Many homeowners in Northeast Ohio have experienced the confusion that comes with lawn care advice. The best practices showcased on one website differ from the advice of a local landscaper, or perhaps the techniques that one landscaper recommends vary from another local provider.

What results is a game of tug-of-war. Homeowners are pushed in multiple directions without clarity on which route is the best. This creates any series of scenarios: lawns receive proper care, lawns suffer from improper techniques or the degree of uncertainty encourages no action all, leaving lawns in their original state.

To help guide you down the right path every time, we’ll dispel some of the most common myths of Northeast Ohio lawn care and provide you with the answers you need.

Northeast Ohio Lawn Care: The Most Common Myths

No Matter When Your Lawn Is Watered, the End Result Will Be the Same 

Timing is of the essence when watering your lawn. Whereas water can evaporate too quickly in the middle of the day and cling to grass blades in the evening, the morning hours (specifically before 10 a.m.) provide the ideal environment. Because the air is cooler and winds are typically mild, grass roots are better able to absorb the water and leverage these nutrients to boost the lawn’s health. 

Watering Your Lawn Manually Is Just as Effective as an Irrigation System

Irrigation systems are continuing to grow smarter. Sensor-based controllers design irrigation schedules based on the moisture content of the soil, while weather-based controllers automatically adjust watering schedules based on local conditions. These measures help remove the guesswork that comes with manual watering and, in doing so, minimize issues like overwatering and the increased water bills that result.

When Mowing Your Grass, Shorter Is Better

While homeowners want to recreate the crisp appearance of golf courses, mowing grass too short can put a lot of pressure on residential lawns. Blades that are set too low can damage the roots of grass and make lawns more susceptible to weeds, insects and disease. Adjusting the mower height to leave grass 3-3 ½ inches long helps grass roots stay stronger and withstand potential sources of stress. 

Leaving Grass Clippings on the Lawn Will Cause Thatch Buildup

Whereas elements like compacted soil and an excessive use of fungicides can contribute to thatch buildup, grass clippings do not fall under this umbrella. The clippings are comprised primarily of water and their remaining nutrients—the same that are found in lawn food—are easily broken down by soil microorganisms. Lawns thus receive more of the nutrients they need to thrive (for free nonetheless), while saving time and energy.

Winter Is the Time of Year To Take a Break From Lawn Care

Just because lawns go dormant in the winter doesn’t mean maintenance stops there. Homeowners should take this time to care for their lawn care equipment, whether it’s sharpening the blades of a lawnmower, cleaning its air filter or changing its oil. This degree of preparation helps avoid any potential issues come spring while extending the lifespan of the system.

Looking for help with your Northeast Ohio lawn care? The team at Green Impressions offers customized maintenance packages that are sure to leave your property looking and feeling its best. Get started by requesting a free consultation today.