5 Common Lawn Care Mistakes

Many homeowners unknowingly make mistakes in watering, mowing, fertilizing and weed control that can harm their lawns. These errors may weaken grass health, encourage weeds and increase long-term maintenance costs. Fortunately, with expert-backed guidance, these pitfalls can be avoided, allowing your lawn to thrive.

A healthy lawn does more than look good; it strengthens soil, supports deep root growth and provides a welcoming space for outdoor activities and relaxation. Avoiding common lawn care mistakes reduces the need for costly treatments and ensures your lawn remains vibrant and resilient throughout the year. In this guide, we’ll cover the five most common lawn care mistakes homeowners make and share tips for achieving a greener, healthier lawn with less effort. 

Mowing may seem simple, but mowing mistakes are one of the most common causes of lawn problems. Cutting grass too short, or scalping, can weaken roots and make your lawn more prone to weeds. Dull mower blades can tear grass, leaving jagged edges that brown quickly.

Follow the “1/3 Rule”: never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Mowing height should also match your grass type — cool-season and warm-season grass have different ideal heights. Keeping your mower well-maintained with sharp blades ensures a clean cut, which helps prevent disease and reduces stress on the grass. Regular mowing at the right height keeps your lawn even, healthy and better able to resist common lawn maintenance mistakes. 

Weeds might seem harmless at first but ignoring them or using the wrong control methods can help them quickly take over your lawn. Early weed growth can spread fast, crowding out your grass and competing for water and nutrients. Using herbicides incorrectly can damage your lawn, and pulling weeds by hand without getting the roots or seeds only offers temporary relief.

The most effective approach combines pre-emergent herbicides, proper mowing and encouraging healthy turf that naturally outcompetes weeds. Lawns with high sunlight, uneven soil nutrients or weak grass are especially vulnerable. Staying on top of weed control protects your grass, keeps nutrients available where they belong, and helps your lawn stay lush and vibrant all season long. A little attention early on can prevent weeds from becoming a major problem later. 

Seeding your lawn, if you have cool-season grass, may seem simple, but timing and preparation make all the difference. Overseeding at the wrong time can reduce germination, while compacted or poorly prepared soil limits root growth. (TruGreen does not recommend seeding or overseeding on warm-season grass lawns.) Skipping a soil test can leave nutrient deficiencies or pH imbalances unnoticed, holding your grass back.

Best practices for successful lawn seeding include:

• Applying seed at the right time for your specific grass type.
• Aerating compacted soil to encourage deep root growth.
• Amending soil based on test results to create healthy soil conditions.

Healthy soil is the foundation of a vibrant lawn. It supports strong roots, improves nutrient uptake and helps your grass resist disease and pests. Poor soil health is often behind weak growth, thinning lawns and persistent lawn problems. Taking the time to aerate, amend and seed appropriately for your grass type ensures long-term success and a lawn that thrives year-round. 

Even when the basics are covered, homeowners often make other mistakes that can hold a lawn back from its full potential:

• Bagging grass clippings instead of mulching which removes valuable nutrients.
• Ignoring seasonal changes that lead to stress and poor growth year-round.
• Using a “one-size-fits-all” approach instead of tailoring care to your region and grass type.
• Relying on DIY lawn care without the right knowledge can make problems worse.

Many DIY attempts overlook key factors like soil health, pest cycles and proper fertilization timing. Applying treatments incorrectly can burn grass, encourage weeds and leave soil imbalanced. Professional lawn care ensures the right treatments are applied at the right time, protecting your investment and supporting a healthier, more resilient lawn. Avoiding these mistakes saves time, reduces frustration and keeps your lawn looking its best all year.

What happens if you mow your lawn too short?

Mowing too short weakens root growth, makes grass more susceptible to pests and disease and encourages weed growth.

How often should you water your lawn?

Lawns generally need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, applied deeply and infrequently. Adjust for soil type, season and grass type.

How much fertilizer does a lawn really need?

Fertilizer needs depend on grass type, soil health and seasonal growth patterns. Soil testing is recommended for precise application.

What is the best way to deal with weeds before they spread?

Use pre-emergent herbicides, maintain proper mowing practices and support healthy turf to naturally outcompete weeds. A post-emergent weed control may be required for weeds that are already present.

When is the best time to seed or overseed a lawn?

Timing varies by grass type, but generally, cool-season grasses are best seeded in early fall or spring.