Get matched with top lawn care pros in Ellsinore, MO

To reduce landscaping costs, you can implement several strategies at every stage. Consider doing the work yourself (DIY) to save on professional labor fees. You can also repurpose existing features and materials from other home projects. When purchasing new items, choose more inexpensive materials and opt for softscaping over hardscaping where possible. Another effective method is to buy young plants or plant from seed, which is more cost-effective than purchasing mature plants.

If your lawn and general landscape are struggling, consider calling a local landscape specialist to suggest lawn amendments, local plants, and hardscape changes to boost the long-term health of your outdoor space. While you may be able to take on small projects yourself—such as reseeding your lawn or testing the soil—a professional can help you build a plan to bring a struggling yard back to life quickly.

First, make sure you’re watering your grass early in the morning (and keep in mind you don’t have to water every day). Doing this helps ensure the water is able to soak in before the hot temps evaporate all of the water. Also, when you mow, don’t mow your grass as short as you would in non-drought conditions. Taller grass can help slow down the rate at which soil dries out. Finally, take your leftover lawn clippings and spread them out across the lawn to give it a little extra shade and nutrients.

The best times to mow your lawn are mid-morning or early evening. Mowing in the mid-morning, around 10 a.m., allows any dew to evaporate so the grass is dry. Cutting dry grass is easier on both the lawn and the mower, and this timing gives the grass blades time to recover in the sunlight before the peak afternoon heat. Alternatively, you can mow in the late afternoon or early evening once the heat of the day has passed. Avoid mowing too early in the morning when the grass is still wet with dew, and try not to mow during the hottest part of the day, as high temperatures and harsh sunlight can put extra stress on the grass.