Clint Waltz, a turfgrass specialist with the UGA Cooperative Extension, spoke with House Beautiful about ways people inadvertently kill their lawns and ways to fix them.
One way people do that is by ignoring weeds.
“Weeds compete with desirable turf for water, light, and nutrients,” Waltz said. “If you do nothing, you’ll end up with a more dense population of weeds next year.”
People should also pay attention to soil temperatures before applying products rather than calendars. Additionally, water only when the grass shows signs that it needs it, such as a slight bluish tint, wilting leaf blades, or grass that leaves footprints when you walk across it. In addition, it’s always a good idea to water in the early morning to prevent loss of moisture from evaporation in the heat of the day.
Fertilizer is also important, according to Waltz.
“A lawn that’s not fertilized after year three begins to decline and become malnourished,” he said.
It’s also important not to cut grass too short.
“Each grass species has an ideal mowing height, which allows grass to optimize canopy density and root depth,” Waltz said.