A well-maintained lawn looks good and can add value to your home, increase curb appeal, and create a relaxing space outdoors. However, watering your lawn occasionally is not enough to achieve that lush green perfection. Many homeowners are unaware of mistakes that can harm their turf and slow down results.
The good news is that these problems are easily avoidable if you follow the right guidelines. Mission Service Co. lawn care experts can help homeowners avoid the pitfalls of poor lawn maintenance.
This article will explain homeowners’ top lawn maintenance mistakes and how they can be avoided.
- Cutting the grass too short
A common error is cutting your grass too short. Even though a lawn that is closely cropped may look neat, this can weaken it by exposing it to sunlight, encouraging the growth of weeds, and making it more difficult for your grass to retain water.
Avoid it by: Following the one-third rule, never mow more than a quarter of a grass blade. Most grasses prefer a height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
- Watering Your Plants at the Wrong Time
It’s preferable to avoid watering your grass during the warmest times of the day, even if doing it in the evening increases the risk of fungus or illness. Watering lawns during this time wastes water and can reduce effectiveness.
Avoid it by: Ideally, watering between 6 and 10:00 a.m. This will give the blades ample time to dry and let the water seep deeply into the soil before the sun drains the liquid.
- Overwatering or Underwatering
Insufficient water can cause the grass to turn brown and dry. Finding balance is crucial, but many homeowners don’t consider soil type, weather, or grass type.
Avoid it by: Using deep watering but less frequently. Most lawns only need an inch or so of water every week. If you are unsure, ask Mission Service Co. experts about a custom watering program based on your lawn’s needs.
- Ignoring the Soil Health
Healthy soil is the foundation of a good lawn. Many homeowners concentrate solely on their lawns, not considering soil compaction levels, pH levels, or nutrient deficiencies, which all directly affect lawn growth.
Avoid it by: Checking your soil’s pH and nutrient levels every few years. Aerating your grass at least twice a year will also improve the air and water flow and relieve soil compactness.
- Improper Fertilisation
If you use the incorrect kind of fertilizer or apply it at the wrong time, your lawn may burn or encourage weed development instead of healthy grass. It’s not possible to apply a one-size-fits-all approach to fertilization for each lawn.
Avoid it by: Applying fertilizer to your grass type and the season. You should fertilize your lawn during peak growth, which is usually spring.
- Neglecting Weed Control
All your lawn-care efforts can be quickly undone if you let weeds grow. These weeds compete for sunlight, nutrients, and water.
Avoid it by: Applying herbicides pre-emergent in the early spring. Treat visible weeds after they emerge with post-emergent treatments. The best way to protect your lawn from weeds is by keeping it healthy through regular mowing, fertilization, and watering.
- Do not ignore seasonal changes
Each season poses its lawn-care challenges. Homeowners who follow the same routine every year risk missing out on important tasks, such as overseeding in autumn or applying preventative sprays in early Spring.
Avoid it by: Creating a seasonal calendar for lawn care. In the spring, it is important to fertilize and prevent weeds. Summer is for watering and mowing. Autumn is for aeration. Winter is for planning and equipment maintenance.
Conclusion
Informed work is required to maintain your lawn. The most common mistakes come from misinformation or routine habits left unchecked. You can turn your lawn into a vibrant, healthy space with some knowledge and the help of a professional.
Always consult a professional when in doubt. This will help you avoid common lawn care mistakes and provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a healthy lawn all year round.
