Proper lawn care can be a breeze if you have the know-how. However, if unfamiliar with the best practices, it can quickly turn into a bit of a mess. Maybe you diligently mow every week and water your lawn every day, assuming that should do the trick. Well, unfortunately, it’s not that simple.

That’s where this article comes in—we’ll discuss the lawn care mistakes most folks make so you can avoid them and take better care of your lawn so it’s as beautiful as it can be.

Mowing Too Short

It’s important to be mindful of the length when mowing your lawn, as cutting it too short can have negative consequences. When you mow the grass too closely, you risk removing the growing points of the plants, which results in a phenomenon called “scalping.” Essentially, this leads to unsightly bald spots on your lawn. 

To avoid this common lawn care mistake, it’s crucial to set your mower height appropriately based on your specific grass type. Remember to never remove more than one-third of your grass’s length in a single mowing session. Keep in mind that different kinds of grass have different ideal height ranges, typically falling between two and four inches.

Letting a Few Weeds Get Out of Hand

Even a single weed that manages to seed can significantly impact your lawn, and when weeds spread through runners, they can quickly transform a well-maintained lawn into something unsightly and unhealthy if left uncontrolled. 

It’s important to be proactive in addressing weed growth; dealing with them later can result in large bare spots that can act as invitations for more weeds. Stay on top of weed management and prevent this snowball effect and maintain a healthy and attractive lawn.

Having Unrealistic Expectations for a New Lawn

Growing a fantastic lawn takes some time. When you plant a new lawn, it’s normal for the grass to take about a week to two weeks just to germinate. After that, it could take a few more weeks for it to start filling in and looking lush. So, patience is key here. 

While you’re waiting for your lawn to flourish, make sure to provide proper care and maintenance, such as regular watering and appropriate fertilization.

Underfeeding Your Lawn

Grass requires a significant amount of resources to thrive, especially during crucial periods of the year. If you neglect proper fertilization, your lawn won’t have the necessary nutrients to maintain its healthy appearance throughout the seasons. 

To keep your grass looking fantastic year-round, it’s important not to skimp on fertilizing.

Watering the Wrong Way

For proper lawn care, the general rule is to water deeply but infrequently. This practice encourages your grass to develop deep roots, which leads to healthier and more resilient growth. 

Instead of watering your lawn for short durations every day, it’s better to water for a longer period, ranging from 20 to 60 minutes, every two to four days a week.

Get a Free Lawn Care Quote!

When your best efforts fall short of achieving the desired appearance for your lawn, there’s no need to worry. Jay-Lan Lawn Care, serving Siouxland, IA, and the Tri-state region, is here to lend a helping hand. 

Our team of dedicated professionals specializes in cultivating beautiful lawns, and we’re ready to assist you with all your lawn care needs. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to partnering with you and transforming your lawn into a stunning outdoor space!