Debunking Lawn Care Myths

Our lawn care experts, Joe and Nathan, are here to debunk some of the most common myths surrounding lawn maintenance. In this video, they take a deep dive into the world of lawn care myths, helping you separate fact from fiction. Whether it's watering routines or mowing practices, they'll set the record straight and offer expert advice on how to keep your lawn healthy and thriving.

Common Lawn Care Myths

There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to lawn care. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths with facts to help you take better care of your lawn.

Myth	Fact
Water your lawn daily for the best results.	Frequent watering leads to shallow roots. Water deeply but less often to encourage a strong root system. This is especially important for areas where brown spots appear.
Mow your lawn short to avoid mowing often.	Cutting more than one-third of the grass height stresses the lawn and hinders growth. If the lawn becomes stressed, consider overseeding with grass seed.
Grass clippings cause thatch.	Grass clippings left on the lawn decompose, providing nutrients and acting as a natural fertiliser.

Why Grass Clippings Are Good for Your Lawn

Leaving grass clippings on the lawn benefits all lawn types, especially cool season grasses, as they provide nutrients that help the lawn stay green during temperature fluctuations. Clippings also help prevent the lawn from drying out and turn brown during warmer months.

Nutrient recycling

Clippings return valuable nutrients like nitrogen back into the soil, which helps reduce the need for additional fertiliser.

Natural fertiliser

As grass clippings decompose, they act as natural fertilisers, providing essential nutrients that keep lawns healthy and green.

Moisture retention

Clippings help retain moisture in the soil, especially during the hotter months, reducing the need for frequent watering.

By leaving clippings on the lawn, you're contributing to the overall health of your grass in a natural and sustainable way.

Debunking Watering Myths

There are many misconceptions about watering your lawn. Let’s address a few common myths with the facts:

Watering lawn at night myth

Watering your lawn at night can increase the risk of diseases because moisture lingers on the grass for longer periods. Instead, water in the early morning, when evaporation rates are lower and the lawn has time to absorb the water before the day's heat.

Does my lawn need daily watering?

No. Your lawn needs deep watering 2-3 times weekly to encourage a deep root system. The preferred time to water is early in the morning when evaporation rates are lower.

Myth vs Reality: Mowing Practices

Myth	Reality
You should always mow short to reduce mowing frequency.	Mowing too short weakens your lawn, especially cool season grasses. Keep grass height to about one-third of its total height for the healthiest results.
Wet grass harms your lawn.	While mowing wet grass can cause clumping, it doesn’t damage the lawn itself. Use sharp blades to avoid uneven cutting.
The more often you mow, the worse for the grass.	Regular mowing promotes thicker, healthier grass by encouraging new growth. Mowing weekly (or as needed) leads to a better-looking lawn.
You should always bag grass clippings.	Leaving grass clippings on the lawn returns valuable nutrients to the soil and acts as a natural fertiliser. It’s better for lawn health.

The Truth About Fertilising and Weed Control

Proper fertilisation and weed control are key to maintaining a healthy, green lawn. Follow this step-by-step guide to get the best results.

Step 1: Choose the Right Fertiliser

Select a balanced fertiliser with the right mix of nutrients, particularly one rich in nitrogen.
Applying fertiliser in early spring will give your lawn the boost it needs for strong growth throughout the season.

Step 2: Weed Control

Start weed control early by using a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to stop weeds from sprouting.
For existing weeds, apply a post-emergent herbicide in targeted areas to prevent harming the rest of your lawn.

Step 3: Timing

Fertilise during periods of active growth when your lawn needs the nutrients most. The preferred time to apply fertiliser is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat stress.

Master Your Lawn Care by Debunking Common Myths

Understanding the facts behind common lawn care myths is essential for keeping your lawn healthy and vibrant. By debunking these myths, you can make informed decisions that benefit your lawn, from proper mowing practices to effective watering and fertilising.

For more expert advice from Joe and Nathan on how to care for your lawn, be sure to watch the video above. To explore additional lawn care tips and products, visit the Lilydale Instant Lawn shop and discover the resources you need to achieve the perfect lawn.

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Debunking Lawn Care Myths

Debunking Lawn Care Myths

Common Lawn Care Myths