Spring is here, and your lawn is stretching out after its winter nap. It’s the perfect time to give it some TLC and help it thrive. But beware—good intentions can sometimes lead to rookie mistakes that do more harm than good. Let’s break down the most common spring lawn care blunders and how to dodge them like a pro.
1. Over-Fertilizing: Less is More
It’s tempting to think, “More fertilizer equals greener grass,” but too much can scorch your lawn and damage the roots. Fertilizer overload can also lead to runoff, which isn’t great for the environment.
How to Avoid It:
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- Use a slow-release fertilizer designed for spring.
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- Follow the instructions—don’t eyeball it!
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- Consider a soil test to see what nutrients your lawn actually needs.
2. Mowing Too Short: The Lawn Isn’t a Putting Green
Scalping your lawn may seem efficient, but cutting grass too short weakens it and makes it vulnerable to weeds and disease.
How to Avoid It:
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- Adjust your mower to leave grass about 2.5–4 inches tall, depending on the type.
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- Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
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- Keep your mower blades sharp for a clean cut.
3. Watering Issues: Timing is Everything
Whether it’s overwatering, underwatering, or watering at the wrong time, your lawn’s hydration game is crucial.
How to Avoid It:
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- Water deeply but less often (1–1.5 inches per week, including rain).
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- Early morning is the best time to water—afternoon sun can cause evaporation, and evening watering can invite fungus.
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- Use sprinklers or irrigation systems that target the root zone without wasting water.
4. Skipping Aeration: Your Lawn Needs to Breathe
After a long winter, soil can become compacted, making it tough for water, nutrients, and air to reach the roots.
How to Avoid It:
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- Aerate your lawn in early spring if the soil feels compacted or if you notice pooling water.
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- Use a core aerator for the best results.
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- Follow up with overseeding to fill in bare patches and strengthen the grass.
5. Ignoring Bare Spots and Thin Areas
Thin patches and bare spots are like neon signs for weeds, inviting them to set up shop.
How to Avoid It:
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- Rake out dead grass and debris before overseeding.
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- Use a high-quality seed that matches your lawn type.
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- Keep the area moist until new grass establishes.
How to Fix Mistakes (We’re All Human!)
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- Over-fertilized? Water the lawn deeply to dilute excess fertilizer.
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- Scalped your lawn? Let it grow back naturally and avoid further stress.
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- Compacted soil? Plan to aerate in early fall if you missed spring.
Conclusion: Spring Smarts for a Stunning Lawn
Avoiding these common spring lawn care mistakes is the first step toward a lush, vibrant lawn you can be proud of. Whether it’s finding the right mowing height, fertilizing wisely, or giving your lawn room to breathe, a little attention goes a long way.
Feeling unsure? Let the pros handle it! Contact us for expert lawn care services and kickstart your spring with a lawn that looks—and feels—amazing. 🌱
