If you’re a homeowner, there’s no better genre of content creation when it comes to personal motivation than DIY content creators. Check out some of our favorites: 

Our inspectors are always coming across interesting homes and their maintenance challenges out in the field. Can you spot what’s wrong with this photo?

If you’re thinking this leaning stack of wood and cinder blooks looks DIYed, you’re on to something. This homeowner has built makeshift bracing in their crawl space to help reinforce the floor joists. It’s recommended to reinforce aging floors to prevent sagging and bouncy spots. However, there are far more durable, less haphazard ways to do the job.  The new owner should plan to call in a crawl space expert to go over their repair options.

From our friends and lawn care experts at Sodlawn, here are the helpful lawn and garden tips you need this season!

Understanding Your Lawn
Your lawn is the centerpiece of your home's outdoor space, and it deserves the utmost attention and care to look its best. Understanding your lawn is the first step to achieving a lush, green oasis right in your backyard.

How to Determine Soil Type and pH
The soil is the foundation of your lawn, and its condition determines the health of your grass.

Understanding your soil type and pH is crucial in providing the right nutrients for your lawn. To determine your soil type, you can conduct a simple soil test by taking a sample and analyzing the texture and color. There are three main soil types: sandy, clay, and loamy. Sandy soil drains quickly, while clay soil retains moisture, and loamy soil is ideal for most grass types.

The Importance of Sunlight and Water
Sunlight and water are the essential elements that your lawn needs to thrive. Grasses require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to grow healthy and correctly. If your lawn has areas that receive less sunlight, you can consider planting shade-tolerant grass types such as Fine Fescue or St. Augustine.

Watering your lawn is also critical in maintaining its beauty. It's recommended to water your lawn deeply and infrequently, once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.

Mowing
One of the most basic, yet essential, elements of lawn maintenance is mowing. It's essential to ensure that your grass is cut to the right height and is cut regularly. Set your mower blades at the highest setting to avoid cutting the grass too short, which can be detrimental to its health. Mowing frequently when the grass is wet or overgrown is not recommended, as it can damage the grass and cause it to look brown and uneven. Ensure that your mower blades are sharp and in good condition as blunt blades can cause the grass to shred, bruise, and affect its overall health.

Fertilization
Fertilizers contain essential nutrients that nourish the grass and keep it healthy, green, and lush. However, it's vital to apply the right type and amount of fertilizer based on the soil's pH level, the grass species, and the weather. Over-fertilizing can cause the grass to grow too much too quickly, leading to disease and pest problems. Conversely, under-fertilizing can result in a lack of nutrients, slow growth, and discoloration. So, be mindful of the right amount and frequency of fertilizer application.

Aerating
Over time, soil compaction can occur, resulting in reduced air, water, and nutrient flow to the grassroots. Aeration involves creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil and reach the roots.