When it comes to lawn care, homeowners sometimes fall for myths surrounding these. Despite the availability of information from blogs, magazines and even from companies specializing in lawn care, people still cling to these myths which can adversely affect the quality of a lawn. Many of these myths may be well-meaning but studies indicate that these can hurt your lawn and following these do not provide any value.
What are these myths about lawn care you should watch for?
1. All grasses are the same. Contrary to the belief held by a few people, there are several types of grasses, each with its own set of requirements when it comes to irrigation, mowing and maintenance. Taking into account these differences will help you take better care of your lawn and help you choose the appropriate equipment.
2. Mowing shorter = fewer mowing sessions. You might think that shaving a substantial amount off the leaf blades of the grass will translate to time savings and less effort. If you cut the grass too short, you may pay the price later on in the form of stressed grass that will not grow optimally. Instead, you should cut no more than a third off the grass blade in one mowing session, allowing the grass to quickly recover from stress.
3. Bagging the clippings. Some property owners think that it is best to bag grass clippings after each mowing session. However, by doing this, you are missing a few of the benefits that leaving grass clippings on the lawn can provide. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn helps return vital nutrients to the soil as they decompose. If you choose to bag grass clippings, set aside a portion of these for composting.
4. Focus your attention on the grass. Another common myth about lawn care is that you should focus your time and effort on the grass. On the contrary, ample attention should also be given to the soil as it serves as the foundation for a healthy lawn. Make sure that it is tested regularly to allow you to choose the best fertilizer.
5. You can take it easy during winter. As your lawn becomes blanketed in snow, you can take a break from your usual lawn care tasks. However, you should take advantage of this time by maintaining your tools and equipment. For example, you can look at your lawn mower and check whether it needs sharper blades or missing parts. Come spring time, you’ll be ready to return to your regular lawn care tasks.