Spend less time on yard work and more time having fun this summer.

Summer is in full swing and it’s time to maximize your time for fun and relaxation. That means making yard and lawn tasks as efficient as possible. Here are five tips for streamlining your work.

Organize tools

The adage “a place for everything and everything in its place” isn’t just for obsessive organizers. Knowing exactly where your lawn and gardening tools are will save you time and frustration.

Even just installing hooks for tools will help you keep track of trowels, trimmers and such. If you want to go all out, use the the Konmari method made popular by Marie Kondo to declutter your garage or shed.

Mulch grass in place

Cut down on the amount of fertilizer your lawn needs by mulching clippings in place. When you use a mulching mower or change your standard blade to a mulching blade, the clippings are shredded and drop back to the ground. There, they decompose and the nutrients get taken back up by the sod. All that time you used to spend collecting and disposing of grass clippings? It can be used for something you enjoy a whole lot more! (Bonus: You’ll save money because you’ll need less fertilizer.)

Weed less

Let’s talk about another way to use mulch—to keep weeds to a minimum in gardens and around larger plants. In addition to suppressing weeds, mulch looks good and helps conserve water. Check out HGTV’s tips for mulching the right way.

Water wisely

A soaker hose or drip irrigation system that is left in place will eliminate the time you spend hauling hoses and sprinklers around. Add a timer to automate watering and you’ll save even more time. (Bonus: You’ll conserve water and reduce your water bill.)

Plant more perennials

There is nothing like the summer-long show annual flowers provide. However, you have to replant them every year. To cut down on the work and expense of annuals, incorporate more perennials in to your flower bed. With a bit of planning, you can have color all summer long by choosing perennials that bloom at different times.

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