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5 Common Mistakes People Make When Caring for Their Lawn

2022-07-31

If you're like many Minneapolis homeowners, you take great pride in your lawn. Caring for your lawn can be a lot of work, however, and it's easy to make mistakes. Here are five common mistakes people make when caring for their lawn. Avoiding these mistakes can help you keep your lawn looking its best.
 

1. Not watering the lawn enough

Lawn care is important to keeping your home's curb appeal up and maintaining a healthy lawn. One mistake many homeowners make when it comes to watering their lawn is not doing it enough. This can lead to a host of problems, including weak grass, bald spots, and an increased risk of disease. The best way to avoid these problems is to water your lawn on a regular basis, ensuring that the soil stays moist but not soggy. It's also important to water early in the day so that the sun can help evaporate any excess moisture.
 

2. Watering the lawn too often

On the flip side of not watering the lawn enough, some homeowners make the mistake of watering their lawn too often. This can lead to problems such as fungal growth, shallow roots, and an increased risk for pests and diseases. If you're unsure how often to water your lawn, it's a good idea to ask a lawn care professional. They can help you create a watering schedule that meets the specific needs of your lawn.
 

3. Mowing the lawn too short

While it may seem like a good idea to get rid of all the excess grass, doing so can actually weaken the roots and make the lawn more susceptible to disease. In addition, short grass is more likely to suffer from drought stress and will require more watering than taller grass. As a general rule, you should never cut more than one-third of the height of the grass at one time. So, if your grass is three inches tall, you should only mow it down to two inches. By following this simple rule, you can keep your lawn healthy and green all season long.
 

4. Not using fertilizer

Fertilizer is an important part of any lawn care routine. It helps to replenish nutrients in the soil and promote strong, healthy grass growth. However, many homeowners make the mistake of not using fertilizer on their lawn. This can lead to a number of problems, including weak grass, thinning turf, and yellow patches. If you want a healthy lawn, be sure to use fertilizer on a regular basis.

Unsure of which fertilizer to use? Talk to a lawn care professional. They can help you select the right fertilizer for your lawn and provide guidance on how often to apply it.
 

5. Not aerating the soil

Aerating the soil is another important part of lawn care. This process helps to loosen compacted soil, allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass. It also helps reduce thatch buildup. Many homeowners make the mistake of not aerating their lawn, however. This can lead to a number of problems, including poor drainage, unhealthy grass, and an increased risk of disease. Aerate your lawn on a yearly basis to ensure a healthy, green lawn.

The best time to aerate your lawn is in the fall. This allows the grass time to recover before winter sets in.
 

Bonus mistake: Waiting too long to call a lawn care professional

Hiring a lawn care professional is one of the best things you can do for your lawn. A lawn care professional has the knowledge and experience needed to properly care for your lawn. They can also provide you with guidance on which products to use and how often to apply them.

When you hire a lawn care company, such as The Lawnsmith, you'll be able to not only enjoy your beautiful lawn, but also the extra free time you'll have to do the things you love.

Don't wait until your lawn is in bad shape to call a lawn care professional. By then, it may be too late to save it. If you're noticing problems with your lawn, such as yellow patches or bald spots, call a lawn care professional right away.

Caring for your lawn doesn't have to be difficult. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can keep your lawn looking its best.

Need help with your lawn care routine? Contact The Lawnsmith. We offer a variety of lawn care services, including mowing, fertilizing, aeration, and more. We're here to help you create and maintain a beautiful lawn all season long!

Photo credit: Johannes Plenio / Pexels.