Top Lawn Care Myths to Avoid This Spring: Separate Fact from Fiction in Macomb and Oakland Counties

When it comes to lawn care, there’s no shortage of advice out there. But not all lawn care tips are created equal! This spring, avoid the most common lawn care myths that could be hurting your lawn rather than helping it. Let’s clear up the confusion and get your lawn off to the best start possible in Macomb and Oakland counties.

In this post, we’ll debunk some of the top lawn care myths that can lead homeowners astray. By setting the record straight, you’ll be able to care for your lawn with confidence and make informed decisions that support healthy grass growth.

1. Myth: "Mowing Your Lawn Really Short Will Reduce Maintenance"

Why it's a myth:

Many homeowners believe that cutting their grass as short as possible will reduce the need for mowing, but that’s actually a mistake. Short mowing can stress the grass, leading to shallow roots, increased vulnerability to weeds, and a less healthy lawn overall.

Fact:

Cutting your grass too short (often called "scalping") removes the grass’s ability to photosynthesize properly. Aim to mow your grass at the optimal height for your grass type—usually around 3.5 inches for most cool-season grasses in Michigan.

Tip:

If you’re looking to reduce maintenance, try mowing regularly but at a moderate height to keep your grass healthy.

2. Myth: "You Only Need to Water Your Lawn When It Looks Dry"

Why it's a myth:

Waiting until your lawn looks dry to water it can lead to stress on the grass and shallow root growth, making it more susceptible to drought.

Fact:

Lawns should be watered deeply and consistently, not just when they look dry. The goal is to keep the soil moist at a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening helps minimize evaporation.

Tip:

During the growing season, your lawn needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once or twice a week rather than shallow watering more frequently.

3. Myth: "Over-Fertilizing Makes Your Lawn Greener"

Why it's a myth:

While fertilizing is important, over-fertilizing can do more harm than good. Too much fertilizer can burn your grass, lead to excessive growth, and even pollute local waterways due to runoff.

Fact:

It’s important to use the right amount of fertilizer and apply it at the proper time. Spring is the ideal time for a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth without overwhelming the lawn.

Tip:

For Michigan lawns, fertilizing in early spring (April to May) and again in late fall (September to October) is typically best.

4. Myth: "Grass Will Grow Better if You Use Any Type of Seed"

Why it's a myth:

Not all grass seed is created equal! Different grass types thrive in different climates, and choosing the wrong one for Michigan’s cool-season climate can result in poor growth.

Fact:

In Michigan, cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, and Perennial Ryegrass are the best options for a healthy lawn. These grasses thrive in spring and fall when temperatures are cooler, making them ideal for our climate.

Tip:

Choose grass seed that’s specifically formulated for Michigan’s climate. A mix of cool-season grasses will help ensure your lawn grows thick, healthy, and resilient.

5. Myth: "Thick Grass Means Healthy Grass"

Why it's a myth:

While thick grass can be a sign of a well-maintained lawn, it doesn’t automatically mean the grass is healthy. Overcrowded grass can struggle to develop deep roots and may also suffer from disease or pest issues.

Fact:

Healthy grass is a combination of good growth and proper lawn care, not just thickness. Proper watering, mowing, aeration, and fertilization all contribute to a healthier, more resilient lawn.

Tip:

Avoid overcrowding by regularly aerating your lawn and using the correct amount of fertilizer to encourage deep root growth.

6. Myth: "Weeds Are Only an Issue in Summer"

Why it's a myth:

Many homeowners think that weeds only become a problem in the summer, but in reality, weeds start growing as soon as the ground warms up in spring.

Fact:Weeds can be a problem year-round. Early spring is a great time to prevent them with pre-emergent herbicides that target weed seeds before they can germinate. You should also spot-treat existing weeds as they appear.

Tip:

If you have a weed problem, treat it in early spring before it spreads. For persistent weeds, use a combination of pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control methods.

7. Myth: "You Don’t Need to Aerate Your Lawn Every Year"

Why it's a myth:

Many homeowners believe that aeration is a one-time fix, but in reality, it should be done regularly, especially in areas with compacted soil or heavy foot traffic.

Fact:

Aerating your lawn every year (especially in Michigan’s clay-heavy soil) helps reduce soil compaction, improves root growth, and allows better water and nutrient absorption.

Tip:

The best time to aerate is in early spring or fall. If your lawn has heavy traffic or is especially compacted, consider aerating every year.

8. Myth: "Lawn Care Doesn’t Need to Start Until It’s Warm"

Why it's a myth:

Some homeowners wait until the weather is warm before starting their lawn care routine, but early spring is the perfect time to begin.

Fact:

Spring lawn care begins as soon as the ground thaws. Early tasks like lawn cleaning, aeration, fertilization, and even overseeding can help give your lawn a head start before the growing season kicks into high gear.

Tip:

Once the snow melts and the soil is workable (usually in early April), it’s time to begin preparing your lawn for the season.

This spring, be mindful of common lawn care myths that could be costing you time and money. By understanding the truth behind these myths and using proven lawn care techniques, you'll set your lawn up for success throughout the year.

If you’re in Macomb or Oakland counties and need professional lawn care services, contact H2FLO Systems. We can help you navigate the best practices for a beautiful, healthy lawn this spring and beyond.