Trying to keep a healthy lawn can feel like a lot of work year-round. There’s so much advice out there, and not all of it is true. From watering schedules to how fertilizing works and best practices for mowing, it’s easy to get confused. Having helped homeowners and landscapers in the Okanagan for decades, needless to say, we know what works and what’s mostly myth. Here’s a guide to help your lawn thrive, without the guesswork.
Myth 1: You Need to Water Your Lawn Every Day
Many people think a little water for the grass every day is best. In reality, frequent shallow watering can harm your plant roots. It encourages shallow growth and weak grass.
Instead, water deeply but less often. Aim for a deep soak once or twice a week. This helps roots grow downward and makes your lawn more drought-resistant. Cool season grass like Kentucky bluegrass benefits most from deep watering. Your lawn will be stronger and healthier.
Myth 2: Skipping mowing in Early Summer Will Help the Lawn
Some homeowners let their grass grow long in early summer, thinking it will help reset the lawn after winter.Unfortunately, what one may interpret as giving the lawn a rest period to bounce back can do the opposite. Letting grass get too tall can stress it. For healthy lawn growth in summer, mow your lawn. Keep your mower blades sharp and try to cut no more than a third of the blade at a time. This will keep your grass dense and strong. Dense grass naturally crowds out weeds. It also reduces stress during hot summer months.
Myth 3: Fertilizing Once a Year Is Enough for a Healthy Lawn
Many think one fertilizer application will keep the lawn green all year. It doesn’t. Fertilizing at key times – i.e. early fall and early summer – supports root growth and helps grass recover from stress.
Here’s a few tips to keep in your back-pocket. Cool season grasses benefit from fertilizing in early fall. It helps grass recover from summer heat and prepares it for winter. Warm season grass does better with fertilization during active growth in summer. Timing is key.
Myth 4: All Grass Seed Is the Same
Not all grass seed is created equal. Far from it. Choosing the wrong type of grass can make your lawn struggle. Kentucky bluegrass works well for cool season grass lawns. It has a rich green colour and recovers well from damage. Other grasses like ryegrass or fescue blends have different strengths.Match your grass seed to your climate, soil, and sun exposure. The right seed ensures a healthy lawn and reduces dead grass or patchy areas.
Myth 5: Weeds Are Inevitable and There Is Nothing That Can Be Done
Weeds can be frustrating, no doubt. Many people think they’re impossible to control. The truth? Strong, healthy grass naturally crowds out weeds.
Remove weeds quickly before they go to seed. For bare or weak spots, reseed and fertilize. Over time, a dense lawn reduces the chance of weeds growing. Cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue thrive when given care, making weeds less of an issue.
Myth 6: Overseeding Isn’t Worth the Effort
Some people skip overseeding, thinking it won’t help. Actually, overseeding helps fill bare spots and thickens your lawn. It’s a simple way to boost lawn health.
For best results, keep newly seeded areas lightly watered until roots establish. Then switch to deep, infrequent watering to strengthen roots. Overseeding also helps lawns recover from stress and damage.
Myth 7: Dead Grass Means You Must Replace the Lawn
Seeing dead grass can be discouraging. But you don’t always need to replace your lawn. Often, repair is enough.
Remove debris, rake lightly, reseed, and water deeply. Within a few weeks, grass should start growing again. Even tough spots can recover with the right care. You might be surprised how resilient your lawn can be.
Myth 8: Grass Doesn’t Need Care in Early Fall
Some think grass just rests in early fall and that, after summer, your job for your lawn as a property owner is pretty much done.
Actually, early fall is one of the best times to improve your lawn. This is when cool season grass establishes strong plant roots. Fertilize and overseed during this time for better growth next spring. Water and mow as usual, but focus on strengthening the lawn. Fall care pays off in spring.
Myth 9: Thatch Is Always Bad
You may have heard that thatch – a layer of dead grass between soil and green grass – is harmful. A little thatch is normal. It protects the soil and retains moisture. Problems only arise when it gets too thick. Regular raking or dethatching in spring or fall keeps your lawn healthy.
So, all in all, don’t panic if you see some thatch. It’s part of a natural, healthy lawn system.
Taking Simple Steps for a Beautiful, Healthy Lawn is Easy with Lavington Turf Farms
A beautiful lawn doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s not about expensive gadgets or tricky shortcuts. It’s about consistent, smart care.
Start by knowing your type of grass, whether it’s cool season grass like Kentucky bluegrass or a warm season grass suited to your yard. Water deeply, not too often, to encourage strong root growth. Keep your mower blades sharp and cut no more than a third of the grass blade at a time. Fertilize at the right times – early fall and early summer – and repair any bare spots promptly.
As we have gone into here, we cannot emphasize it enough to please ignore the myths you see online. Following these simple, proven steps helps your lawn thrive naturally. Cool season grasses will stay lush and green, weeds will be fewer, and your roots will grow stronger and more resilient. Even warm season grass or lawns that have been stressed by heat, drought, or pests can recover with consistent care.
Take the guesswork out of lawn care and enjoy a vibrant, healthy yard year-round. For expert advice, quality grass seed, or sod installation to help your lawn look its best, contact Lavington Turf Farms today. Our team can guide you on the right grass type for your home, provide the tools and materials you need, and help you achieve a lawn you’ll love all season long.
