Top 5 Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid in March

March marks the beginning of spring, and it’s the perfect time to get your lawn back in shape after the cold winter months. However, many homeowners make common lawn care mistakes during this crucial transition period that can hinder the health and growth of their lawns. By being aware of these missteps, you can ensure that your lawn gets the best start possible as we head into the warmer months. Here are the top 5 lawn care mistakes to avoid in March.

1. Mowing Too Early or Too Short

One of the biggest mistakes people make in March is mowing their lawn too early or cutting it too short when they do. Grass is still coming out of dormancy and cutting it too soon or too short can stress the grass and hinder growth. Mowing too short, also known as “scalping,” removes too much of the blade and exposes the crown, making your lawn more vulnerable to disease and weed invasion.

· What to do instead: Wait until the grass starts to grow actively in the warmer weather before mowing. Aim for a mowing height of around 2.5 to 3 inches to allow grass to establish strong roots. Keep the mower blade sharp for a clean cut.

2. Over-fertilizing

March is a great time to apply fertilizer to jumpstart your lawn’s growth, but applying too much fertilizer can be harmful. Over-fertilizing can lead to an excess of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, which can cause your lawn to grow too quickly, making it more susceptible to disease and stress.

· What to do instead: Utilize a local lawn care company (like us!) for fertilizing. Our team of expert lawn care technicians will give your lawn what it needs.

3. Ignoring Weed Control

Weeds are a constant nuisance, and March is the perfect time to start addressing them before they become a bigger problem. Many weeds begin germinating as early as March, and waiting too long to treat them can lead to a lawn full of dandelions, crabgrass, and other unwanted plants.

· What to do instead: Our pre-emergent weed control will help prevent weeds from germinating this spring.

4. Neglecting Soil Health

Soil health is the foundation of a thriving lawn and neglecting it in March can cause long-term issues for your grass. Poor soil health can lead to compacted soil, sub-standard water drainage, and nutrient deficiencies. A common mistake is not addressing these issues early enough.

· What to do instead: Test your soil to understand its pH and nutrient levels. If the soil is compacted, consider aerating it to improve air and water flow to the roots. Add compost or other organic matter to improve soil texture and increase fertility.

5. Over-Watering

Watering your lawn too much is a mistake that many homeowners make in March. While your grass will need more water as it comes out of dormancy, over-watering can create problems like root rot, fungus, and shallow root growth. It’s important to water your lawn deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root development.

· What to do instead: Water your lawn deeply when the grass starts to grow, but avoid watering every day. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. Make sure to water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and fungal growth.

By avoiding these common lawn care mistakes, you’ll set your lawn up for a successful growing season. Mowing at the right time, fertilizing properly, controlling weeds early, maintaining healthy soil, and watering appropriately are all key components of spring lawn care. With a little extra attention and the right approach, your lawn will thrive as the weather warms up, and you’ll enjoy a lush, green yard all season long.