Now that your lawn has come to life, there are some counterproductive common lawn myths people still believe. These misconceptions often result in improper care, wasted resources, and even damage to your yard. By identifying and debunking these myths, you can adopt effective and sustainable lawn care techniques that promote a lush, healthy landscape. Stay informed and watch your outdoor oasis thrive with the right knowledge and practices in place.
Myth #1
Once your dandelions have bloomed, it is too late for effective weed control. Although it might seem like you’ve lost the battle, dandelions are pretty easy to control using commonly available three-way products like Trimec® throughout the year. If you want to get on top of broadleaf weeds the products available at your garden center or using a lawn care professional can get those pesky weeds under control fairly quickly.
Myth #2
You need to bag your lawn clippings to prevent thatch build-up. Not true! Lawn clippings break down fairly quickly and normally do not increase thatch levels. In fact, removing your clippings takes away and decreases the valuable nutrients available that your lawn needs to be active and healthy. You can actually remove a third of the nutrients your lawn needs if you regularly remove your clippings. The only time you really need to remove clippings is if you have fallen behind on mowing (usually during extended wet periods). You’ll notice this fact after mowing if you have left excessive amounts of clippings on top of your grass.
Try to avoid this if possible. Using a good mulching mower, with a sharp blade, and mowing frequently enough is the best practice to follow to reduce thatch build-up. Bagging your clippings not only takes more time and effort, it does little to benefit the lawn in the long run.
Myth #3
Think rainfall, or moisture from your irrigation system, following an application will ruin what has been applied to your lawn? That’s not necessarily the case. Moisture following an application, whether it is from mother nature or your irrigation system is normally very beneficial. It helps to get your fertilizer application down to where the plant can get the most benefit. Certain herbicides/pesticides need to be activated by moisture and placed near the root zone where they will provide the most benefit to your lawn. Remember this key fact. Your lawn is like a big sponge that holds 99.99% of materials that have been applied – where they are applied. They do not run off or become ineffective just because of the moisture that your lawn receives following an application. Most crabgrass pre-emergent products actually become more effective if some rainfall or moisture is applied following an application.
Rainfall or moisture following an application of broadleaf weed control can be adversely affected if it is received too soon following the application. Normally, if the herbicide product has a chance to dry on the leaf surface it will still be effective. This normally takes 2-3 hours following an application. If your products are applied in the morning and it doesn’t rain until later in the day, the odds are very good that the weed control will not be affected. An expert lawn care specialist can dispel your lawn myths with insightful tips, giving you accurate lawn information to enhance your yard’s beauty. Benefit from their experience and know-how.