The first official day of spring 2021 is Saturday, March 20 – a date many homeowners are looking forward to on the calendar. A healthy green lawn is the first plant life to emerge from dormancy and you’ll want to make sure you’re supporting it for optimal growth. With all the conflicting information available on the internet today, we thought we’d try and clear up some myths surrounding spring lawn care pertaining to mowing and watering.
Myth #1: Cutting your grass very short will not cause any damage
Most landscape professionals advise against cutting your grass too short – in fact, no more than one-third of the grass leaf should be removed during cutting. Mowing at a finished cut height of 3 to 3.5 inches throughout the summer is generally recommended. The lawn will need less water, will be more resistant to weeds and will have a deeper, greener color. Use a sharp mower blade to prevent tearing grass blades. A crisp and clean cut will help prevent a “brown tip” appearance.
Myth #2: You can water your lawn any time of day.
Water is a valuable resource, so it’s truly important to make sure you’re watering properly and efficiently. It’s best to water your lawn in the early mornings or evenings (after sunset) which helps dramatically reduce evaporation and increases penetration into the roots. This practice is especially critical during times of drought.
Myth #3: You should water your lawn every day.
While this is contingent upon what area of the country you currently live in, it is often advised to water your lawn every three days. Deep rather than shallow watering of your lawn is recommended to nurture the roots. Daily watering could also increase your chances of encountering fungal issues.
Myth #4: A garden hose is more cost efficient than installing an irrigation system.
Many landscape professionals recommend installing an irrigation system with smart controllers which have sensors that water when needed. Smart irrigation can offer a cost savings of 15–20 percent on water bills. Watering with a hose attached sprinkler often causes too much overspray on sidewalks and driveways, which only wastes water in the long run. Simply put, a hose or hose attached sprinkler does not provide the even and consistent watering your lawn needs.
For more information on lawn care programs, contact SavATree today!