Maintaining a lawn isn’t difficult, but there are some common mistakes that many homeowners make when taking care of their lawn. If you’re guilty of any of these common mistakes, now is the time to stop and correct them. These simple tips will help you keep your lawn in excellent condition so that you can enjoy it for many seasons to come. Even if you’ve had a lawn for years, it may be time to re-evaluate your maintenance regimen. Maybe it’s time to hire a lawn service to help you get your lawn back to its former glory. Or maybe you need a more hands-on approach to keeping your lawn looking great. Regardless, there are many things you can do to keep your lawn looking lush and green all year long. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when maintaining your lawn:
It may seem like common sense to water your lawn frequently, but many people don’t do it enough. Most lawns need about one inch of water per week, but that can vary greatly depending on the type of soil in your yard and the weather. Some lawns require more frequent watering than others, especially during times of drought. If you’re not sure if your type of soil is sufficiently moist, use a soil test to find out. If your soil is too dry, you may need to add more water to it.
Many people over-fertilize their lawns. This can cause your lawn to grow too quickly, leaving it looking patchy and thin. You should only be applying about 10% of the fertilizer recommended by the soil test. If you apply too much fertilizer, it can actually damage your lawn by encouraging the growth of weeds. You should also be careful not to over-fertilize between seasons or when you’re using a type of fertilizer that encourages new growth.
Many people quit maintaining their lawn as soon as it starts looking a little less than perfect. This is a mistake. You need to keep up with your lawn’s maintenance or it will slowly start to look less than desirable. You should be mowing your lawn once a week in the early spring and summer, and once every other week during the cooler months. You should also be checking your soil and adjusting your watering schedule as needed.
Weeds are the bane of every lawn owner. They spread quickly and can take over large sections of your lawn. However, there are some things you can do to keep weeds at bay. Start by keeping your soil moist. This will help the roots of your grass to stay healthy and fight back against weeds. You can also try an organic herbicide to help you clear away weeds that may have become established. Also be sure to mow your lawn frequently, especially in the early spring and summer months.
If you’re using the wrong tools, you’re not doing yourself any favors. The right tools for maintaining your lawn are easy to find. You can purchase a basic push mower, a string trimmer, and a hand-held edger. You can also invest in a walk-behind mower if you have a larger lawn. If you’re not sure which tools you need, ask a lawn service to help you choose the right ones for your needs.
Keeping your lawn in excellent condition is important. If you’re guilty of any of the common maintenance mistakes above, now is the time to correct them. These simple tips will help you keep your lawn in excellent condition so that you can enjoy it for many seasons to come.