While a luscious emerald lawn is every homeowner’s pride, if you want that yard to be perfect, it needs care and attention. Most do not realize they are unwittingly making mistakes that damage their grass, leaving brown patches, thinning turf, and stunted growth. So to assist you in keeping a healthy lawn, we’ve compiled some of the most common lawn care blunders and how to avoid them.

1. Mowing Too Short

One common mistake among homeowners is cutting their grass too low. Far from being good advice if you want to take the most time between mowings, cutting low puts stress on the grass and creates vulnerability to disease, weeds, and drought. The one-third rule, or never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in one mow, should ideally be followed. Maintaining grass at the appropriate length for its variety will create a more vigorous root environment and limit weed severity.

2. Overwatering or Underwatering

If you want to keep your grass healthy, getting your watering right is essential. Overwatering results in shallow root systems, fungal growth, and wasted water, while underwatering makes the grass turn brown and brittle. As a rule of thumb, deep and infrequent watering, 1 to 1.5 inches per week, including rainfall. Early morning is the ideal time because that’s when the grass can take on moisture before the sun burns it off.

3. Using Dull Mower Blades

Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. Shredding grass blades makes them more susceptible to diseases and pests, so your lawn is unhealthy. To get a clean cut, sharpen mower blades at least once a season. If you mow often, you may want to have them sharpened more regularly to maximize performance.

5. Using the Incorrect Fertilizer or Over Fertilizing

These are essential for your lawn health, but too much of a good thing can hurt more than help. Giving grass too much fertilizer can burn it, cause Hawaii’s lush lawns to grow long enough to attract pests, and add to runoff pollution. But it’s vital to choose the correct type and amount of fertilizer according to your lawn’s requirements. A slow-release fertilizer, applied during the growing season, will deliver an even supply of nutrients, but avoid overfeeding the grass.

6. Ignoring Pests and Diseases

If neglected, lawn pests and diseases can result in severe destruction. Typical problems include grubs, chinch bugs, and fungal diseases such as brown patches and dollar spots. Watch for signs of distress like patches of grass turning color or thinning, and signs of insects. Sort out the issue if you suspect a problem and deliver the necessary treatment to curb the damage.

7. Overlooking Seasonal Lawn Care

Your lawn has different needs through the seasons, and if you don’t adjust your care routine, problems can occur. Neglected fall lawn care can lead to weak grass struggling to survive winter, and skipped spring maintenance can facilitate weed takeover. To maintain healthy grass throughout the year, follow a seasonal schedule of lawn care in Saginaw, MI which includes aeration, fertilization, overseeding, and weed control.

8. Using the Wrong Grass Type

Not all grasses are the same and they are not perfect for every weather or soil type. One that can have lousy growth patterns and require more maintenance than it should. If you need help determining which grass type works best in your area, consult a lawn-care specialist or research the best grass types for your area.

9. Failing to Hire Professional Lawn Services When Needed

Although DIY lawn care can be effective, some situations require the expertise of professionals. If you need help aerating it, controlling pests, or dealing with complicated soil issues, hiring a professional can save you time and costly mistakes. Most lawn services in Saginaw offer customized care plans specific to the needs of your yard, leading to long-term health.

Conclusion

Steering clear of these pitfalls could have a huge impact on just how healthy and attractive your lawn turns out. This seasonal care involves proper mowing, watering, and fertilization to give homeowners a green, lush yard. If you’re not sure how to care for your lawn, look into solutions for custom lawn care in Saginaw, MI for your landscape. With knowledge and vigilance, you can maintain a lovely, healthy lawn for generations! Imperial Services can help with maintenance effectively.