19 Ways to Avoid Lawn Damage
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Don’t Forget About Aeration
Over time, a lawn’s topsoil gets compacted, making it difficult for air, water and vital nutrients to penetrate to the grassroots.
To restore healthy soil conditions, loosen and aerate the lawn. “It provides many benefits, including alleviating compaction, managing thatch, [and] improving water, oxygen and nutrients to the root zone,” Cameron says.
Rent a power core aerator, available at most rental centers and home improvement stores.
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Don’t Use a Dull Lawn Mower Blade
Dull mower blades rip through the grass blades instead of slicing them cleanly. This leaves grass stressed and more prone to disease. You can always tell a lawn that’s been mowed with a dull blade because it looks brown on the top. This symptom on my own lawn prompted me to learn how to sharpen my mower blades.
Be sure to sharpen your mower blade at least three times each season to keep your lawn in good shape. “A sharp mower blade is key to a healthy lawn,” Castillero says.
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Don’t Water Every Day
One of the more common lawn care mistakes (and one I was guilty of!) is watering every day. This mistake can cause your lawn to develop shallow roots. Frequently watered lawns actually require more water and are more vulnerable to dry spells. Deep watering makes your lawn healthier and more drought-tolerant.
Instead of watering every day for 15 minutes, choose one day a week to water your lawn for an entire hour. Castillero says to aim for one inch of water each week. Read on to learn how to test soil moisture.
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