There are some simple rules that should be part of all lawn care routines. Make sure the lawn gets plenty of water. Mow the lawn on a regular schedule. Make sure the lawn gets a feeding of fertilizer when needed.
All those things are vital to a green, healthy lawn. However, there are plenty of lawn care myths out there, unwritten rules that should not be rules at all. It’s important to know about these myths.
Myth: All grass is the same. Grass can be very different. There are all kinds of varieties. Different grass requires different care. Some may need more water. Some might require more sunlight. Some varieties have thinner blades and slower growth times. This can also mean different watering schedules.
Myth: Spring is the time to get rid of dandelions. No one wants to see the lawn dotted with dandelions. Applying weed killer in the fall means there will be no roots for dandelions to “spring” from come springtime.
Myth: Cutting the grass short will reduce the number of times the lawn needs mowing. Cutting grass too short can damage your lawn. Shorter grass clippings break down more easily, allowing some of the natural nitrogen to return to the soil. This brings us to the next myth.
Myth: Get those grass clippings off the lawn. There is a thought that grass clippings can block needed sun and water from a lawn and contribute to thatch. Truth is, most clippings are 75-80% water, which means they are going to break down quickly and restore some of those nutrients to the soil. However, if you do decide to bag, consider using those bagged clippings in mulch.
Myth: Keep a constant mowing pattern for best mowing results. Not really. There is no huge harm in keeping the same lawn mowing pattern, though frequent grass cutting along the same tire path over an extended period of time can mat down the lawn and limit growth.
