Seven Lawn Care Myths Dispelled

April 23, 2024

Everyone seems to have lawn advice. Some of it’s helpful, but you may have learned that a lot of it isn’t. If you’ve ever followed tips that didn’t work—or made things worse—you’re not alone. There’s a ton of outdated or flat-out wrong info floating around. 

In today’s blog, we are going to set the record straight and clear up a few of the most common myths.

Myth 1: You Should Water Every Day

Daily watering might feel like you’re giving your lawn extra love when the Colorado sunshine is relentless. But it actually does more harm than good. Light, frequent watering keeps moisture near the surface, and this pattern trains grass to grow weak, shallow roots. That means it’ll struggle in heat or drought. What works better is to water deeply just two or three times a week. Your grass will grow stronger and deeper roots. And for best results, do it early in the morning before the sun gets too aggressive.

This is all part and parcel of irrigation management, and it can be made easier with smart watering systems and drip irrigation upgrades. 

Myth 2: Shorter Grass Is Easier to Maintain

It sounds logical: cut it short, mow less often. But mowing too low (aka scalping) puts your lawn under stress. It exposes the soil, dries out faster, and gives weeds a better shot at taking over. Plus, it weakens the grass by limiting root growth, as shorter grass doesn’t require deeper roots. 

The right height depends on your grass type, but in general, taller is stronger.

Myth 3: More Fertilizer = Healthier Lawn

Dumping extra fertilizer won’t give you greener grass; it’ll just burn it. Overfertilizing can also lead to disease, runoff, and a lawn that looks worse, not better. Timing, type, and quantity all matter. This includes season-specific fertilizers to give your lawn exactly what it needs when it needs it—more on that (and seeding) later. 

Myth 4: Brown Spots Mean Your Lawn Is Dead

Brown grass doesn’t always equal dead grass. In many cases, it’s just dormant. Cool-season grasses often go brown in the summer to conserve energy, while warm-season grasses do the same in winter. That’s completely normal, and it’s usually reversible with proper seasonal care.

Other causes are more specific. If patches feel spongy underfoot and lift easily, you could have grubs eating the roots. A targeted insecticide usually clears them out. If you see irregular brown spots with a yellow ring, you’re likely dealing with fungal disease, often caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or mowing too short. Treating fungus may require adjusting watering habits and applying a lawn-safe fungicide.

Don’t forget environmental stress, either. Pet urine, dull mower blades, and compacted soil can all result in brown patches. The fix could be as simple as improving mowing technique or aerating, but it often takes a professional eye to nail down the cause and the most effective solution.

Myth 5: Spring Is the Only Time to Seed and Fertilize

Most lawns in Colorado use cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, and these types actually respond best to seeding and fertilizing in early fall. Cooler temperatures help new grass establish strong roots without fighting off weeds or suffering from heat stress.

Spring seeding can work, but it takes more attention; timing has to be perfect, and with the volatile weather patterns we see during the northern Colorado springtime, you’ll need to be careful to avoid frosts and snows. Fertilizing in spring helps with initial growth and bringing out the green, but fall fertilizing is really what strengthens roots before winter. Summer feeding can support recovery during drought, but only if done cautiously. As we mentioned, summer fertilizing can cause damage if you’re not careful. Timing and strategy matter more than season alone.

Myth 6: Weeds Only Show Up If You Ignore Your Lawn

Even the best-kept lawn isn’t immune to weeds. Seeds travel by wind, animals, shoes—you name it. A sudden rainstorm or warm spell can help them sprout overnight. Regular mowing, smart watering, and pre-emergent treatments go a long way to keep weeds from growing, and manual removal is the best way to cull the ones that do appear without spreading their seeds further. 

Myth 7: Lawn Care Is a One-Size-Fits-All Job

No two lawns are the same. Soil, grass type, shade, and drainage all change what your yard needs. That generic advice you hear might not work for you (including, unfortunately, some of the information in this article). Smart lawn care means creating a custom plan specifically designed for your property’s unique conditions. This is why it pays to have a professional come check out your property in person. 

Give Your Lawn the Care It Deserves

Lawn myths can lead you down the wrong path, costing you time, money, and headaches. If you want expert advice (not legends and old wives’ tales) and a personalized plan that actually works, don’t hesitate to reach out. Lindgren Landscape is here to help your lawn look its best, no guesswork required. Contact us today and let’s get started!