster results, you can rake excess mulch, aerate the soil, and plant the new grass seeds.

Many gardeners charge an hourly rate for their services, and your total cost will depend on the amount of services and the experience of the gardener. Gardeners with basic experience charge between $20 and $30 per hour, while a more experienced gardener can charge as much as $60 to $88 per hour.

The cost of lawn mowing is about $125, which you might need on a weekly or biweekly basis. However, the cost of soil testing averages about $1,450, which should only be done every three to five years.