The Dos and Don’ts of Lawn Care

Avoid These Common Mistakes and Achieve a Perfect Lawn

Maintaining a healthy and lush green lawn can be a challenging task, especially for amateur lawn care enthusiasts. 

Garden tip: We sell a massive range of lawn care products, check out the range now.

While it’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of having a beautiful lawn, it’s crucial to understand the dos and don’ts of lawn care to avoid common mistakes that could lead to a patchy, brown lawn. 

In this blog post, we’ll go over some essential tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect lawn. But before we dive into the dos and don’ts, let’s take a quick look at why proper lawn care is important. And don’t worry, we’ll try to keep it fun and light-hearted, so you won’t feel like you’re back in school.

The Dos Of Lawn Care

Watering

Proper watering is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn. Using a lawn sprinkler via a garden hose and garden tap is by far the most affective method of watering your lawn.

Watering in the morning

The morning is the best time to water your lawn, as it allows the grass to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal growth.

Watering deeply and infrequently

In general, watering your lawn deeply and infrequently encourages deeper root growth. This makes your lawn more drought-resistant. The general rule of thumb is to water your lawn 1–2 inches per week, in one or two sessions.

Adjusting watering based on weather conditions

Adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions. If it has rained, you may not need to water your lawn at all. During hot and dry spells, you may need to increase watering.

Garden tip: If you’re looking for a fast fix to green up a weak looking lawn, use Miracle-Gro Fast Green or Ready to Use Miracle-Gro Fast Green. This high-nitrogen lawn additive works to increase the plant’s chlorophyll production to bring a flush of healthy green. Chlorophyll is used by plants as part of the photosynthesis process.

Mowing

Mowing is one of the most important aspects of lawn care. Making sure you have the best mower for your lawn is an important aspect of lawn care. Consider if you want electric or petrol propulsion. If you want that professional striped look, make sure your mower has a rear-roller. Hover mowers are perfect for smaller gardens or for anyone looking for a quick to use and lightweight lawn mowing solution. And don’t forget to keep the edges of your lawn tidy with a suitable strimmer or edging iron (lawn spade). Here are some dos of mowing:

Using a sharp blade

A dull blade can tear the grass blades, leading to an uneven cut and leaving the lawn vulnerable to diseases. Sharpen your blade regularly.

Mowing at the right height

Using a lawnmower with adjustable height settings allows you to set the mowing height to suit different situations. Mowing too low can damage the grass and cause stress, while mowing too high can lead to thatch build up. The ideal height for most grass types is 2.5-3 inches.

Removing no more than one-third of the grass blade

Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing session. This ensures the grass remains healthy and stress-free.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing provides the nutrients your lawn needs to stay healthy and green. Here are some dos of fertilizing.

Choose a fertiliser that is appropriate for your grass type and the season. 

Miracle-Gro Evergreen Complete 4-in-1

Miracle-Gro Evergreen Complete 4-in-1 lawn fertiliser is a specially formulated feed & weed product. It provides four key benefits to your lawn:

• Feeding
• Weeding
• Moss control
• Water retention

Here’s a closer look at each of these benefits.

Feeding

The lawn feed component of Miracle-Gro Evergreen Complete 4-in-1 contains a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for healthy lawn growth. This feed provides your lawn with the nutrients it needs to grow strong and green, without the risk of burning or overfeeding.

Weeding

The weed killer component of Miracle-Gro Evergreen Complete 4-in-1 targets common lawn weeds such as dandelions, white clover, and plantain. It works by attacking the weed roots, preventing them from growing back and spreading throughout your lawn.

Moss Control

The moss control component of Miracle-Gro Evergreen Complete 4-in-1 helps to remove unsightly patches of moss from your lawn. It works by drying out the moss, causing it to turn brown and die off.

Water Retention

Finally, Miracle-Gro Evergreen Complete 4-in-1 includes a water retention component, which helps your lawn to retain moisture and stay hydrated even during dry spells. This helps to keep your lawn looking healthy and green, even in hot weather.

Overall, Miracle-Gro Evergreen Complete 4-in-1 offers a comprehensive lawn care solution that can save you time and effort by providing multiple benefits in one easy-to-use product.

The Don’ts Of Lawn Care

Maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn requires a lot of time and effort. However, sometimes the best way to improve the health of your lawn is by knowing what not to do. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure that your lawn remains healthy and beautiful:

Overwatering

One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make is overwatering their lawn. While watering is essential for a healthy lawn, too much water can be harmful. 

Overwatering can cause fungal growth and create an ideal breeding ground for pests. It can also lead to weak roots, resulting in a patchy and unattractive lawn. Therefore, it is essential to avoid overwatering your lawn.

Mowing too short

Many homeowners believe that mowing the grass too short will lead to less frequent mowing. However, cutting the grass too short can cause significant damage to the grass. 

Shorter grass blades don’t absorb enough sunlight, meaning the roots may suffer and not be able to take in enough nutrients and water. This can lead to a weaker lawn that is more susceptible to disease and pests. To avoid this, never cut your grass shorter than one-third of its height.

Using the Wrong Fertiliser

Applying fertiliser is an essential aspect of lawn care. However, using the wrong fertiliser or applying too much can do more harm than good. 

Over-fertilization can cause the grass to grow too quickly, making it more susceptible to disease and pests. Additionally, using the wrong type of fertiliser can lead to nutrient imbalances and weak roots. Therefore, it is essential to choose the correct fertiliser for your lawn and apply it in the correct amount.

Neglecting Lawn Equipment Maintenance

Proper maintenance of lawn equipment is crucial to ensure that it lasts longer and works effectively. This includes regular maintenance such as oil changes, blade sharpening, and cleaning after use. Neglecting equipment maintenance can lead to issues like dull blades, dirty filters, and clogged fuel lines. These issues can lead to an uneven cut, which can damage the grass and create an unattractive lawn.

In conclusion, avoiding these common mistakes can help you maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn. Keep in mind that your lawn’s health and appearance are a reflection of the effort you put in. By taking the necessary steps to avoid these common mistakes, you can keep your lawn looking its best for years to come.

Additional Lawn Care Tips

In addition to the dos and don’ts of lawn care, there are a few other tips that can help you maintain a beautiful and healthy lawn. Here are some additional lawn care tips to keep in mind:

Aerate your lawn

Aeration is a process that involves perforating the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass’ roots. This helps to promote root growth and improve the overall health of the lawn. Aeration can also help to reduce soil compaction, which can be caused by heavy foot traffic, and improve drainage.

Garden tip: Use a garden fork for deep aerating your lawn.

Test your soil

Testing your soil can help you determine the nutrient content and pH level. This information can be used to choose the right fertiliser for your lawn and adjust the soil pH if necessary. Soil testing kits are readily available at most gardening stores or can be done by a professional lawn care service.

Use weed control methods

Chemical weed killers can be harmful to the environment and may not be the best solution for your lawn. Instead, try using natural methods like hand-pulling weeds, using organic herbicides, or using landscape fabric or mulch to suppress weed growth.

If you have a larger problem with weeds, you may need to use a lawn safe, selective weed killer. Selective weed killers help you to get you ahead of the lawn weeds. Once under control, you can then revert to hand weeding. Roundup Lawn Activa is a glyphosate-free lawn care product, created to be used on established lawns.

Use Roundup Lawn Optima to selectively target and control common lawn weeds, such as:

• Clover
• Daisy
• Dandelion
• Plantain
• Common Chickweed

Mulch grass clippings

Rather than bagging your grass clippings, try using a mower with a mulching plug, mulching them back into the lawn. 

Grass clippings contain valuable nutrients that can help fertilize your lawn. This is a particularly good idea in the early and late part of the season as the grass is full of nitrogen, with the early flush of growth in the spring sun. Mulching can save you time and money on fertiliser costs and reduce waste. Mulching is considered an organic fertiliser.

Consider using organic lawn care products

Using organic products for lawn care can be better for the environment and for the health of your lawn. Organic fertilisers and pest control products are made from natural materials and are generally safer for people, pets, and wildlife.

By following these additional lawn care tips, you can help ensure that your lawn stays healthy and beautiful all year round. 

Remember that lawn care is an ongoing process, and regular maintenance is essential to keep your lawn looking its best. 

With a little effort and the right approach, you can have a lush and vibrant lawn that you can enjoy for years to come.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn requires time, effort, and dedication. But, with the right approach, you can achieve a beautiful, lush lawn that’ll make your neighbours as green as your lawn, with envy. Remember to follow the dos and don’ts of lawn care, and implement the additional tips we’ve provided to keep your lawn in top shape.

Providing the right amount of water, sunlight, nutrients, and aeration. Avoid common mistakes, like overwatering and mowing too short, and take steps to promote healthy soil and root growth, and you’ll create a lasting lawn. It’ll not only look beautiful, but it’ll also be resilient to pests and diseases. By choosing the best lawn care products and weed control methods, you’ll promote a healthier lawn.

Remember that lawn care is an ongoing process. It’ll require regular maintenance to keep your lawn looking its best. 

With the right approach, and a bit of effort, you can have a lawn that you can be proud of. and enjoy for years to come. Don’t delay, go ahead and get started today, and watch your lawn flourish before your eyes.