For most first time homeowners, taking care of a lawn can be a whole new concept. If you’re one of these people and you’ve never had to maintain a lawn before, these are the things that you should not do when taking care of your lawn:
1. Planting wrong grass or only planting one kind
Don’t plant grass without doing your research first. If you are a beginner at lawn maintenance, you should know that planting various grass seeds in your lawn will help keep it healthy all year round. If you are unsure what type of grass to plant in Cedar Rapids or other locations, contact a residential lawn care services company for expert help.
2. Cutting grass too short
You may think that it’s a good idea to cut your grass short so you won’t have to mow so frequently. However, doing so can weaken the roots of your grass and cause it to die prematurely.
Cut only a third of the grass blade every time you mow your lawn, especially before the summertime. Make sure your mower is regularly sharpened as well, as dull blades can cut off more of the grass blade than necessary.
3. Not watering enough or at the wrong times
Keeping your lawn well-hydrated is not just about watering it a few times a month. You also have to think about watering times and how much water you use. In general, you should water your lawn early in the morning to make sure the sun doesn’t evaporate the moisture too quickly. Moreover, you should hydrate your lawn with at least an inch of water at least once a week.
4. Skipping the mulch
Mulching is a critical part of lawn maintenance; it provides your soil with nitrogen and increases its ability to retain moisture. If your soil fertility is poor, skipping the mulch may be a devastating mistake.
5. Incorrect fertilization
Applying fertilizer to your lawn requires careful timing and measurement. You need to learn how frequently you must fertilize your lawn, depending on where you live and how big your lawn is. Moreover, you must know how much fertilizer to use. Too much fertilizer can hinder your grass growth and burn your lawn.
6. Not picking up grass clumps after mowing
If you don’t pick up the grass clumps after mowing the lawn, this can cause the grass underneath to grow yellow because of diminished sunlight. Make it a habit to remove the clumps as soon as you finish mowing. If you consistently leave grass clumps in the lawn for too long, your grass may die after some time.
7. Failing to prepare for season changes
With the changing of seasons comes changes in temperature, weather, and plant life. Make sure you prepare your lawn for each season if you don’t want to end up with dead grass, especially if you live in a place where you experience extremes of temperature.
Keeping your lawn healthy throughout the year requires dedication and hard work. If you’re willing to put in the effort and avoid these mistakes, your lawn will be looking good for longer.
