5 Common Lawn Care Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

5 Lawn Care Mistakes You Might Be Making

Maintaining a lush, green lawn is a goal for many homeowners. However, it’s not always as simple as watering the grass and mowing it regularly. In fact, some common lawn care practices might be doing more harm than good. Remember, lawn care is a marathon, not a sprint. With patience and regular care, your lawn can become the envy of the neighborhood! 

 Be sure to avoid these common mistakes when it comes to taking care of your yard:

1. Overwatering

Water is essential for the health of your lawn, but too much of it can lead to problems. Overwatering can drown the roots and create an environment conducive to disease and pests.

How to Avoid: It’s generally recommended to water your yard deeply but infrequently. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, making your property more drought-resistant. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week while keeping the potential for heavy rainfall in mind. 

2. Mowing Too Short

Many people believe that mowing their lawns very short will save them time and effort in the long run. Unfortunately, this technique (called scalping) can stress the grass and expose the soil, encouraging weed growth.

How to Avoid: As a general rule, never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Keep your lawn a bit taller (about 2.5 to 3.5 inches) to shade the soil, which helps prevent weed seeds from sprouting.

3. Ignoring Soil Health

A beautiful lawn starts with healthy soil. If your soil lacks essential nutrients or has a poor structure, your grass will struggle no matter how much you water or fertilize it.

How to Avoid: Regularly test your soil to understand its pH level and nutrient content. Based on the results, you can amend the earth with the necessary nutrients or organic matter.

4. Using Dull Mower Blades

Dull mower blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. This can give your lawn a brownish cast, making it more susceptible to disease.

How to Avoid: Sharpen your mower blades regularly! A clean cut helps the grass recover faster and keeps your lawn looking greener.

5. Fertilizing at the Wrong Time

Fertilizer can help your lawn thrive, but only if applied at the right time. Fertilizing your lawn in the summer can actually burn your property, causing damage rather than promoting growth.

How to Avoid: The best time to fertilize your lawn is in the spring and fall when the grass is actively growing. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-application.

Invest in a Professional Irrigation System

For more information on protecting, improving and enhancing your lawn, contact us at Summer Rain Sprinklers. We’re happy to help you find a solution that fits your unique home and budget, from irrigation systems to emergency servicing.

What are you waiting for? Get in touch with our team today to maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn that enhances the beauty of your home.