DIY Lawn Care Mistakes You Could Be Making

9 of the Most Common Lawn Care Mistakes

Your lawn is an investment. Whether you like entertaining outside or simply enjoy the curb appeal that a lush lawn provides, chances are you strive to protect your investment through regular maintenance. However, lawn care is more than meets the eye, and if you have structured your strategies based on half-remembered information or an outdated Google search, you could be making mistakes that keep your lawn from looking its best.

1. OVER/UNDER WATERING

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to “how much water does my lawn need?” because the solution depends on the type of grass you have, your soil, and seasonal weather. If you notice an increase in pests or green soil—from algae growth—it is clear that you are overwatering. On the other hand, cracked soil and brittle, yellowing, or browning grass are signs of underwatering.

2. MOWING YOUR LAWN ON AUTOPILOT

If your lawn is starting to look a little long, you might be like most homeowners and simply pull out the mower and get to work. However, did you know that mowing your grass too short—under 1 inch—can actually hurt its ability to absorb sunlight, starving your lawn of needed nutrients? Other things to consider before turning your mower on include the time of day you mow and the sharpness of your mower’s blades, as dull blades will chew up your grass.

3. NOT THINKING SEASONALLY

The time of day you water, fertilize, or mow can be just as important as the act itself. Dryer summer months in Gettysburg might mean you need to increase your watering to ensure your soil isn’t brittle. Still, growth is slower, so fertilizing might not be ideal. Conversely, mowing during overly wet seasons like late fall can gum up your mower and potentially spread fungus across your lawn. Adjusting your lawn care plan depending on your season will deliver more effective results.

4. AVOIDING AERATION

When temperatures drop around September, we aren’t the only ones who feel it—your lawn does too. Without replenishing your soil’s nutrients annually, it’s less durable to the changing seasons. Aeration, or the process of puncturing small holes into your lawn, will help your grass get the nutrition it needs. Despite all of the benefits, including improving insect resistance, drought resistance, and fertilization absorption, few homeowners choose to aerate their lawns because, without a mechanical aerator, it can be a tedious process.

5. NOT ADDRESSING BALD SPOTS

Whether due to foot traffic, pet urine, or poor soil, patchy grass happens. However, bald spots caused by an infestation, fungal disease, or soil issue can spread if left unaddressed. One of the best ways to fix patchy grass is through a custom overseeding plan. This can increase the overall density of your lawn, especially when paired with aeration.

6. ASSUMING FERTILIZATION IS ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL

Fertilizer helps strengthen your lawn’s root system, aids in durability, and produces an overall healthier-looking space. However, the fertilizer type, the amount you use, and the season you apply it can all impact your fertilizer’s effectiveness.

7. THROWING AWAY GRASS CLIPPINGS

Grass clippings from mowing or edging can actually be surprisingly useful to your lawn maintenance, so think twice before tossing them! Leaving them or gently sprinkling them over your grass can add nitrogen to your soil—reducing the need for extra fertilizer.

8. PLANTING FOLIAGE OR GRASS NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUR CLIMATE

Did you want to add a pop of color to your yard with new flowers or switch up the appearance with different grass varieties—only to find them droopy and brown? It’s likely that these new additions were not built Gettysburg tough.

Plants are highly dependent on temperature, exposure to sunlight, water, and soil makeup—making it crucial to consult with an expert before adding plants to your yard. For example, cool-season grasses can tolerate lower temperatures and more shade than warm-season varieties, so adding Bermuda grass can set you up for a brown or patchy lawn.

9. USING INEFFECTIVE WEED & PEST CONTROL SOLUTIONS

Even when you’re doing everything right, pesky pests or weeds can undo your hard work if left unchecked. Not all weed- and pest-control products are created equally, with some using harsh chemicals that can hurt the surrounding foliage and others being ineffective against your specific problem. If you have tried store-bought sprays, baits, or granules but have seen little effect, it might be time to contact a professional. Our lawn care specialists thoroughly inspect your property to create a targeted pest and weed control plan for a more efficient treatment.

Avoid these DIY Pitfalls by Contacting the Ground Guys of Gettysburg

At The Grounds Guys of Gettysburg, we love the DIY spirit and want to give you the information and resources you need to get the job done right. Whether you’re struggling with weeds, looking for professional aeration assistance, or hoping to fix a patchy spot in your lawn, you can count on us to create a plan of attack that suits your goals and your wallet. Our professionals not only walk you through your service but also answer your questions and provide tips and tricks for keeping your lawn looking great, no matter the season.