The landscape speaks volumes about a home’s appearance. Because it’s the first thing someone sees when passing by or visiting your home, it sets the stage for your property’s décor.
However, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around about residential landscaping, some of which we’re going to debunk.
Myth #1: Trees Are Strictly Aesthetic
While trees are a brilliant addition to any home’s landscape, they offer much more than just aesthetics. As explained by the Arbor Day Foundation, trees have a net cooling effect equal to roughly 10 room air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. When strategically planted in a landscape, they’ll create shade over your home while lowering its cooling expenses in the process.
Myth #2: Shorter Lawns Are Easier to Maintain
Landscapes with shorter grass can be easier to maintain, but this isn’t always true. When grass is cut too short, it will grow faster. Therefore, mowing your lawn with the lowest blade setting may actually increase the amount of maintenance it requires. Set your mower blade for about 2 to 3 inches. This is the ideal height for most common residential lawn grass species.
Myth #3: It’s Best to Water Your Lawn at Night
Some homeowners mistakenly believe they should water their lawn at night, as this limits the amount of moisture evaporated from sun exposure. During the daytime, conventional wisdom may lead you to believe that more moisture will evaporate from your lawn.
The truth, however, is that watering your lawn at night increases the risk of mold and mildew. The water will sit on your lawn, encouraging fungi to form while subsequently opening the doors to disease. So, it’s best to water your lawn in the early morning hours.
Myth #4: Spring Is the Best Time to Plant
For some species of plants and trees, spring is the best time for planting. For others, however, fall can be equally if not more effective. Fall generally offers mild temperatures in which saplings and seedlings thrive. Without the stress of the summer heat, you’ll have an easier time growing plants during the fall and spring.
Myth #5: Tree Stumps Are Harmless
Think tree stumps are harmless to your landscape? Think again. Aside from the negative way in which they affect your home’s curb appeal, tree stumps can spur new trees to grow. It’s not uncommon for new trees to emerge off an existing stump.
Furthermore, tree stumps attract some destructive pests like termites. To protect against problems such as these, you should remove them from your landscape.
The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.
If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or
I had no idea that these misconceptions even existed concerning landscaping because they all sound so stupid, so I have a hard time believing how someone can even think these things, to be honest. People can be gullible, can’t they?