12 Common Outdoor Furniture Mistakes That Are Damaging Your Lawn
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Outdoor furniture can make a backyard into a comfortable space for family gatherings, evening relaxation or a personal retreat. But the placement, type and upkeep of outdoor furniture can take a toll on your lawn more than you think. Furniture choices can compact your soil, damage your yard, or even leave permanent bald spots in your yard.
Whether you’re putting together a new backyard sitting area or you’ve got a tried and true setup, let’s take a look at some common outdoor furniture habits that may be unknowingly damaging your lawn.
No Furniture Rotation
For grass health, outdoor furniture staying in one spot for too long is a big no no. As with crop rotation, which benefits plants by giving the soil time to rejuvenate, so too does rotating your outdoor furniture give your grass time to ‘breathe’ and recover. Instead of keeping chairs, tables, and loungers in one place, you shift them periodically, which helps you avoid dry patches and compacted soil where grass can’t grow. It’s like giving your lawn some much needed rest breaks to keep it green and fresh.
Choosing Heavy Materials
A sturdy table and chairs might seem nice but heavier furniture will quickly compress the soil and weaken your grass. Wrought iron or hardwood is attractive and durable, but they can be too much weight for delicate lawns. Try aluminum or treated wood, which can be durable without the extra weight on your grass. If it’s not always pressed down under something heavy, your yard will thank you with a greener, softer surface.
Overlooking Chair Legs
The shape and weight distribution of chair legs can have a bigger impact on your lawn than you’d think. Thin chair legs are particularly prone to digging into the ground, especially after a good rain or in soft soil, and create small craters that disrupt the lawn. Consider outdoor furniture with wider legs or rubber padding. A little attention to this small feature can go a long way in keeping unsightly divots from appearing on your lawn.
Skipping Protective Pads
Outdoor furniture can also benefit from protective pads, just as indoor furniture protectors do. Chair and table legs with rubber or plastic pads put less pressure on the grass, reducing the chance of soil compression. Furniture with pads can also be moved without dragging, which keeps grass intact and vibrant. Those small pads can be a game changer if you want to avoid unsightly dead spots and keep your lawn happy.
Dragging Furniture
Dragging your furniture may be convenient, but it will pull up chunks of grass leaving unsightly bare spots in its wake. If it’s too heavy, try lifting instead of dragging, or if that’s too much work, add wheels or sliders to the legs to protect your lawn. It’s a small adjustment that will save your lawn from major damage, and keep it looking lush and unbroken.
Ignoring Seasonal Storage
Lawns face different challenges through the seasons and it can be hard on the grass to keep furniture out during extreme weather. Store your furniture during heavy rains, snow, or prolonged heat waves. It will allow your lawn some time to grow and rejuvenate, without being constantly stepped on. It’s also a win for both your yard and outdoor setup because your furniture will stay in better shape when not exposed to harsh weather.
Overloading Small Areas
In compact yards, it can be tempting to try to squeeze too many pieces into one small patch of grass. Overcrowding means that each piece has to compete to take up limited sunlight, air and space, and struggling grass and barren spots can result. Spread furniture out to let more sunlight reach the lawn around each item. It will help your yard breathe better and your lawn stay a lot greener without the struggle for resources.
Leaving Furniture Out All Year Long
Most outdoor furniture sets are weather resistant, but it’s not the best for your grass to leave them on your lawn year round. One area covered with heavy furniture through different seasons prevents air and light from reaching the grass, which can cause long term damage. If you live in an area with colder months, consider moving furniture indoors or to a paved area, or at least lifting it occasionally to give the grass a break. It can help to give your lawn time to recover and grow.
Using Plastic
While plastic furniture may seem practical with its lightweight nature and affordability, it’s not always durable and can actually trap heat, which may harm your lawn. Plastic furniture can get hot, burning the grass below, if exposed to direct sunlight. Choose materials that breathe better and let air circulate, such as wood or wicker, that are not only more eco friendly but also kinder on your grass.
Neglecting Regular Cleaning
Outdoor furniture can pick up dirt, pollen and debris that can be transferred onto your lawn when it is moved around. Dirty furniture on your grass can smother it or even cause fungal growth if dampness is trapped under it. Brush or hose down your furniture for few minutes a week, because clean furniture isn’t just for aesthetics, it’s about your lawn’s health.
Using Dark Colored Furniture
Dark furniture can look sleek but it will absorb heat and make warm spots on your lawn. Placed directly on grass, these pieces can warm the soil beneath them, dehydrating the grass in warm weather or even burning the grass in hot weather. Furniture in a lighter color reflects more sunlight, which is better for keeping your seating area and the grass cooler.
Lack of Water to Your Lawn
This one isn’t a furniture mistake in the traditional sense, but neglecting to water your lawn can make the problems caused by outdoor furniture worse. Already, grass under chairs and tables is getting less light and airflow, and if it’s not well hydrated, it’s more susceptible. During dry spells, make sure you’re giving your lawn a bit of extra water in areas where furniture sits. A little extra hydration can help offset the damage furniture may have on your grass.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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