Working in your yard isn’t as simple as mowing the lawn every couple weeks. There are different weeds to tackle, bushes to prune, and leaves to rake. With so much to do, it’s no surprise that many people dread the hard work of caring for their yard. But let’s be honest: A messy yard isn’t good for your home value. Here are five tips for doing your yard work better:

1. Keep your grass hydrated
Hydration is vital for any plant’s growth and health, but it’s essential for lawns. If you don’t give your yard enough water, the grass will be dehydrated and more susceptible to weeds and pests. Note that, if you use rainwater to water your lawn, you should use gutter guards to keep unwanted pests and seeds from contaminating your water.

2. Aerate to oxygenate roots
Over time, your lawn’s roots become compacted, making it harder for the grass to access the water and nutrients it needs to grow. To combat this, you need to aerate your lawn every couple of years to get more oxygen to the roots. Simply rent a lawn aerator from your local hardware store and walk over your lawn’s surface with it, creating holes.

3. Fertilize and mulch
Fertilizing your lawn once a week will ensure that your grass gets as much nutrition as it needs from the soil. In fact, the more you fertilize and mulch, the more regularly your soil will be broken down and replenished with the nutrients necessary for healthy growth. A layer of mulch around your yard can also help control weeds and prevent your lawn from getting too thirsty.

4. Mow weekly
Your lawn should be about two inches tall. Cutting your grass too low can cause it to be susceptible to certain diseases, like patch and dollar spot. On the other hand, if you don’t mow often enough, you’ll risk letting your lawn become overgrown and encourage weeds. Most people, therefore, should mow their lawn weekly. Mowing weekly also helps control pests, diseases, and weeds, resulting in reduced lawn spraying and less use of potentially toxic pesticides and herbicides.

5. Consider hiring professionals
Many people choose to outsource their lawn care to a professional as a way to save time, effort, and money. For example, a weekly mowing service can cost $20, while mowing your entire lawn might take two hours of your time; thus, if you value that time more than $20, it’s worth it for you to hire someone. Yard services vary in price and quality, but hiring a reputable company should cost less than $100 per visit, including mowing, weeding, and edging. Some companies also offer additional services, like mulching, leaf removal, and fertilizer application.

There are many different types of lawn care, but the basics are the best: mow your lawn regularly and fertilize it with a good-quality fertilizer. Additionally, the more you mulch and weed, the better your soil will be for healthy growth.