Remember how magical it was as a kid to drive around at night, looking in awe at the elaborate holiday displays on festive houses? Now maybe you are the one filled with holiday spirit and setting up holiday decorations all over the front yard. Whether your entire neighborhood comes together to compete at who can build the most ogle-worthy displays or you are the lone wolf who longs to give Clark Griswold a run for his money, you may want to consider the damage that you might be doing to your lawn. As a kid, you never had to worry about the damage those decorations might do to the yard, but as an adult, you’re more likely to keep it in mind. Follow these tips and be careful with these holiday items so that they do not cause damage and you can start the new year with a beautiful and healthy lawn!
Ditch the Weight
Heavy decorations are the easiest way to cause the demise of your lawn. Massive wooden reindeer and Santa’s sleigh look amazing, but might begin quivering in fear if you knew about the destruction it is causing your lawn. Being that these decorations stay in one place, oxygen and sunlight cannot get to the grass to keep it growing and healthy, leading to brown, dead patches. There is also the potential for the grass to become compacted and damaged due to the weight. A great compromise would be to place heavier items on mulch, patios, or anywhere grass does not grow. Another option in place of heavy decorations is the inflatable kind.
Rotate Decorations
Just like with musical chairs, the key to a healthy lawn and holiday decorations is to move them around. Even if you use lightweight decorations, you should take the time to switch up where they are in your yard every week or two. Moving the decoration forward or backward in your yard may seem like a hassle, but it helps prevent one area from becoming heavily damaged due to the lack of sunlight and air.
Protect Existing Landscape
If you will be staking anything into the ground, be careful of in-ground sprinkler system heads. You also want to be sure your trees and bushes are not under stress from the lights strung on them or the decorations bumping against them.
If you need help reviving your lawn after the holidays, contact Challenger Irrigation. We have decades of experience helping Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas and Citrus County residents have beautiful, lush lawns any time of year!
