Myth 1: Spring is the best time for dandelion control
While it is wise to dig and/or spray drifts of dandelions in spring – before they go to seed – you’ll do better attacking them in autumn. Dandelions are perennial weeds that shift food stores into roots in autumn. Applying a weed killer then and the plant will deliver it to the roots, killing the weed completely.
Myth 2: Leaving grass clippings on the lawn will create thatch
Grass clippings are 75 to 80 percent water and decompose quickly, adding nitrogen to soil. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing is called grass-cycling and actually saves you time and money but only if the clippings are quite small and not too deep when left on the lawn.
Myth 3: Wearing spiked shoes helps aerate the lawn
While you can buy spiked shoes touted for aerating lawns, you won’t achieve full aeration using them. Spiked shoes don’t work too well because they impact too small an area and can further compact already compacted soil. The best way to aerate a lawn is to extract plugs of soil. But don’t throw out those spiked shoes. Studies have shown you can use spiked shoes to kill grubs.
Myth 4: You won’t have to mow as often if you cut the grass short
If you cut the lawn super short, you may add a few days between mowings, but you also risk damaging the lawn. Grass that’s too short allows sunlight to reach weeds which can grow quickly and battle the turf for space. Shorter grass also has shallower root system which means it can be easily affected by drought. For the healthiest lawn, never remove more than one-third of the total blade surface at any one mowing.
Myth 5: Daily watering is necessary to grow a healthy lawn
How much water your lawn needs depends on a variety of factors, including grass type, natural rainfall, air temperature and soil type. Infrequent, deep watering is better than frequent, short watering as it results in a lawn with deeper, healthy roots and fewer diseases.
Myth 6: You must rake and remove all leaves that fall
Thick layers of autumn leaves can smother grass and allow disease to develop, but you don’t really have to rake up all the leaves to keep your lawn in great shape. As an alternative, mow over leaves a few times, chopping them into small pieces that will decompose on the lawn.
If you have any myths you’re just not sure about contact the team at Daleys Turf for expert advice.
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