Keeping a lush, green lawn in Grand Ledge, Michigan isn’t just about mowing once a week. In fact, it takes a bit more strategy. That’s why we’ve put together these essential lawn care tips for Grand Ledge homeowners.
Due to seasonal shifts, regional pests, and varying soil conditions, your lawn faces challenges all year long. However, by avoiding a few common mistakes, you can turn a struggling yard into a thriving landscape.
Below, we’ll walk through five common lawn care mistakes and how you can fix them effectively.
1. Mowing Too Short
At first glance, cutting your grass shorter may seem like a time-saver. However, scalping your lawn can stress the grass, weaken the root system, and create space for weeds to take hold.
Fix It: Set your mower height to 3–4 inches, especially during the warmer months. This allows your lawn to retain more moisture, protect the soil, and crowd out invasive weeds.
2. Ignoring Soil Health
Of course, fertilizing your lawn is important. But without healthy, balanced soil, your grass won’t be able to absorb nutrients properly. Many lawns in Grand Ledge have compacted or imbalanced soil that hinders growth.
Fix It: Schedule a soil test during spring or fall. Then, based on the results, add lime, sulfur, or organic compost to improve soil structure and correct pH levels.
3. Watering at the Wrong Time
Watering in the heat of the day may feel convenient. Nevertheless, it causes most of the water to evaporate before reaching the roots. Likewise, watering at night can promote fungal diseases.
Fix It: The best time to water is in the late morning, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. after the dew is off the lawn. Aim to
provide 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, for optimal hydration. Adding another watering in the afternoon will also help cool the lawn down on those hot summer days.
4. Overusing Fertilizer
It’s easy to assume that more fertilizer equals better results. Unfortunately, overdoing it can damage your lawn or contribute to runoff in Grand Ledge’s nearby waterways.
Fix It: Use a slow-release fertilizer suited to your lawn’s needs. Apply once in early spring and again in fall, and consider eco-friendly options that contain organic nutrients.
5. Skipping Aeration and Overseeding
If your lawn appears thin or patchy, it might be due to soil compaction. Skipping aeration and overseeding limits root development and weakens your turf’s resilience.
Fix It: Aerate your lawn annually—preferably in fall—and follow up by overseeding. This improves root depth and promotes denser, healthier grass. LawnTech offers expert aeration services in Grand Ledge to help you get started.
Don’t Let These Mistakes Ruin Your Lawn
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned lawn care enthusiast, making a few simple changes can lead to lasting results. Above all, these lawn care tips Grand Ledge residents can follow will make maintaining a beautiful yard easier and more effective.
Need expert help? LawnTech’s Grand Ledge lawn care team is ready to assess your property and create a custom plan tailored to your lawn’s needs.
Ready for a greener, stronger lawn?
Contact LawnTech today to schedule a lawn evaluation and get a personalized care plan for your Grand Ledge home.