Spring Lawn Care Mistakes That Will Cost You Time and Money

Spring has finally arrived and with it comes all the excitement of expressing your creativity and improving your outdoor living space. But for homeowners, spring also brings a specific big task—quality lawn care! To achieve those perfect stripes of green grass and make sure your backyard is beautiful, you must be prepared to give the lawn attention throughout the spring season.

Unfortunately, when taking on this often intimidating task some homeowners fall into common traps or forget important steps that end up costing them time, energy and money down the road. In this article, we’ll discuss common mistakes made in spring lawn care so you can know what not to do – giving you a better chance of achieving optimal health and appearance for your beloved yard!

“While homeowners may want a quick fix for getting their lawn ready, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to maintenance, which can often result in mistakes and an unhealthy lawn,” said Brian Feldman, director of technical operations at TruGreen. “This season, take a step back and ensure you’re not falling victim to some common lawn care mistakes our expert team has witnessed.”

5 Common Spring Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid for a Healthy, Beautiful Lawn

There is no denying that a beautiful, lush green lawn adds immense value and appeal to a home. In fact, TruGreen recently found that 36% of American homeowners consider their lawns a top investment in terms of time and money. However, as much as homeowners love their lawns, it is not uncommon for them to make some lawn care mistakes, ultimately harming the look and health of their precious green spaces. Below we will explore the top five spring lawn care mistakes identified by TruGreen’s professionals and provide tips on how to avoid these pitfalls and maintain your dream lawn.

1. Overwatering your lawn

Overwatering your lawn can be just as harmful as not watering it enough. Excess water can cause the roots of your grass to suffocate, disease to spread, and even attract insects. To avoid overwatering, it’s essential to understand the watering needs of your lawn. On average, a lawn needs about one inch of water per week. Keep an eye on rainfall and adjust your watering accordingly. Water your lawn early in the morning to allow for better absorption and less evaporation.

2. Improper fertilization

Fertilizing your lawn is crucial for its growth and overall health. However, using the wrong fertilizer, or applying it at the wrong time, can be detrimental. Each grass type has specific fertilization requirements. Additionally, understanding your soil composition is essential to choose the right fertilizer for your lawn. In general, you should fertilize your lawn in the spring and fall. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label for the proper application rate and timing.

3. Bagging your lawn clippings

Believe it or not, grass clippings are quite beneficial for your lawn. They contain valuable nutrients that can help enrich and nourish the soil. When you bag your clippings, you’re depriving your lawn of these vital nutrients. Instead, utilize a mulching mower to chop up the clippings into small pieces and leave them on the lawn. They will quickly decompose and help nourish your lawn, saving you time and money on fertilization efforts in the long run.

4. Mowing your lawn too short

While it’s tempting to mow your lawn short to save time on maintenance, doing so can inadvertently harm your lawn. Short grass blades cannot effectively absorb sunlight, which weakens the root system and can lead to an unhealthy lawn. A good general rule is to cut no more than one-third of the grass blade off at a time. Taller grass is better equipped to withstand heat, drought, and pests. Additionally, be sure to keep your mower blades sharp for the best results.

5. Overlooking weed prevention

Proper weed prevention is essential in protecting your lawn. Weeds can quickly crowd out healthy grass and deprive it of essential nutrients. The best defense against weeds is a healthy lawn, which involves proper watering, fertilization, and mowing techniques. Alongside these practices, consider applying pre-emergent weed control in the spring to prevent weed growth. Regularly inspect your lawn for weeds and hand-pull any you find, or use a post-emergent weed control product on problematic areas.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy, lush lawn is entirely within your grasp. By avoiding common lawn care mistakes like overwatering, improper fertilization, bagging clippings, mowing too short, and overlooking weed prevention, you can support the growth and vitality of your lawn. Proper lawn care practices will result in a beautiful, thriving lawn that you can enjoy throughout the year. So, keep these tips in mind this spring and watch your lawn flourish!

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