Everyone wants a pristine lawn they can be proud to show off. But taking care of your yard requires more than simple mowing. While it looks straightforward, Austin lawn care requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of what a property needs to thrive.
Whether you like to take matters into your own hands by mowing your lawn on the weekends or invest in professional Austin lawn service full-time care, here are a few faux-pas you want to avoid when taking care of your residential or commercial lawn.
Should I Cut My Lawn Super Short?
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is cutting your grass too short. Contrary to popular belief, cutting grass as close to the ground as possible won’t save you time. Instead, it’ll cause new headaches!
Grass needs length for protection. Taller grass blocks out the harsh Texas sun to prevent root damage. It also deprives weeds of the light they need to take over your lawn. Cutting your grass too short can also increase susceptibility to turfgrass diseases, resulting in discoloration and possible mold growth.
The best approach is to work with Austin lawn care companies to determine the appropriate cutting depth for your grass species. Typically, Bermuda varieties can go short. But for most grass types in Texas, experts that provide lawn service in Austin recommend leaving two to three inches of length when you mow.
Does the Direction I Mow My Lawn Affect Austin Lawn Care?
If you ever watch Austin commercial lawn service companies working on a large property, you’ll notice that they cut in distinct patterns. That’s not for design. The direction that you mow matters!
Property owners often make this common mistake: They mow in the same direction each time. There are a few reasons why this can be problematic.
The first is that it creates unsightly lawn ruts. It only takes a few passes with your equipment to compact the soil, ruining that pristine look you want. Secondly, the compacted earth causes health issues. It prevents essential nutrients from reaching the roots, resulting in unhealthy grass.
Finally, mowing in the same direction can cause your grass to grow sideways! Instead of growing upright, you’ll notice that the foliage leans to one side.
The best way to avoid this issue is to switch things up. Alternate directions every time you mow, and Austin lawn maintenance will be a breeze.
Can Cutting with a Dull Mower Blade Damage My Grass?
Here’s where having help from reputable Austin lawn care companies makes a difference. Buying a lawn mower is easy. But how often do you sharpen or replace its blades?
Cutting with dull blades damages your grass. It shreds up the ends, creating wounds that can lead to disease. Before long, your grass can turn brown and die. But even if it survives, you’ll have to deal with a jagged and unprofessional look.
How Much Water is Too Much for Austin Lawn Care?
Watering your lawn is essential in the Austin heat. But overwatering is more common than you think! Most home and commercial property owners run sprinklers daily, thinking it’s crucial to good Austin lawn care.
However, daily watering can do more damage than good. When you get professional Austin lawn care service, you’ll learn that you only need to run your sprinklers once a week! A healthy lawn only requires 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week. That figure may increase or decrease depending on the weather, but it’s far less than daily watering.
When Do Austin Lawn Care Companies Recommend Watering?
It’s not just the volume of water you must consider. Timing is important, too!
The issue that many property owners face is failing to water at a reasonable time. In the middle of the day, the sun is at its highest. The temperatures are high, and water can evaporate before it can reach the grassroots. Meanwhile, late-night watering doesn’t have enough heat for healthy evaporation, resulting in a soggy lawn.
Ask any company that provides lawn service in Austin, and they’ll tell you that the best time to run your sprinklers is between 2:00 and 10:00 in the morning.
Does Fertilization Matter in Austin Lawn Care?
Fertilization can be tricky. While fertilizing can provide essential nutrients, your lawn can get too much of a good thing. Excessive fertilization leads to quick growth. Therefore, you must cut your grass more often, and that can result in a higher risk of disease.
Regarding fertilization, it’s best to work with a company that offers Austin lawn maintenance. Lawn experts can test your soil regularly to understand its health. That insight ensures you’re applying the right fertilizer to maximize the health and appearance of your grass.
As you can see, you can make plenty of mistakes when caring for your yard. If you need expert guidance and professional Austin lawn care service, turn to Sullivan’s Landscaping & Lawn Services. We’re a full-service lawn care company proudly serving residential and commercial property owners in Austin and the surrounding areas.
We care about satisfaction and go the extra mile to ensure you’re satisfied. Our team strives to maintain honesty, transparency and reliability. At Sullivan’s, we stay current on the latest lawn care practices to ensure we can keep your property thriving. We’re also fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. You can turn to Sullivan’s Landscaping & Lawn Services for irrigation, new lawn installation, ongoing Austin lawn care, property clean-ups, outdoor lighting, landscaping design and more.
Call us today at (512) 599-4565 or complete our online contact form for your free job quote. We’re eager to hear from you and help you get a lawn you’re proud of!
