Homeowners all agree that there are fundamental basics to lawn care, such as regular water and mowing. However, maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and lush lawn takes more than just watering it. When it comes to regular maintenance and care, keep in mind the following five things that damage your lawn.
Beware These 5 Things That Damage Your Lawn
Cutting it Too Short
Mowing your lawn is one of the most basic lawn care activities. Many homeowners believe that the shorter the grass, the more time you have bought between mowing. However, most experts agree that cutting the grass too short puts extra strain and stress on the blades of grass that could be damaging it further and shortening the life of your turf.
While the exact recommended length may vary slightly depending on the type of grass, Charlottesville Lawn Care (CLC), a company that provides landscaping services in Charlottesville, VA, recommends sticking to a standard of 4 inches. While mowing to a uniform four inches it is also important to not allow too much time to lapse between mowing. You should be mowing around the same amount each week.
Watering Too Often
Particularly in the summer months when the heat seems to scorch your lawn, it can be tempting to pull out the sprinklers for short periods multiple times a day. While water is one of the essentials needed for healthy grass growth, watering too often will actually promote unhealthy root growth in the turf. Grass that is watered frequently will keep its roots closer to the surface.
Instead, grass that receives larger amounts of water just one or two times a week will grow deeper roots and form a more healthy system. If you are using an irrigation system, consider switching it from short bursts to an hour of water once a week.
Removing Grass Clippings
Many lawn mowers come equipped with bags that are designed to collect all the clippings as you mow. Clippings have long been thought to lead to the formation of thatch, which can damage the growth of a lawn. As a result, you may be throwing away the bags of clippings. However, thatch is the result of decomposing plant parts in the soil. Clippings, on the other hand, are mostly water and will actually serve as a natural fertilizer to your lawn.
It is important to remember that this will only be true if you are sticking to a regular mowing schedule and not cutting the grass too short. By keeping to the rule of cutting your lawn to 4 inches, you will have just the right amount of leftover clippings to provide healthy nutrients to the yard.
Killing off all Critters That Damage Your Lawn
While there are plenty of insects that are harmful to your lawn and can quickly destroy all your hard work, don’t be quick to put down pesticides that will kill everything. There are many insects that will prey on the more harmful pests and help keep your lawn healthy. Carefully read the labels on all insecticides and consider alternative methods of killing pests before risking removing the beneficial ones as well.
You may also consider seeking the advice of an expert. Resist the urge to remove all insects and you will be able to encourage a healthy environment in your yard.
Ignoring Dull Blades
Dull mower blades may be able to get the job done and cut the grass, but the effects of dull blades can cause long term lawn damage. In fact, mowing your lawn with dull blades can weaken the grass and make it more susceptible to disease. In addition, it will lead to uneven mowing which could in turn cause discoloration of the grass. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to replace the blades. However, inspect them frequently to determine if they need sharpening.
Final Thoughts on Things That Damage Your Lawn
Proper lawn care enhances the curb appeal of your home and promotes a healthier environment. Whether you hire a lawn care service or are taking care of your own yard, be sure to pay attention to these five aspects. A little bit can go a long way when it comes to proper care and maintenance.
