5 Common Lawn Care Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Most lawn problems trace back to a handful of habits that are easy to fix. Tweak these and you’ll see fast improvement—often within a few weeks.

1. Mowing too short (scalping): Follow the 1/3 rule—never remove more than a third of the blade in one cut. Higher mowing shades soil, reduces weeds, and deepens roots.
2. Shallow, frequent watering: Water deeply and less often to train roots down. Most lawns thrive on ~1 inch/week total.
3. Guessing on fertilizer: Get a soil test and follow seasonal rates. Too much nitrogen creates thatch, disease, and rapid—weak—top growth.
4. Ignoring soil health: Aerate compacted areas, add organic matter, and keep thatch under ½".
5. Skipping prep before seeding: Seed needs soil contact. Rake, dethatch, and consider aeration before overseeding.

Planning to thicken the lawn? Read When to Overseed Your Lawn (By Region) for timing, prep, and aftercare. And protect your gains with How to Winterize Your Yard in One Weekend.