Get Yer Yard in Gear: Tips from West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger

By Lainie Eilenberger, Real Estate Agent for Key and Slate Real Estate Group

Well, howdy there, y'all! It's me, Lainie Eilenberger, and I'm back with more tips on how to make your yard look as pretty as a peach in the springtime. As a real estate agent, I know just how much a beautiful yard can add value to your home, so listen up and get ready to impress your neighbors!

Now, before we get started, let's talk about one of the most important things you can do for your yard: weed control. Weeds can really ruin the look of a yard, and they can be a real pain to get rid of once they've taken root. That's why I always recommend using pre-emergent herbicides.

Now, I know what you're thinking - "Lainie, what in the world is a pre-emergent herbicide?" Well, let me tell you, it's like magic in a bottle! Pre-emergent herbicides are chemicals that you can apply to your lawn before the weeds start to sprout. They work by creating a barrier that prevents the weed seeds from germinating.

According to an article on This Old House, pre-emergent herbicides are most effective when applied in the spring and fall. You want to apply them when the soil temperature is between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is usually around the time when the forsythia bushes start to bloom. You also want to make sure you water your lawn after applying the herbicide, so it can soak into the soil and do its job.

Alright, folks, now that we have covered the importance of pre-emergent, let’s talk about all the other things that need to be done to make your yard is the envy of the neighborhood.

First things first, you need to clean up your yard. Get rid of any debris or leaves that have accumulated over the winter. This will not only make your yard look better, but it will also allow sunlight to reach the grass and soil.

Next up, let's talk about aerating. This is the process of punching small holes in your lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the roots. This can be done with a lawn aerator or by using a garden fork to poke holes in the ground. Aeration is especially important in areas with heavy clay soil, as it can help break up compacted soil and improve drainage.

Now, let's talk fertilizer. In the winter months, it's best to use a slow-release fertilizer that will provide nutrients to the grass over a longer period of time. This will help prepare the grass for the growing season in the spring. Organic options, such as compost or manure, can also be used to provide nutrients to the soil.

If you have bare spots in your yard, now is the time to seed. The best time to seed is in the early spring or late fall, when temperatures are mild and there is plenty of moisture in the ground. Be sure to choose the right grass seed for your region and soil type.

Watering is also a crucial aspect of yard care. In the winter months, you don't need to water as much as you do in the summer. It's best to water deeply once a week, rather than shallowly every day. This will encourage deep root growth and help your grass survive drought conditions.

Now, let's talk about yard scalping. This is the process of cutting your grass very short to remove dead grass and promote new growth. It can be done in the late winter or early spring, but only for warm-season grasses such as Bermuda or zoysia. Cool-season grasses, such as fescue or bluegrass, should not be scalped.

Edging is another important aspect of yard care. This involves creating a neat border between your lawn and flower beds, sidewalks, and driveways. It not only looks great, but it also helps to prevent grass from growing into unwanted areas.

If you have bald spots under your trees, consider using mulch to cover them up. Mulch not only looks great, but it also helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppresses weeds. There are a variety of mulches to choose from, including wood chips, pine straw, and shredded bark.

And finally, let's talk water conservation. In West Texas, we know how precious water is, so it's important to use it wisely. Consider alternatives to grass, such as zero-scapes or xeriscapes, which use drought-tolerant plants and gravel to create a beautiful landscape that requires little water.

Remember, a beautiful yard can add value to your home and make it more attractive to buyers. So, take the time to prepare your yard for spring and enjoy the results all season long! And remember www.lainieeilenberger.com, is the best place to find homes, land, and commercial real estate in West Texas.

Note - I'm a West Texas Real Estate Expert, and I can help you find your dream home, commercial property, or land in any of these amazing West Texas towns: Lubbock, Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, or Wolfforth. And honey, I know this place like the back of my hand!

But that's not all, y’all! You gotta check out my other fabulous blog over at https://keyandslate.weselllubbock.com/blog.php. I'm spilling all the tea on the latest and greatest in West Texas real estate, and trust me, you don't wanna miss out!