Do you handle your own lawn maintenance, but your property still doesn’t meet your expectations? Working with The Yard Force helps you achieve higher-level results that make your yard the envy of the neighborhood. Partnering with our trusted professionals means you never have to worry about making the following common mistakes.
1. When Cutting Grass, Shorter Isn’t Always Better
Are you a homeowner who believes that the shorter you cut your grass, the better? Many people think they’ll mow less frequently and the yard will look better. However, this is a common myth that creates significant problems.
Cutting the grass too short exposes the roots and leaves it vulnerable to diseases. To avoid grass-cutting issues, forget the buzz cut and leave the length at three to four inches.
Do you know how to set your lawn mower to the right height? When you outsource your maintenance needs to a reliable professional, you’ll never worry about tinkering with the settings.
2. Don’t Drown the Lawn With Too Much Water
Installing a lawn irrigation system is one of the best East Tennessee lawn care tips. However, it leaves you at risk of one of the most common mistakes: overwatering the yard.
What is the right amount of water for perfect lawn maintenance? Your grass needs a maximum of 1.5 inches of water each week. If it rained more than that, there’s no need to add any hydration.
What’s the connection between overwatering and lawn damage? The excessive moisture makes a perfect environment for pests and insects to thrive. It also creates shallow roots.
You can tell the grass has too much water if the following signs appear:
- Mushroom growth: Mushrooms flourish in damp yards. If you see them spreading throughout your property, try cutting back the water.
- Grass discoloration: Grass that looks yellow usually can’t obtain enough nutrients to feed itself. It’s a sign of shallow roots, and mowing too short can also cause it, too.
- Spongy soil: Does your dirt feel bouncy when you walk on it? Spongy soil indicates a saturated ground, either from over-watering or a sewage leak.
- Standing water: Large areas of standing water or puddles suggest a drainage problem and lead to excessive hydration. Consider improving the slope of your yard.
- Thatch development: Thatch is dead plant debris that strangles the grass around it. When a lawn has too much water, it hinders natural decomposition.
- Weed growth: If you find yourself spending most of your lawn maintenance time removing weeds, try watering less often.
3. Ignoring Aeration Leads to Soil Compaction
Soil compaction occurs when the dirt becomes too dense. This reduces its ability to absorb water and nutrients and makes it an inhospitable environment for roots. It happens over time as foot traffic, machinery, and even gravity compress the dirt.
Many people think the solution is to prevent anyone from walking on their grass. However, you should enjoy your yard and the comfort it brings. Instead, they make one of the most common turf care mistakes: ignoring aeration.
Aeration is the process of introducing air into the soil to loosen it and increase how easily it absorbs nutrients. It uses a long pole to pierce the ground and remove small sections.
In general, homeowners need aeration annually. However, certain conditions may require more frequent attention. For example, a property with a high clay content should schedule the service twice yearly.
4. Don’t Let Weeds Become Too Widespread To Manage
Ignoring weeds is one of the most common lawn maintenance errors because homeowners often feel overwhelmed and surrender. Prevention is the most important part of dealing with weeds, and saves you more work in the long term. Ask the lawn care professionals for help with the following strategies:
- Applying organic mulch
- Using a targeted herbicide
- Dense planting to crowd out weeds
- Weeding by hand
- Covering weeds with plastic on a hot day
5. Choosing the Wrong Grass Leaves Lawns Decrepit
Did you know that grass comes in various species? Like trees, shrubs, and flowers, different varieties thrive or die depending on climate and other factors. Choosing the right grass for your lawn is one of the most overlooked tips, but professionals make the process easy.
The climate in East Tennessee can support cool- and warm-season species. Kentucky bluegrass is a popular option that resists colder temperatures but requires more water. For shaded properties and fewer maintenance requirements, consider zoysiagrass.
Schedule Reliable Lawn Care To Keep Your East Tennessee Property Pristine
When you need reliable lawn maintenance to create a beautiful property, contact The Yard Force. We know all the fertilizing mistakes homeowners make and other issues, and never risk subpar results. We’re a full-service landscaping company with years of experience and an unparalleled reputation.
Obtain a free quote by calling (865) 290-8815.
