4 min read
Don't Make These Spring Lawn Care Mistakes
By: Shawn Karn, The Grass Expert on Mar 22, 2023 3:35:43 PM
Spring is here and with that comes warmer temperatures and melting snow. After a long winter, you’re probably eager to get your lawn looking healthy and green once again. However, it’s important to be cautious. Most lawns likely have incurred damage and appear patchy after months of snow and ice cover.
It may be tempting to just jump right in, but failing to follow proper spring lawn care guidelines can cause irreversible damage to your lawn.
Here are 5 common spring lawn care mistakes that you should avoid:
MISTAKE #1 NEGLECTING TO RAKE OR RAKING TOO HARD
Once all that snow finally melts, it is crucial to rake your lawn to remove dead leaves and debris. Raking allows air and nutrients to penetrate the soil, promoting healthy growth.
Be careful not to rake too hard or with a metal rake as this can cause damage to your lawn. Light raking is recommended to help loosen up matted grass which increases airflow from the surface to the soil.
Mistake #2 MOWING TOO SOON
It can be tempting to pull out the lawnmower as soon as the grass starts to grow. However, it’s important to wait until your grass is 2-3 inches tall.
Mowing too soon can damage the new growth and weaken the root system. Additionally, mowing too low can cause scalping which damages the grass blades and exposes soil to potential weeds and diseases.
Mistake #3 Skipping or Mistiming Fertilizer
Fertilizer is essential for promoting healthy growth and maintaining a lush lawn. Without proper nutrients, your lawn may become susceptible to disease, pests, and weeds.
Additionally, starting too early or too late will minimize the impact of fertilizer. It’s essential to wait until your grass begins to grow actively which will happen when soil temperatures regularly reach 17 degrees.
MISTAKE #4 FORGETTING TO AERATE
Aeration is an essential part of lawn care. It involves creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of your lawn. This promotes healthy growth and helps to prevent the buildup of thatch. If you neglect to aerate your lawn, it can become compacted and make it difficult for roots to grow deep. This leads to weak and unhealthy grass.
MISTAKE #5 NOT OVERSEEDING
Overseeding is the process of adding new grass seed to your lawn to promote growth and fill in bare patches. Over time, lawns can become thin and patchy. By overseeding, you can improve the density and overall appearance of your lawn, resulting in a lush, healthy yard.
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