17 Things You Should Never Do to Your Lawn

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Caring for your lawn can seem never-ending if you want it lush, green and pest free. Like most homeowners, if you take pride in your outdoor space, you want it to look picture perfect all year long. No matter how much you research, there are a few mistakes that can quickly undo all your hard work.

In reality, sometimes, the very things we think will help are the things that are hurting it. Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes you should avoid making when caring for your lawn so that it remains healthy, vibrant and thriving.

Watering Too Much

It’s a given that you need to water your lawn, but did you also know that you can over water it? Many homeowners assume they need to water their lawn daily to keep it green, but that’s one of the quickest ways to encourage root rot. Too much water creates a swampy environment that drowns the grass and makes it also much more susceptible to disease. Water deeply but less often instead.

Over-Mowing

While you do need to mow your lawn for upkeep, overdoing it can actually do a lot more harm than good. During hot weather, cutting your grass too short can stress it out. Those longer blades on your grass are necessary to protect itself from the blazing sun. It’s like getting a haircut that’s too short for comfort — ouch! Instead, try to mow your lawn to approximately 2.5 to 3 inches to keep the grass strong and healthy.

Using the Wrong Fertilizer

The right fertilizer is key to a healthy lawn and the wrong one can cause big problems. A lot of people choose a quick release fertilizer which gives an explosive boost but lasts for just a short time. When this happens, it can lead to the grass growing too quickly making it prone to disease. Usually, slow release fertilizers are a better choice as they give a more consistent feed to your lawn.

Ignoring Soil Aeration

The grass is just as important as the soil beneath it. Soil can get compacted over time, and your lawn’s roots no longer have access to the oxygen and nutrients it needs to flourish. To control this, you can aerate your lawn once a year. Aeration consists of poking small holes in the soil to provide air, water and nutrients deeper into the soil. It makes your grass grow stronger and healthier.

Neglecting to Reseed

Maintaining what you already have isn’t the only part of lawn care – it’s also about promoting growth. If you neglect to reseed the bare patches on your lawn, grass will begin to thin and become more susceptible to weeds. If there are some areas that seem a little too thin, just toss some grass seed on it and let it grow. The cooler weather promotes strong root development, making fall an especially good time for reseeding.

Mowing Wet Grass

Mowing your lawn after a heavy rain might seem like a good idea, but it can harm your grass. Grass that is wet is more likely to clump together so it doesn’t mow evenly. Plus, it’s risky to rip the grass as you cut it, leaving open wounds that attract pests and diseases. To avoid these problems, wait for your lawn to dry out before mowing.

Cutting Grass From the Same Angle Every Time

Personally, we all have our preferred mowing pattern but if you’re cutting in the same direction all the time, you’ll have uneven grass growth. In fact, grass will tend to grow in the direction that it’s mowed, so it’s a good idea to alternate your mowing direction. This stops the grass from becoming so bent and helps the grass grow evenly over the lawn.

Overuse of Pesticides

While pesticides can certainly help you to keep pests away from your lawn, overusing them can lead to long term damage. They kill not only the bad insects, but also the beneficial ones that help keep your lawn healthy. Also, the soil may become less fertile over time and your lawn may become lacking essential nutrients.

Forgetting to Rake Leaves

Fall leaves are beautiful, but if left unchecked can quickly become your lawn’s problem. Sunlight doesn’t get through a blanket of leaves, and grass can’t photosynthesize properly. This, over time, can kill the grass below. Also, make sure you regularly rake up fallen leaves, or mulch them with your mower to give your soil a nutrient rich layer on top.

Not Dealing With Thatch

A layer of dead grass and roots on the soil surface, called thatch, is a barrier that keeps water, air, and nutrients from getting to the roots. Thatch over time can cause unhealthy grass. If you see a thick buildup of thatch, half an inch or more, it’s time to dethatch your lawn. You can do this manually or with a de-thatching machine, it makes your lawn breathe easier.

Over-Fertilizing

Although fertilizing your lawn is vital, too much fertilizer can be worse than none at all. Grass can grow too quickly, with weak roots and more disease if it is over fertilized. Also, the excess fertilizer can also leach away into nearby water sources and pollute them. Fertilize only in moderation.

Ignoring Lawn Edges

Even though your lawn has edges that might seem insignificant, you shouldn’t ignore them, as it can make your lawn look unruly. Neglected edges can make your lawn look neglected even if the rest of it is in great shape. Trim those edges nicely by cutting them often with a weed eater or garden shear.

Letting Weeds Take Over

If left untreated, weeds will overrun a lawn quickly, and they grow faster than most grass types, and compete with your grass for water, nutrients, sunlight. Pull weeds up by hand or use a weed killer if you see weeds beginning to grow. The sooner you act, the better!

Skipping Regular Lawn Maintenance

If you let your lawn maintenance slip, it can lead to a snowball effect of problems. Your lawn need regular care, such as mowing, watering and fertilizing to look good. If you skip even one of these tasks, weeds, pests and thinning grass can take root. Taking care of your lawn is important to avoid headaches in the future.

Letting Pets Damage the Lawn

Pets make wonderful companions but they can be less than desirable when it comes to the impact they have on your lawn. Dogs, in particular, cause patches of dead grass from their urine, which is high in nitrogen. To avoid this, water the spots right after your pet has used the area. Pay attention, too, to areas where pets like to dig or keep a path, as this can wear out your lawn over time.

Not Testing the Soil

While testing the soil in your lawn might seem like an extra step, it’s one that can yield a big difference in the health of your grass. Soil tests can show you what nutrients your lawn is deficient in and if the pH is off balance. If you don’t have this knowledge, you could be either over or under fertilizing and it will result in poor growth.

Ignoring Shade Areas

Every part of your lawn doesn’t get the same amount of light, and parts shaded by trees or buildings have different requirements. Some grasses do not grow well in shaded areas, so select the proper type of grass for these areas. These areas, then, should be considered for planting shade tolerant grass varieties or even mulching the soil to help protect it.

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