10 DIY Landscaping Tips That Are Destroying Your Lawn

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DIY landscaping can be rewarding, but without the right information, even the smallest of decisions can be detrimental to your lawn’s health. Such simple mistakes can destroy your grass, stunt its growth and make it far less desirable.

If you don’t want to waste more time and money than you should trying to fix up your lawn, you should know what to avoid. Here are some standard DIY landscaping practices that could be sabotaging your lawn.

Using the Wrong Type of Grass

Choosing the right grass variety without considering your area’s climate can lead to having a grass that will grow poorly and need more maintenance from you. Further climate conditions determine where each specific grass is appropriate, some grasses being appropriate for full sunlight and others suitable for shade. A grass type that is mismatched is more likely to struggle to get established and will need more water fertilizers and care to survive. A local gardening expert will help you choose the best grass for your area.

Mowing the Grass Too Short

Cutting your grass too short, or “scalping,” can weaken your lawn’s roots and make it more susceptible to weeds and drought. Short grasses expose the soil directly to the sun, which results in faster evaporation and less moisture retention. Over time, this practice makes it difficult for your lawn to recover and leaves bare patches and yellow spots. To be resilient, keep the grass at the recommended height for your particular grass variety.

Using Dull Mower Blades

If your grass tips are brown, it means the lawn isn’t getting a clean cut, but rather a tear, which will make your lawn look unhealthy. Torn grass blades encourage long-term damage because they are more susceptible to disease and pest invasions. You should sharpen your mowing blades at least once a season to make sure you’re getting nice, clean cuts and healthy grass and it doesn’t take much to make a big difference in how your lawn looks and how healthy your grass will be.

Skipping Aeration

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According to Agrilinks, aeration comprises perforating the soil to permit air, water, and nutrients to soak into the roots, which is important in lawn maintenance. Without ventilation, the soil can be solid, which lessens the root mass and, therefore, the grasses’ ability to absorb nutrients. Compacting the soil also raises the risk of runoff, so water and fertilizer don’t benefit the soil fully. If your lawn sees a lot of foot traffic, you may consider aerating it annually.

Over-Watering the Lawn

a person watering plants with a watering can — Photo Credit: Karolina Kaboompics/Pexels

Over-watering actually suffocates roots and sets the lawn up for disease. Because the soil is always wet, the grassroots have less oxygen and overall are shallower, making the lawn weaker in general. In time, too, water like this can create fungal growth and be a pest invitation. If you water your yard according to its particular needs, these problems will be prevented.

Not Testing Soil pH

Crop unrecognizable gardener in gloves and jeans planting green plants into fertile soil while working in garden on summer day — Photo Credit: Greta Hoffman/Pexels

Soil with a balanced pH level is required for healthy grass to absorb nutrients effectively. But without testing your soil, you may not know if it’s too acidic or too alkaline, which can limit nutrient availability. If the pH is imbalanced, grass can be stunted, yellow, and more disease-resistant. Test your soil every few years and make adjustments as you go to keep your lawn thriving.

Planting Trees and Shrubs Too Close to Grass

If trees and shrubs are planted too close to your lawn, they can compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients, leaving your grass thin and weak. Large root systems can choke out the grass over time, resulting in bare patches and stunted growth. Overhanging branches may also block sunlight where grasses need full sun. To prevent these problems, ensure that you keep trees and shrubs away from your lawn.

Overusing Fertilizer

Fertilizer is important for a good lawn, but if applied too much, it can burn the grass and tip the soil out of balance. Over-fertilizing produces excess nitrogen, which encourages rapid, feeble growth at the risk of disease and pests. Excess fertilizer can also cause chemical runoff and harm nearby plants and water sources. Fertilize your lawn sparingly, according to its exact requirements.

Improper Mulching Practices

Mulching is good, but too much mulch can drown your grass and prevent the necessary nutrients. When mulch is too deep, it chokes off the water and air, allowing for root rot and other moisture-related issues. Mulching against the trunks of your trees and grass also increases your chances of the pest and disease you are trying to avoid. This mulch should be a thin layer pulled away from the grass edge to get maximum benefit.

Neglecting Weed Control

Weeds also like to take advantage of a lack of nutrients, water, and sunlight to overtake a lawn quickly. Invasive weeds can get out of control, crowding your grass and leaving you with bare spots and uneven lawn looks. To construct a healthy lawn, you also need to avoid worsening the situation of weeds that attract more pests that could also damage your lawn. You’ll have more substantial and resilient grass by getting rid of weeds regularly and treating them regularly.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.