Common Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid This Spring

Spring is here, and you’re ready to give your lawn some love. But before you grab the rake and mower, let’s talk about a few common mistakes that could turn your lawn dreams into a nightmare. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back with tips to keep your grass green and thriving this season. Here are some things to be wary of.

1. Jumping the Gun on Mowing

We get it—there’s nothing like the smell of freshly cut grass. But mowing too early can stress your lawn, especially if the grass hasn’t had time to recover from winter. Wait until your grass reaches at least 3 inches tall before breaking out the mower. Bonus tip: Keep those mower blades sharp for a clean cut!

2. Overdoing the Fertilizer

More fertilizer doesn’t mean more green. Over-fertilizing can scorch your lawn and cause uneven growth. The key? Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer and follow the instructions on the bag. For Oklahoma lawns, timing is everything—apply fertilizer after the last frost but before the heat kicks in.

3. Skipping the Pre-Emergent Weed Control

If you wait until weeds pop up, you’re already behind the game. A good pre-emergent herbicide stops weeds like crabgrass before they even sprout. Apply it early in the season, just as the soil warms up (typically in March for Oklahoma).

4. Forgetting to Aerate

Think of aeration like a spa day for your lawn—it lets the soil breathe and helps nutrients soak in. Skipping this step can leave your grass struggling to grow. Oklahoma’s clay-heavy soil especially benefits from aeration, so grab a tool or hire a pro to get the job done.

5. Watering Too Much, Too Soon

Spring rains often do the heavy lifting, so you don’t need to overwater. Overwatering can lead to shallow roots and even invite fungal diseases. Stick to about an inch of water per week (including rainfall) and save the sprinklers for when things dry out.

6. Ignoring Bare Spots

Leaving bare patches alone is like sending an open invitation to weeds. Tackle them early by overseeding with grass seed suited for your lawn type. Be sure to prep the soil by loosening it up and adding a little topsoil or compost.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

Avoiding these common mistakes can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration. With the right care, your lawn will be ready to show off this spring—no weeds, no patches, just green, gorgeous grass!

So, skip the over-fertilizing, keep an eye on your mowing height, and remember: your lawn doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs you to care for it the right way. If you need some assistance in caring for your lawn, get a consultation from Pruett Lawn and Landscape.

Now grab those gardening gloves and get to it—your lawn is waiting!