Achieving a lush, green lawn can spark a great deal of pride. That’s because anyone who has ever attempted to maintain a yard knows that it’s no easy feat. In fact, many aspects of lawn care are best left to the professionals. Of course, that isn’t to say you can’t exercise your green thumb a bit — you just need to be strategic about which projects you tackle yourself.
So, before you buy an aerator or grab a bottle of weed killer, explore the pros and cons of DIY lawn care so that you can make the best decision for your property.
Lawn Care Tasks You Can Handle Yourself
You don’t need a horticulture degree to manage some basic aspects of lawn care. In fact, mowing and watering are two DIY lawn care tasks that almost any homeowner can take on successfully with a little knowledge and consistency.
Lawn Mowing
Let’s start with mowing. Regular mowing is essential for lawn health because it encourages grass to grow evenly, keeps weeds in check, and enhances curb appeal. The key is to follow a consistent schedule. During peak growing seasons, this might mean mowing weekly, while in slower periods, you might extend the time between cuts to 10-14 days.
You will also want to keep your mower blades sharp and avoid cutting your grass too short. Aim to remove no more than one-third of the blade height at a time to avoid stressing your grass. Most cool-season grasses thrive when maintained at 2.5-3.5 inches, while warm-season varieties generally prefer 1-2 inches in height.
Watering
Watering, while seemingly simple, also comes with some considerations. Lawns typically need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, and it’s best to deliver this in the early morning. This is because watering during midday can lead to excessive evaporation, while evening watering may increase the risk of fungal diseases. If you want even more tips on how to properly water your lawn, check out how to perform the tuna can test.
The Pros of Simple DIY Lawn Care
Why might someone choose DIY lawn care over professional services? Let’s take a look:
Significant Savings
Cost is one of the biggest motivators for tackling do-it-yourself lawn care projects. By mowing your lawn and handling watering on your own, for example, you can save a substantial amount of money over the course of a year. Equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers, and sprinkler systems may require an initial investment, but they can serve you well for years if properly maintained.
Flexibility & Control
There’s also a sense of personal satisfaction and control that comes with maintaining your own lawn. When you DIY, you set your own schedule and can adjust your approach based on your landscape’s unique conditions. Did your family announce they’re visiting this weekend? You can quickly mow and edge your lawn to improve your home’s curb appeal without waiting for a service company to fit you into their schedule. Prefer to hand-water certain areas? No problem. This level of control allows you to tailor your care to your preferences and observe firsthand how your lawn responds.
A Sense of Pride
Taking ownership of basic maintenance tasks like mowing and watering connects you to your property in meaningful ways. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching your careful efforts transform into visible results week after week. And many homeowners find that these routine tasks provide a welcome opportunity to unplug from their digital devices and engage in mindful outdoor activity — a form of “lawn therapy” that benefits both mental and physical health.
The Cons of DIY Lawn Treatment
DIY lawn care may work well for mowing and watering, but more complex treatments — like fertilizing, weed control, aeration, and overseeding — come with a steeper learning curve and greater potential for error. Here’s a closer look at why you should avoid DIY-ing lawn treatments:
Limited Knowledge and Expertise
DIY lawn care enthusiasts often lack the training and experience to correctly diagnose and treat problems. From identifying pests to recognizing signs of disease or nutrient deficiencies, there’s a learning curve that can lead to trial-and-error mistakes. And misjudging soil pH levels or choosing the wrong type of grass seed for your climate can result in poor lawn health and a lot of wasted time.
Incorrect Product Usage
One of the biggest pitfalls in DIY lawn care is the misuse of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides. Applying too much product can burn your lawn, while applying too little can be ineffective. Additionally, using the wrong treatment at the wrong time of year can fail to address the problem — or even make it worse. Professionals understand the precise timing and amounts required for different products, which helps protect your lawn and the environment.
Time and Labor Intensive
A beautiful lawn doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it demands significant time and physical effort, thanks to its need for fertilizers, weed control, pest control, aeration, seeding, and more. For busy homeowners, it’s often hard to keep up with all the required maintenance. Unfortunately, there’s not much flexibility, either, as skipping just a few treatments or missing ideal weather windows can undo months of hard work.
Equipment Costs and Maintenance
Specialized lawn care tools like aerators, spreaders, and power dethatchers can be expensive to purchase or rent. Maintaining this equipment also requires additional time and money. And before you start crafting shortcuts, know that without the right tools, many lawn care tasks are nearly impossible to do properly, leading to subpar results.
Why You Should Leave Lawn Treatment Services to the Professionals
While there is certainly value in taking care of your lawn through regular mowing and watering, professional lawn treatment services offer a level of care and expertise that DIY efforts can rarely match.
Personalized Solutions at the Right Time
Professionals assess your lawn holistically, which means they conduct soil tests, identify the type of grass, and tailor treatments based on climate, lawn history, and known issues in your area. With their knowledge, they can select the right products and apply them with precision for optimal results without unnecessary damage.
Saves You Time
Professional lawn care services also save you time and energy. Let’s face it, most homeowners are busy. Instead of spending weekends researching fertilizer ratios or wrestling with aeration equipment, you can rely on trained experts to keep your lawn in top condition year-round.
Faster, Longer-Lasting Results
Finally, professionals are equipped with commercial-grade tools and products that aren’t often available to the average consumer. These tools can deliver more effective treatments in less time and with longer-lasting results. Plus, many lawn care companies offer guarantees or follow-up visits if issues persist, providing peace of mind that you simply won’t get with DIY lawn care.
Contact Lawn Specialties for Expert Lawn Treatment Services in Eastern PA & Northern NJ
If you truly want a lush, green lawn without the guesswork and hassle, it’s time to partner with the pros. At Lawn Specialties, we offer customized lawn care services that address your unique property needs. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn weeds, patchy grass, or compacted soil, our team has the tools and expertise to restore your lawn’s health.
Contact Lawn Specialties today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you achieve the vibrant lawn you’ve always wanted — without the stress of going it alone.
