Get matched with top lawn care pros in Bennett, NC

Chiggers thrive in overgrown lawns, so regular mowing will deter these annoying mites. It may not remove every single chigger, however, so follow that up with weeding and trimming any nearby trees and bushes. Pay special attention to moist, shady spots, as these are a chigger’s preferred habitat. When all else fails, sprinkle your yard with diatomaceous earth. It kills chiggers by dehydrating their exoskeletons. Diatomaceous earth is basically ground-up shells, so there’s no risk of injury to animals.

In many cases, it’s a good idea to water St. Augustine grass daily to keep the soil moist and the grass thriving. It’s drought-tolerant, but it’s always best to keep it watered. However, it’s also important not to overwater, so skip watering during wetter conditions and aerate your lawn to promote proper soil drainage.

The average cost to mow a lawn is about $125 per visit, with prices typically ranging from $50 to $205. The final cost depends on several factors, including your location, yard size, lawn shape, accessibility, grass type and length, and the frequency of service. Lawns with obstacles, steep slopes, or hard-to-reach areas may cost more. If a company charges by size, you can expect to pay between $0.01 and $0.06 per square foot, or $150 to $200 per acre.

A general breakdown of costs by lawn size is as follows:

• 3,500 square feet: $35–$210

• 5,000 square feet: $50–$300

• 10,000 square feet: $100–$600

• 1 Acre: $150–$200

• 2 Acres: $300–$400

• 3 Acres: $450–$600

• 4 Acres: $600–$800

• 5 Acres: $750–$1,000

• 10 Acres: $1,500–$2,000

• 15 Acres: $2,250–$3,000

Keep in mind that these prices generally cover routine maintenance like mowing and edging. Additional services such as raking leaves, weeding, trimming, or applying pesticides can add $400 or more to your total cost.

The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning. This timing allows the grass to dry during the day, which reduces the risk of mildew and fungus, and ensures the lawn has moisture to withstand the day's heat. Watering during the peak afternoon sun is inefficient, as the water evaporates too quickly.

Watering in the evening or at night is not recommended. Prolonged moisture on the grass overnight can promote fungal diseases. Additionally, nighttime conditions can be colder and windier, which may cause water to be blown away or prevent it from being properly absorbed by the soil.