5 Lawncare Myths That Need Mowing Down

 

A thick, green, picture-perfect lawn doesn’t just happen by chance. For many homeowners and garden enthusiasts, looking after the lawn is a regular ritual – but are you doing it correctly? While there’s plenty of well-meaning advice out there, not all of it stands up to scrutiny. In fact, some of the most common lawncare tips might be holding you back.

From how short to mow your grass to the ideal watering routine, there are several unwarranted claims that have found their way into mainstream gardening culture. These myths can lead to stunted growth, patchy areas, and lawns that struggle through the seasons instead of flourishing. So, it’s time to set the record straight.

Here, we tackle five widespread lawncare misconceptions, explain the science behind what really works, and give you practical tips to help keep your lawn healthy the whole year round. Whether you’re a weekend gardener or dedicated turf connoisseur, if you want to steer clear of costly lawncare mistakes, please read on…

Low-Cut Lies: Shorter Grass Means a Healthier Lawn

At first glance, it seems sensible – cut your grass really short, and it’ll take longer to grow back. Fewer cuts, tidier appearance, less effort… right? Unfortunately, this shortcut is one of the worst offenders when it comes to lawn damage.

When you mow your lawn too short – often called ‘scalping’ – you expose the soil to excessive direct sunlight, drying it out and leaving it vulnerable to weed invasion. More importantly, you weaken the grass itself. The blades of grass aren’t just there for show – they play a vital role in photosynthesis. Cutting them too short limits the plant’s ability to generate energy, stunting root development and causing stress.

What You Should Do Instead

Consider the season and the type of grass you have. In summer, a height between 2–6 cm is ideal, depending on the lawn’s health and how quickly it’s growing. Taller blades help shade the roots and conserve moisture, giving your lawn better resistance to dry weather. Spring and autumn are suited to slightly shorter cuts of 2–4 cm, but avoid trimming too much just before winter – grass around 4–5 cm long provides insulation against frost. Come winter, put the mower away altogether until you see fresh growth in spring.

In short: when it comes to mowing, higher is often healthier.

Wrong Watering Advice: A Daily Drench Leads to Greener Grass

If you think that giving your lawn a drink every day will keep it green and luscious, you’re not alone. But daily watering – especially shallow watering – can have the opposite effect.

Frequent watering encourages roots to remain near the surface of the soil, making your lawn highly dependent on regular moisture. During hot spells or water restrictions, these shallow-rooted lawns are often the first to turn brown. What’s more, excessive watering can create ideal conditions for fungal diseases to take hold.

A Better Way to Hydrate Your Lawn

Water your lawn only when it looks like it needs it. Has the colour faded? Do your footprints linger when you walk across it? These are signs your lawn is crying out for a proper soak.

When it does need water, give it a generous amount – enough to reach the deeper roots. This encourages grass to grow downwards in search of moisture, building resilience against dry spells. Aim for a good watering once a week, ideally in the early morning. This reduces water loss due to evaporation and allows for better absorption. If evening watering is your only option, do it early enough to let the lawn dry before nightfall, helping prevent disease.

The Clippings Conundrum: Do Grass Clippings Create Thatch?

You’ve just finished mowing, and now you’re left with a dilemma – should you bag up all those clippings or leave them be? Many people fear that leaving clippings behind will cause thatch, that spongy organic layer of debris that smothers grass and leads to lawn decline. But that’s a common misunderstanding of how things really work.

Grass clippings, when properly managed, are actually good for your lawn. They’re over 85% water and break down quickly, returning nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil. Think of it as free, natural fertiliser. The real culprits behind thatch are poor lawn maintenance, over fertilising, and compacted soil – not a few leftover clippings.

How to Use Clippings Effectively

The trick is to use a mulching mower or ensure that clippings are distributed evenly and lightly. Don’t let them clump, as this can block sunlight and airflow. But when spread correctly, they help retain moisture and improve soil health over time.

So next time you mow, consider leaving the bag off – your lawn might just thank you for it.

Weed Wrongthink: Mowing Takes Care of Unwanted Plants

Weeds are the bane of many a gardener’s existence, and it’s tempting to believe that mowing them down regularly will keep them in check. While this may work temporarily on fast-growing varieties, it’s no long-term solution.

The problem lies beneath the surface. Many weeds, such as dandelions and dock, have deep root systems that can regenerate quickly, even after repeated cuts. Mowing might stop them from flowering and spreading seeds, but it doesn’t eliminate the source. Worse still, weeds often thrive in weak or thin patches of lawn, taking advantage of poor soil or stressed grass.

How to Really Tackle Lawn Weeds

To truly banish weeds, you’ll need a two-pronged approach. Start with proper mowing to keep the lawn healthy and dense – strong grass will naturally outcompete many weeds. Combine this with spot treatments using a selective herbicide or remove particularly stubborn specimens by hand, ensuring you get the root. Regular aeration and overseeding can also help thicken up your lawn and crowd out intruders over time.

In short, mowing alone is no match for determined weeds – you need a full strategy to win the battle.

Fertiliser Fibs: You Can Feed Your Lawn Any Time of Year

There’s a common belief that fertiliser is a cure-all – sprinkle some on, and your lawn will instantly perk up. But timing is everything. Apply fertiliser at the wrong time, and you could end up doing more harm than good.

Grass only absorbs nutrients effectively when it’s actively growing. Spreading fertiliser during winter dormancy or during the height of a summer heatwave risks wasting the product and potentially burning your lawn. Inactive roots can’t take up the nutrients, leading to runoff or patchy results.

When and How to Feed Your Lawn

The best times to feed your lawn are late spring and early autumn. In spring, fertiliser helps kickstart recovery from winter and promotes strong growth. In autumn, a feed rich in potassium and phosphorus can reinforce roots ahead of colder weather. During summer, if your lawn looks stressed, opt for a lighter, slow-release fertiliser – and water it in thoroughly to prevent scorch.

A seasonal approach ensures that fertiliser supports rather than sabotages your efforts.

Give Your Lawn the Care it Deserves

With so many lawncare myths around, it’s easy to fall into habits that aren’t helping your grass. Understanding what it truly needs – from cutting height to hydration and seasonal feeding – can make a massive difference to the health and appearance of your lawn.

Here, at Ron Smith & Co, we’re passionate about helping you grow a better lawn with less hassle. So, if you’re ready to leave those lawncare myths behind you, explore our market-leading range of garden machinery today. This includes lawnmowers, aerators, scarifiers, and spreaders – all designed to give your lawn the expert treatment it deserves.

 

(Top image courtesy of No-longer-here on Pixabay).