Caring for your lawn doesn’t have to be overwhelming or difficult. Yet over time, with all the new products and gardening advice out there, it can be a bit confusing. For these reasons, it’s important to get the facts right.
The following are five common misconceptions about lawn care.
Myth #1: Spring is the best time to kill weeds, such as dandelions.
Ever notice how your attempts to get rid of weeds in the spring never quite succeed? They always grow back. Here’s a tip: Autumn is actually the best time to apply weed killer because dandelions shift their food stores into the roots in the fall. So when you apply weed killer, the plant will deliver the poison to the roots, killing it completely. Now that fall has arrived, this is the time to turn your attention to those weeds!
Myth #2: It’s not good to leave grass clippings on the lawn.
Grass clippings are a good thing. They’re made up of 75-80% water, and they decompose quickly. They also add nitrogen to the soil. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn is called “grasscycling,” because it saves you time and money. At the same time, fall leaves can also serve a similar purpose. Instead of raking them, try mowing over them, which will chop them into pieces so they too can decompose on the lawn and feed the soil.
Myth #3: You won’t have to mow as often if you cut the grass short.
Mowing frequently may give you a few extra days in between mowing sessions, but you risk damaging your lawn. Here’s why: Grass that’s too short allows the sun to reach weeds. This will make them grow quickly, eventually overtaking the lawn. Shorter grass has a shallow root system, which can be susceptible to drought. So how tall should your grass be? The proper mowing height depends on the grass type, time of year and growing conditions. Cool-season grass should be cut at ideally 2.5 – 4 inches, and warm-season should be 1 – 3 inches.
Myth #4: For a healthier lawn, it’s best to water it daily.
The amount of water necessary for your lawn depends on the grass type, air temperature and soil type. Infrequent, thorough, deep irrigation is better than frequent, short watering. So those of you who have been watering your lawn constantly can relax. You don’t need to!
Myth #5: Lawns can’t be “organic.”
Some people think of lawns as useless carpet-like spaces. In reality, your lawn is a complex ecosystem—a dynamic, organic system of grasses, fungi, soil microbes, earthworms and other life that coexists naturally. So your lawn is, in fact, very much organic.
The Veron Company is dedicated to providing organic, environmentally-friendly and beautiful landscaping, as well as other home care services. Keep checking our blog for more maintenance tips, and contact us today to let us go to work for you!
The Veron Company, serving Marlborough, Massachusetts and surrounding areas, including Cape Cod since 1982.
