Many Americans opt to hire a lawn company to manage their lawn because the workers bring a lot of value to the table. DIY lawn care can be rife with frustration. There are so many misconceptions about lawn care, that it can be difficult to determine what is true and what is false. A lawn company may even share some common misconceptions and why you should stop believing them. Let's look at a few.

How Often You Need to Water

One of the biggest misconceptions is how much water a lawn needs. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, about 32% of Americans don't know how much their lawn should be watered. The surprising answer is: you don't have to water your lawn every day. If you do, your grass may become dependent on that daily dose of water. It's best to water your lawn less frequently over longer periods. This allows the grass to remain somewhat self-sufficient and obtain its nutrients through deeper roots. Over time, less frequent watering can save you a lot of money.

How Short to Cut the Grass

There is a misconception that if you cut your grass shorter, it will take longer to grow back, eliminating the need to mow as often. While it is true that it will take longer to grow back, your grass doesn't actually like being cut super low. More frequent mows with less of a cut each time is a better way to care for your lawn. Don't cut your lawn too low, or you risk killing it or making it turn brown.

Whether Grass Clippings Are Bad for Your Lawn

It's okay to leave grass clippings on your lawn. In fact, it's good for your lawn to leave the clippings there. Lawn clippings return valuable nutrients to the soil. There is a misconception that grass clippings create thatch. Over-watering and over-fertilizing your lawn will create thatch, not grass clippings. Leave the clippings behind. They won't hurt the lawn.

When to Fertilize

Many people fertilize in the spring, which isn't the best time to do so. There is a misconception that grass prefers fertilization in the spring, but you should actually do it during the summer when it's actively growing. Another misconception about fertilizing your lawn is that using "tonics" of beer, soda, hydrogen peroxide, and other liquids can bolster the advantages. In reality, it's just not good for your lawn.

It's best not to believe everything that you read about lawn care. Hire a lawn company to manage your lawn and take the guesswork out of lawn care. Call Archway Lawn Care today for more information or to get started with our services.