Looking after a lawn is generally quite simple, but poor maintenance habits and neglect can quickly impact its health and appearance. Care and attention are key to keeping turf healthy, resilient, and looking its best year-round. In this blog, we look at some common lawn care mistakes and how to avoid them.
Skip to: Scalping and mowing too short, Not mowing regularly, Mowing with blunt blades, Watering your grass at night, Overwatering your lawn, Not pruning trees back.
Here’s what not to do!
Scalping and mowing too short
Don’t mow your lawn too short, as this can put your lawn under extreme stress. It can leave brown or bare-looking patches on your lawn, and if cut too short regularly, it can seriously deplete the lawn’s energy reserves, making it an open invitation for weeds to invade. Here are some additional tips to help avoid scalping your lawn.
Not mowing regularly
Avoid long periods between mows – regular mowing is best. Keep in mind that your mowing routine may also need to change with the seasons. Mowing shorter during the warmer months and longer during the cooler months is recommended. When it comes to mowing frequency, we recommend mowing your lawn regularly enough so that only one-third of the leaves are removed with each pass.
Mowing with blunt blades
It is important to check your mower blades are nice and sharp. You want to cut your grass rather than tear it. Blunt mower blades will damage the grass, leaving it poor in appearance, and cause discolouration and susceptibility to disease. For tips on how to sharpen and replace dull mower blades, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
Water your grass at night
For watering, it is best to avoid watering at night, as this can lead to fungal issues on your lawn. The best time to water your lawn is in the morning before the heat of the day.
Overwatering, watering too often and not for long enough
When it comes to watering your lawn, watering for longer, less frequently is recommended. This way, you will help encourage the roots of your lawn to grow deeply into the soil. When turf is watered for shorter periods on a regular basis, the grass’s roots will stay shallow and will therefore be less drought-tolerant.
Not pruning trees back
Managing shade can also be a priority, especially when heading into winter and may require routine pruning of trees, bushes and other foliage to allow as much sunlight as possible onto your lawn. Once again, avoid over-watering in shaded areas, as shade prevents the quick evaporation of dew or surface water and continued dampness, creating ideal conditions for disease to develop.
Check out the Lawn Solutions Australia lawn care page for more helpful tips here.
