Your lawn consists of more than just grass – it creates the backdrop for your home's overall curb appeal and value. Unfortunately, many homeowners struggle maintaining their lawn because they do not know how or where to start. This guide and the help of professionals will teach you a few common maintenance mistakes to avoid if you want a healthy and appealing lawn.

Over Fertilizing

Fertilizing your lawn is important for many reasons. Not only does it help it grow, but the right fertilizer can also help strengthen the grass' roots, protecting your lawn from disease and distress over time. Even though you may believe the more, the merrier, fertilizing too much or too frequently can do more harm than good.

Nitrogen is the most prominent ingredient in fertilizer. While effective in small doses for strengthening roots, too much nitrogen too frequently can actually burn your grass blades, causing your lawn to discolor and eventually due.

Avoid fertilizing multiple times per year. For fescue lawns, fertilize in the fall. For Bermuda, or other warm-season grasses, applying fertilizer in the summer should be sufficient. Also, use a slow-release fertilizer, which adds nutrients to the soil slowly over time.

Not Training Pets

It is best to train your dog or cat to use the bathroom in an area that will not affect your grass. Not only will this prevent you and other household members from stepping into a mess outside, but it will also keep your grass healthy.

Your dog or cat's urine contain ammonia, which can burn and discolor grass. In addition, there is a great deal of bacteria present in feces, which can also harm your lawn. If you are unable to stop your dog or cat from using the bathroom on the grass, make sure to rinse the lawn as soon as possible. Rinsing the grass with water will remove ammonia, bacteria, and odors, reducing your risk of grass damage.

Over Watering

In a similar manner as how too much fertilizer can be a bad thing, too much water can harm your lawn, as well.

If you water the lawn to the point where you see puddling, the soil will be soaked, drowning your grass, and reducing how many nutrients reach the roots.

Avoid watering with your hose or irrigation system if it is raining or if it has recently rained. Also, set your irrigation system on a timer to avoid over watering. 

Contact a lawn care service for more help.