LAWN CARE 101: DO’S & DON’TS
A healthy, vibrant lawn doesn’t happen by accident. Proper care and maintenance are essential to keeping your turf lush, green, and free of weeds. Whether you’re a homeowner or a professional, following these do’s and don’ts will set you up for success.
DO: MOW AT THE RIGHT HEIGHT
One of the most common mistakes in lawn care is cutting grass too short. For Tall Fescue lawns in Kansas City, set your mower blade at 2.5-3 inches in the spring and raise it up to 3-3.75 inches in the summer. This encourages deep root growth, improves drought resistance, and prevents weeds from taking over.
DON’T: MOW WITH DULL BLADES
Dull mower blades tear grass rather than cut it cleanly, leading to a brown, ragged appearance. Sharpen blades every 10 hours of mowing or at least once a year to keep your lawn looking crisp and healthy.
DO: WATER DEEPLY AND INFREQUENTLY
Watering deeply (about 1 inch per week) encourages strong root systems. The best time to water is early morning to minimize evaporation and reduce disease risks. In the spring, water 1-2 times per week, and in the heat of summer, increase to 3-5 times per week.
DON’T: OVERWATER
Frequent, shallow watering drowns root systems, weakens the grass, and creates an ideal environment for fungal diseases. Watering deeply and infrequently allows the soil surface to dry up, reducing the chance of disease.
DO: FERTILIZE PROPERLY
All lawns need fertilizer. Fertilizing 3-4 times a year keeps your lawn thick, naturally reducing weeds. Apply a balanced fertilizer based on a soil test to provide essential nutrients. Timing is key—early spring and fall are the best times for fertilization.
DON’T: IGNORE WEEDS
Weeds are the result of an unhealthy lawn, not the cause of it. Fertilize, mow, and water properly to create the best defense against weeds. Use pre-emergent herbicides in early spring to prevent crabgrass and other weeds, and spot-treat problem areas as needed.
DO: CALL FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP
Some lawn problems require expert intervention, and sometimes your time is just more valuable. When needed, call a professional for assistance. Lawn care companies have decades of experience and are there to help you enjoy your outdoor space rather than stress over its upkeep.
By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a thriving lawn that stands out in any neighborhood!
Rodney St. John, Ph.D., Agronomist – Ryan Lawn & Tree @ https://ryanlawn.com/