Any homeowner can tell you that a well-manicured yard takes time and effort. But some people make it harder on themselves than they have to. Mistakes can set you back or even damage your grass. Getting it right the first time protects your lawn and prevents unnecessary work. So, we've compiled a list of dos and don'ts that every homeowner needs to know. Read on to learn how to keep your grass green in Charlotte, North Carolina.

4 Lawn Care Don’ts in Charlotte, NC

1. Don't plant the wrong type of grass

Deciding which turf to plant is the first step in establishing a new lawn. Certain grass varieties are better suited for different areas of North Carolina. Charlotte, for example, is in the Piedmont region of the state. Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue all do well in this region. But also consider how much shade and sun your yard gets. For example, Bermudagrass does very poorly in the shade where bluegrass will thrive. Lawn care professionals can help you determine which variety best suits your lawn.

2. Don't water at the wrong time

Did you know there is a wrong and right time to water? Dousing the grass in the day's heat is inefficient because some liquid evaporates before it reaches the roots. Watering at night is also out because wet, dark conditions breed fungus. So, early morning is the optimal time to soak the grass. That way, water has time to permeate the soil, but then the lawn dries out before disease can set in.

3. Don't under or over water

Everyone knows plants won't grow without water. And many yards are brown in North Carolina due to unusually dry summers. Fortunately, some hardy grass varieties, such as Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, are drought-tolerant. Therefore, watering a couple of times a week is usually sufficient. In fact, over watering can be more of an issue than under watering. Too much water saturates the soil and drowns the roots. In addition, waterlogged soil is a breeding ground for lawn disease.

4. Don't cut too low

Some homeowners cut as short as possible so they won't have to mow as frequently. Don't be that guy. Grass needs its blades to photosynthesize. Mowing too low can scalp the turf to the stems, which then scorch in the hot North Carolina sun. The right cut height depends on your type of turf. For a Kentucky bluegrass / tall fescue mix, set the blades to 2.5 - 3.5 inches. In contrast, you'll want to cut Bermudagrass slightly lower, around 1 - 2 inches.

4 Lawn Care Dos in Charlotte, NC

1. Do Aerate and dethatch your soil

Aeration is key to a lush, healthy lawn. Over the year, a loose layer of organic matter, called thatch, forms between the grass and soil. This compacts the ground, cuts off air circulation, and blocks water and nutrients from reaching the roots. When you remove the thatch and then introduce tiny holes, the soil opens up and directs water, air, and nutrients downward, letting the grass build a robust root system.

2. Do maintain your mower

At the start of the mowing season, change your lawnmower's oil. You'll also want to clean or replace the spark plug and air filter. Inspect the blades for nicks, dents, or rust. Only remove them when they show signs of dullness. Sharpening too often lowers their lifespan and makes them dull faster.

3. Do use pre-emergent herbicides

Sure, weeds make your lawn look tacky. What's worse is they compete with your grass for needed resources. The best defense is to stop them before they grow. Weed preventers stop unwanted plants from sprouting in the first place. In Charlotte, we see a lot of dandelions, clover, crabgrass, and poa annua. You can control these common North Carolina weeds with the right mix of pre-emergent herbicides.

4. Do hire professionals

A gorgeous yard boosts curb appeal and property value. So, you want lawn care done right the first time. Lawn care professionals have the experience and expertise to protect your yard all year. Killingsworth offers affordable lawn maintenance services to help you combat weeds, pests, and diseases. Call 704-833-8716 or get a free quote online.