Spring Lawn Care Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Spring Lawn Care Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Spring Lawn Care Myths You Need to Stop Believing

As the weather warms up, we start hearing a lot of bad lawn advice floating around. Every year, homeowners make the same mistakes because they follow outdated tips or quick fixes that do more harm than good. Let’s set the record straight and bust some of the most common spring lawn care myths so you can start the season off right.

Myth #1: Spring is the Best Time to Aerate

Aeration is great—but spring is the worst time to do it. Punching holes in your lawn in early spring disrupts your pre-emergent weed control, giving crabgrass and weeds a perfect opportunity to take over. It also stresses out your lawn when it should be focused on growing strong roots for the season.

✅ The right move: Save aeration for the fall when it actually helps your lawn thicken up and recover before winter.

Myth #2: You Should Dethatch Right Away in Spring

Dethatching can be beneficial, but doing it too early in the season can rip up tender new grass before it has a chance to wake up. A little thatch is actually good—it helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.

✅ The right move: If you really need to dethatch, wait until late spring or early summer, when the lawn is actively growing and can handle the stress.

Myth #3: More Fertilizer Means Faster Growth

Dumping a ton of fertilizer in early spring won’t make your lawn grow faster—it’ll just lead to weak, overgrown grass that’s more vulnerable to disease. Your lawn needs a balanced approach with the right nutrients at the right time.

✅ The right move: Start with a controlled-release fertilizer that feeds your lawn gradually, rather than a heavy dose that causes a growth surge followed by burnout.

Myth #4: Pre-Emergent Can Wait Until Later in the Season

Timing is everything when it comes to pre-emergent weed control. If you wait too long, crabgrass and other weeds will already be sprouting, and once they’re up, there’s no stopping them.

✅ The right move: Apply pre-emergent in early spring—before soil temperatures hit 55°F. This keeps crabgrass and other annual weeds from ever getting started.

Myth #5: Cutting Grass Short Means Less Mowing

Scalping your lawn (cutting it too short) stresses the grass, weakens the roots, and lets weeds take over. A healthy lawn needs a proper mowing height to stay thick and resilient.

✅ The right move: Keep your grass at 3 to 3.5 inches for strong root growth and natural weed suppression.

Start Spring the Right Way

The best lawn care isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things at the right time. Avoid these common spring mistakes and you’ll have a healthier, greener lawn all season long.

Need help getting started? We’ve got your back. Contact us today to schedule your pre-emergent application, fertilization, or mowing service so your lawn gets off to the best possible start!