Five Common Spring Lawn Care Mistakes

Longer days and bountiful sunshine mean the outdoor season has arrived. As excited as you may be to enjoy the fresh air out on your lawn, there are several spring lawn care tasks to complete first.

It’s no secret that homeowners love a lush green lawn, with 36% of American homeowners revealing that their lawns are a top investment in both time and money, according to TruGreen’s new survey.* However, it can be easy to make common lawn care mistakes that can jeopardize both the look and health of your lawn.

“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.”

The professionals at TruGreen, the nation’s leading lawn care provider, offer the following tips to ensure you’re not falling into the most common lawn care mistakes.

Mistake 1: Overwatering your lawn

While it’s tempting to shower your lawn with water (and love), be mindful that doing so is not only wasteful and can increase your water bill, but can also drown out your emerging lawn — especially during rainy months.

Pro tip: Follow the general rule to water one to two times a week for a total of 1 inch of water.

Mistake 2: Improper fertilization

Fertilizer provides your lawn with critical nutrients. However, if not applied correctly, it can damage your lawn. Every lawn is unique, requiring some research to determine the best fertilizer, technique, frequency and quantity of product.

Pro tip: Connect with a lawn care professional to plan a proper fertilization regimen for your lawn’s unique needs based on various factors, including your region’s climate and grass type.

Mistake 3: Bagging your lawn clippings

Think of leaves and trimming as vitamins for your lawn, as they are filled with beneficial nutrients for the soil. Rather than reaching for the trash bag to remove these clippings from your lawn, leave them be. They help your lawn grow stronger and healthier.

Pro tip: Remove the bag from your mower to disperse the lawn clippings and mow them back into your lawn.

Mistake 4: Mowing your lawn too short

When the mower blades are set too low, they can damage the grass plant. Unfortunately, damaged grass is more prone to weeds, drought stress and disease.

Pro tip: For most grass types, maintain a minimum length of 3 inches to encourage grass to flourish. As a rule of thumb, don’t cut more than 1/3 inch of a grass blade in a single mow.

Mistake 5: Overlooking weed prevention

Timing is everything in lawn care. While it can be tempting to plant spring seeds to get your lawn back up to your standards, the best time for seeding is actually in the fall. But keep in mind, there are other critical things that should be tackled this season to achieve a healthy, green lawn.

Pro tip: Don’t wait to protect your lawn from unsightly weeds. Work with a lawn pro to apply a pre-emergent weed control to stop weeds from germinating throughout your lawn.

A green lawn of your dreams is possible when you avoid and correct these common lawn care mistakes. If you have questions or need further expertise to verify your current lawn care habits, consult a lawn care professional at TruGreen.com.