8 Common Mistakes for DIY Lawn Care

Here are some critical mistakes to avoid when tuning up your yard for the green season.

1. Don’t apply herbicide to new lawns.

Fresh sod is sensitive and is in process of acclimating to its new environment, so herbicides which contain growth inhibitors can inhibit the sod from taking root and establishing.

2. Avoid applying herbicide when it’s too hot.

Applying weed-control products when it’s over 85 degrees Fahrenheit can cause damage due to the chemical reaction “burning” the grass. Instead, fight weeds by applying pre-emergent herbicides during cooler seasons like spring and fall. In hot weather, find other non-chemical ways to get rid of weeds like hand-pulling them.

3. Avoid mowing wet grass.

The dense wet grass forces your mower to work harder for an even cut, resulting in a patchy lawn. Plus, wet grass tends to clump, which can lead to lawn disease when it accumulates. If wet grass blades do clump together on the lawn, be sure to rake it thin to remove accumulation.

4. Avoid over-applying fertilizer.

Too much lawn fertilize can “scorch” the lawn, meaning that fertilizer salts dehydrate the grass, causing it to turn yellow, brown or black. These salts pull moisture from the roots, resulting in dead streaks or patches. Heavy watering can help dilute excess fertilizer and preserve the health of the grass.

5. Avoid streaking the lawn fertilizer.

Use a broadcast spreader for application and remember to overlap the rows slightly to avoid a striped effect on the fertilized grass.

6. Don’t forget to address soil compaction.

Grass roots need water and air to thrive. Compacted soil restricts the movement of oxygen, water and nutrients. Keep an eye on your soil, and every few years it might be wise to rent a core aerator, a machine which pulls out small plugs of soil that enable essential nutrients to

reach the grass roots.

7. Keep a proper watering regimen.

Over-watering a lawn results in shallow roots and disease, while too little water can cause the grass to struggle from drought stress. Most grass only needs about one inch of water per week including rainfall. Create a watering schedule that accounts for the current weather conditions and your lawn’s type of soil.

8. Avoid using dull blades.

Dull mower blades tear the grass rather than cut it, resulting in ragged edges that are susceptible to disease. Be sure to sharpen those blades.

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Special thanks to Sod Solutions for contributing this information. For more lawn care advice, visit www.sodsolutions.com.