Top 5 Lawn Care Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Maintaining a lush, green lawn in Peterborough’s diverse climate isn’t always easy. With hot summers, rainy springs, and chilly falls, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can damage your turf. Here are five frequent missteps-and how to fix them.

1. Mowing Too Short

Cutting your grass too short (a.k.a. scalping) can lead to weak roots and patchy growth. Instead, follow the one-third rule: never remove more than a third of the blade height in a single mow.

2. Watering Too Frequently

Daily watering may seem helpful, but it can actually stunt root growth. Deep, infrequent watering (once or twice per week) encourages roots to grow deeper and your lawn to become more drought-resistant.

3. Ignoring Lawn Aeration

Peterborough soil often becomes compacted, especially after heavy foot traffic or winter frost. Aerating in spring or fall helps nutrients and oxygen reach the roots, keeping your lawn healthy.

4. Fertilizing at the Wrong Time

Applying fertilizer too early or too late in the season can waste your effort. For best results, fertilize in spring and again in fall using a slow-release product.

5. Neglecting Weeds Until It’s Too Late

Once dandelions and crabgrass take over, they’re hard to eliminate. Use a pre-emergent weed control product early in the season and spot-treat problem areas as they appear.

Want professional help with your lawn this season? Ed's Property Maintenance offers reliable, locally trusted lawn care services in Peterborough, so you don’t have to go it alone!