Gardening experts have shared some of the most common mistakes people make when mowing their lawns (and how to avoid them), as well as some important maintenance tips.
For many green-fingered enthusiasts, a lush, emerald-green lawn is the ultimate garden goal, and one that may even spark a little envy among the neighbors.
Getting a lawn this green takes more than just mowing and watering it from time to time, but it’s not as laborious a task as you might think. However, many keen gardeners unwittingly sabotage their own efforts by making some common mistakes. So what are the mistakes to avoid if you want to keep your lawn looking its best?
Oliver Johnson, a gardening expert at HomeAdviceGuide.com, has shared his wisdom on typical mistakes homeowners make when looking after their lawns and how to avoid them. Oliver also offers some simple maintenance tips to help keep your lawn in tip-top condition, the Express reports.
One major mistake is overwatering your lawn, which can be “disastrous,” the expert warns. Too much water can lead to waterlogging, which hinders root growth. In wetter conditions, extra watering may not be necessary. However, as the UK is set to be very hot over the next few days, it is best to water about an inch a week to keep your lawn hydrated without causing a deluge.
Another big mistake is cutting the grass short, which Oliver describes as a “recipe for disaster.” While cutting the grass too short may seem like a time-saver, it actually “stresses the grass” and leaves it vulnerable to disease, drought and pests.
Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express, has issued a warning to those dealing with overgrown gardens. He says the “worst mistake you can make” when it comes to long grass is cutting it too short, which can lead to root damage, attract weeds and potentially ruin your lawnmower.
Bonnett’s top tip is to keep grass height at around 7.5cm, which helps keep the grass resilient and with sufficient growth on top. But it’s not just about cutting the grass when care is needed. According to gardening expert Oliver, balancing fertiliser use is crucial, noting that incorrect use of fertiliser can “cause damage” and be quite “harmful”.
Don’t forget about aeration when caring for your lawn, as it’s considered “crucial” to keeping it green and lush. Truth be told, aeration, which means giving the soil some breathing room with holes so water and food can mix better, is especially vital for dense or clay soils, and can be taken care of with a simple aerator or even your trusty garden fork.
