{"id":13387,"date":"2022-10-21T15:52:19","date_gmt":"2022-10-21T15:52:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=13387"},"modified":"2026-10-12T19:27:06","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T19:27:06","slug":"beginners-guide-lawn-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-lawn-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Lawn Care: Mowing to Weeding"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Start with soil and grass type:<\/strong> A soil test and knowing whether you grow cool-season or warm-season grass guide every other lawn care decision.<br>\u2022 <strong>Mow high and water deeply:<\/strong> Cut no more than one-third of the grass blade at once, and water about 1 inch per week, including rain.<br>\u2022 <strong>Time tasks to your grass type:<\/strong> Fertilize, aerate, and overseed cool-season lawns mainly in fall and warm-season lawns in late spring and early summer.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Successful lawn care for beginners starts with learning your soil and grass type. Then you mow, water, fertilize, and control weeds on a seasonal schedule that suits your grass.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide covers soil testing, grass types, and the core tasks of watering, mowing, fertilizing, and weed control. You&#8217;ll also find seasonal chores, a lawn care schedule, basic tools, pest and disease tips, and common beginner mistakes.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Short on weekends? LawnLove&#8217;s local pros can take over the mowing, and our <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">lawn treatment service<\/a> covers fertilizing.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-cd48c912-324b-464e-9e13-49b7bb9b2acc\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-lawn-care\/#0-start-with-your-soil-and-grass-type\" style=\"\">Start with your soil and grass type<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-lawn-care\/#7-basic-lawn-care-tools-for-beginners\" style=\"\">Basic lawn care tools for beginners<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-lawn-care\/#8-essential-lawn-care-tasks\" style=\"\">Essential lawn care tasks<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-lawn-care\/#13-seasonal-lawn-care-tasks\" style=\"\">Seasonal lawn care tasks<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-lawn-care\/#18-lawn-care-schedule-by-season\" style=\"\">Lawn care schedule by season<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-lawn-care\/#19-how-to-handle-lawn-pests-and-diseases\" style=\"\">How to handle lawn pests and diseases<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-lawn-care\/#22-common-lawn-care-mistakes-beginners-make\" style=\"\">Common lawn care mistakes beginners make<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-lawn-care\/#23-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-start-with-your-soil-and-grass-type\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"start-with-your-soil-and-grass-type\">Start with your soil and grass type<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, test your soil and identify your grass type. A soil test, repeated every 2 to 3 years, shows which nutrients your lawn lacks and whether the pH needs adjusting. Your grass type, cool-season or warm-season, then sets the calendar for mowing, fertilizing, and seeding.<\/p>    <comment data-content=\" Removed this photo \u2014 credit information is incomplete (missing: Name, License). Replacement could not be sourced in this session; flagged for manual sourcing (Lawn Love photo first, licensed stock second, never AI-generated). Original: https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/soil-g67ddc50da_1920-1.jpg \"><\/comment>    <h3 id=\"1-test-your-soil\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"test-your-soil\">Test your soil<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthy soil is the foundation of a resilient lawn. Just like your body needs vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to function at its best, your lawn needs the same to grow properly.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have your <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-soil-test-your-lawn\/\">soil tested<\/a> in a laboratory every 2 to 3 years. That\u2019s the interval North Carolina State University (NC State) gives in its <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/content.ces.ncsu.edu\/extension-gardener-handbook\/9-lawns\">extension gardener handbook<\/a>. A do-it-yourself (DIY) kit gives a quick read in between.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Here\u2019s what a soil test can tell you:<\/strong><\/p>    <h4 id=\"2-soil-type\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"soil-type\">Soil type<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your soil type shapes how often you water and aerate. A lab test reports the share of sand, silt, and clay in your soil, which tells you how it holds water and air.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The 4 most common <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/complete-guide-different-soil-types\/\"><strong>soil types<\/strong><\/a><strong> are:<\/strong><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Soil type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Texture and drainage<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What it means for your lawn<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Clay<\/td><td>Very fine texture; holds water like a sponge<\/td><td>Water less often, but watch for compaction that starves roots of air<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sandy<\/td><td>Coarse texture; drains fast<\/td><td>Water more often, since sandy soil doesn\u2019t hold moisture<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Silty<\/td><td>Medium-sized particles between clay and sand<\/td><td>Moves nutrients to roots better than clay, but can compact<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Loamy<\/td><td>Mix of clay, sand, and silt<\/td><td>The ideal soil: holds moisture, drains well, and is fertile<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are also combinations of soil types, such as silty clay, sandy clay, and clay loam.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A soil test will also tell you about your soil\u2019s fertility, salt levels, and organic matter percentage. All these aspects can help you take care of your lawn so that it continues to be healthy for years to come.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> If your lawn is large, you might have different soil types in different areas, so make sure you sample multiple locations on your landscape when conducting your soil test.<\/p>    <h4 id=\"3-ph-level\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"ph-level\">pH level<\/span><\/h4>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_1soil-ph.jpg\" alt=\"illustration showing the pH levels of soil\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">illustration showing the pH levels of soil Photo Credit: Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just knowing if your soil comprises sand or clay isn\u2019t enough. You also need to know if it\u2019s acidic or alkaline (or somewhere in between), which is what the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-change-soil-ph\/\">pH level<\/a> will tell you.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pH is measured on a scale from 0 to 14; any number below 7 means the soil is acidic. Numbers above 7 mean the soil is alkaline. A pH of 7 means the soil is neutral.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Most turfgrasses grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.<\/strong> <strong>A pH that is too high or too low can lead to nutrient deficiencies and a weaker lawn:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Too acidic (pH below 6.0):<\/strong> You\u2019ll most likely need to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/different-types-of-soil-amendments\/\">amend your soil<\/a> with <strong>lime<\/strong> to raise the pH.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Too alkaline (pH above 7.0):<\/strong> Add <strong>sulfur<\/strong> to lower the pH.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joseph Demkovich, brand president at <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.heroeslawncare.com\/\"><span style=\"color: inherit;\">Heroes Lawn Care<\/span><\/a> in Austin, Texas, says there are visual signs your soil pH is off.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;If your yard&#8217;s going patchy and yellow even though you&#8217;ve been fertilizing it or moss is starting to take over, there&#8217;s a good chance your soil pH is off,&#8221; Demkovich says.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-understand-your-grass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"understand-your-grass\">Understand your grass<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing the type of grass you have is crucial because it determines your care routine. Different types of grass need specific treatments at different times. For example, each grass type has a different growth cycle that determines watering and fertilizing.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are 2 categories of grass types: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h4 id=\"5-warm-season-grasses\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"warm-season-grasses\">Warm-season grasses<\/span><\/h4>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_warm-season-growth-v2.png\" alt=\"illustration showing growth timeline for warm-season grass\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">illustration showing growth timeline for warm-season grass Photo Credit: Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you live in the Southern states, you probably have <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-calendar-warm-season-grass\/\">warm-season grass<\/a>. These species thrive in summer heat and grow most actively from late spring through summer. <strong>Warm-season grass types include:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Bahiagrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Bermudagrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Centipedegrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>St. Augustinegrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Zoysiagrass<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Warm-season grasses generally handle drought better than cool-season grasses thanks to deep roots. They grow during the summer and go dormant and brown when temperatures cool in fall.<\/p>    <h4 id=\"6-cool-season-grasses\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"cool-season-grasses\">Cool-season grasses<\/span><\/h4>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_cool-season-growth-v2.png\" alt=\"illustration showing growth timeline for cool-season grass\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">illustration showing growth timeline for cool-season grass Photo Credit: Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you live in the Northern states, you probably have <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-calendar-cool-season-grass\/\">cool-season grass<\/a>. Cool-season grasses grow best in the mild weather of spring and fall. <strong>Cool-season grasses include:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Annual ryegrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Bentgrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Fine fescue<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Kentucky bluegrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Perennial ryegrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Tall fescue<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cool-season grasses can go dormant during hot, dry summers and again in cold winters.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not sure which type you have? Take a sample to a local garden center or your county\u2019s cooperative extension office.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/guide-to-grass-types\/\">An Ultimate Guide to Grass Types<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"7-basic-lawn-care-tools-for-beginners\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"basic-lawn-care-tools-for-beginners\">Basic lawn care tools for beginners<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A beginner needs only a handful of basic tools: something to cut the grass, something to water it, and something to spread fertilizer or seed. <strong>Start with these essentials:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Lawn mower:<\/strong> cuts grass to an even height, and a sharp blade gives a cleaner cut.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>String trimmer:<\/strong> trims grass along fences, beds, and other spots the mower can&#8217;t reach.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Garden hose with sprinkler:<\/strong> delivers deep, even watering when rain falls short.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Broadcast spreader:<\/strong> spreads fertilizer, seed, and other granular products evenly across the lawn.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Leaf rake:<\/strong> clears fallen leaves and light debris that can smother grass.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Gloves and safety gear:<\/strong> protect your hands, eyes, and ears when mowing, trimming, or handling lawn products.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Soil test kit:<\/strong> shows your soil&#8217;s pH and nutrient levels before you buy fertilizer.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Core aerator (optional):<\/strong> loosens compacted soil, and renting one makes more sense than buying since you&#8217;ll use it occasionally.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/essential-lawn-care-tools\/\">Essential Lawn Care Tools for Every Homeowner<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"8-essential-lawn-care-tasks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"essential-lawn-care-tasks\">Essential lawn care tasks<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Four tasks keep a lawn healthy week to week: watering, mowing, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. Get these right, and most other lawn problems become easier to prevent.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"9-water-your-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"water-your-lawn\">Water your lawn<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/24704432229_e1b1bb0579_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"A lawn of a house being watered\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Most lawns need about 1 inch of water per week. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/aquamech-utah\/24704432229\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aqua Mechanical<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most lawns need about 1 inch of water per week, including rain, applied deeply and infrequently. <strong>Follow these tips to get the most out of your <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-often-should-i-water-my-lawn-with-a-sprinkler-system\/\"><strong>watering routine<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Location:<\/strong> The amount of water a lawn needs depends on where you live and the time of year. If you live in an area with a lot of rain and mild weather, you won\u2019t need to irrigate as much as someone living in a desert or somewhere with scorching summers.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Amount:<\/strong> Hot weather and sandy soil call for more water, while cool or rainy weeks need less.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Time of day:<\/strong> Water in the early morning, before 10 a.m., so less water evaporates. Avoid watering at night, which keeps grass wet and invites disease.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>How to water:<\/strong> Water deeply and less often, such as about \u00bd inch every 3 to 4 days, instead of a little every day. Set an empty tuna can on the lawn to see how long your sprinkler takes to fill it.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Demkovich says the tuna can test is a good way to accurately measure if your grass is getting enough water without buying expensive irrigation sensors.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;You can easily track how much water your lawn&#8217;s actually getting by scattering empty tuna cans across the grass before you turn on the sprinklers. Just time how long it takes to collect an inch of water,&#8221; he says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;To see if that water&#8217;s soaking in deep enough, grab a long screwdriver and poke it into the dirt. It should slide in pretty easily about 6 inches down.&#8221;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watering efficiently matters. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/watersense\/statistics-and-facts\">WaterSense statistics<\/a> from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that as much as 50% of outdoor water is lost to wind, evaporation, and runoff from inefficient irrigation.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> A sprinkler with a timer saves time, and a rain sensor shuts it off during storms so your lawn doesn\u2019t get oversaturated.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"10-mow-at-the-right-height\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mow-at-the-right-height\">Mow at the right height<\/span><\/h3>    <comment data-content=\" Removed this photo \u2014 credit information is incomplete (missing: License). Replacement could not be sourced in this session; flagged for manual sourcing (Lawn Love photo first, licensed stock second, never AI-generated). Original: https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/blue-lawnmower_800.jpg \"><\/comment>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mow often enough that you never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at once, and keep the mower at the right height for your grass type. Cutting too low is the fastest way to damage your grass when <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-mow-lawn\/\">mowing your lawn<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When your grass is too tall<\/strong>, it becomes an ideal environment for pests and fungi to multiply. In addition, if you let your grass grow too much, the long clippings won\u2019t decompose and may damage your lawn, preventing it from absorbing enough water and nutrients.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When it\u2019s too short<\/strong>, it won\u2019t be able to photosynthesize properly, which can hinder root growth and make it vulnerable to pests and disease.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Clemson Cooperative Extension backs this <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/factsheet\/mowing-lawns\/\">mowing rule-of-thumb<\/a>. Sharpen your mower blades at least once a year to reduce tearing.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mowing your grass too low is known as scalping, and while it may be a good idea in certain instances, in general, you should avoid <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-lawn-scalping\/\">scalping your lawn<\/a>, as it stresses and weakens your turfgrass.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;You scalp it, it can&#8217;t soak up sunlight anymore and the roots basically starve,&#8221; Demkovich says. &#8220;Your lawn needs those grass blades to feed itself. When you chop them down to the dirt, the plant goes into survival mode and uses up all its stored energy trying to grow new leaves, and the roots end up drying out. &#8220;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Here are the recommended mowing heights for each grass type:<\/strong><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Grass type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Optimal mowing height<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bahiagrass<\/td><td>2 to 4 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bermudagrass<\/td><td>0.5 to 2 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Centipedegrass<\/td><td>1.5 to 2 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fine fescue<\/td><td>2.5 to 3 inches (summer)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kentucky bluegrass<\/td><td>1.5 to 2.5 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Perennial ryegrass<\/td><td>1 to 2.5 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>St. Augustinegrass<\/td><td>2.5 to 4 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tall fescue<\/td><td>3 to 3.5 inches (summer)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Zoysiagrass<\/td><td>1 to 2 inches<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Source: Clemson Cooperative Extension mowing heights table and NC State Extension (Kentucky bluegrass and bahiagrass).<\/em><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember that grass grows at different rates depending on the season and the species. Warm-season grasses need to be mowed more frequently during the summer while cool-season grasses require more upkeep during the spring and fall.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"11-fertilize-your-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fertilize-your-lawn\">Fertilize your lawn<\/span><\/h3>    <comment data-content=\" Removed this photo \u2014 credit information is incomplete (missing: Name, License). Replacement could not be sourced in this session; flagged for manual sourcing (Lawn Love photo first, licensed stock second, never AI-generated). Original: https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/overseeding-800.jpg \"><\/comment>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want the grass to be greener on <em>your<\/em> side, feed it the nutrients your soil test says it lacks. <strong>Turfgrass needs 3 primary nutrients:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Nitrogen (N)<\/strong> supports leafy growth and vibrant green color.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Phosphorus (P) <\/strong>aids in root development.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Potassium (K) <\/strong>contributes to disease resistance and overall stress tolerance.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>There are 2 common types of fertilizer:<\/strong><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Fertilizer type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Liquid (applied with a sprayer or hose-end bottle)<\/td><td>Easy to apply and quickly absorbed<\/td><td>Costs more and needs more frequent applications<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Granular (applied with a spreader)<\/td><td>Cheaper and feeds the lawn longer<\/td><td>Harder to spread evenly and slower to act<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Timing is everything when it comes to <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-fertilizer-basics-what-to-look-for-in-your-fertilizer\/\"><strong>fertilizing your yard<\/strong><\/a><strong>, and the best time differs by grass type:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Cool-season grasses:<\/strong> Fertilize mainly in fall, with a lighter feeding in spring.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Warm-season grasses:<\/strong> Fertilize from late spring through summer, while the grass is actively growing.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Warning:<\/strong> Excess fertilizer can burn your lawn and wash into nearby waterways. Read the label and apply only the amount listed for your lawn\u2019s square footage.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf you apply too much fertilizer, it will \u2018burn\u2019 the plants,\u201d says James A. Murphy, director of the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science in New Brunswick, New Jersey.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Demkovich says the biggest mistake beginners make is applying too much nitrogen on a struggling lawn to make their grass grow.<br><br>&#8220;Don&#8217;t make the mistake of dumping a bunch of high-nitrogen fertilizer on a sad-looking lawn and thinking it&#8217;ll fix everything,&#8221; he says. &#8220;Pushing all that top growth on weak roots is just gonna mess it up.&#8221;<br><br><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> When you are searching for a good fertilizer, look for an N-P-K ratio that suits your lawn\u2019s needs. As an example, a fertilizer that is labeled as 25-10-15 has a ratio of 25% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 15% potassium.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"12-control-weeds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-weeds\">Control weeds<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Person-pulling-weeds-in-a-lawn.jpg\" alt=\"Person pulling weeds in a lawn\" class=\"wp-image-20687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Person-pulling-weeds-in-a-lawn.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Person-pulling-weeds-in-a-lawn-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Person-pulling-weeds-in-a-lawn-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Person-pulling-weeds-in-a-lawn-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Weeds compete with your grass for nutrients and space. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Broad-leaved_Button_Weed_(10023522563).jpg\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dinesh Valke<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Weeds are the bane of any homeowner\u2019s existence. They grow anywhere and everywhere, and they\u2019ll ruin your lawn by competing with your grass for nutrients and space if you don\u2019t take care of them.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lawns usually contain 3 <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-lawn-weeds\/\"><strong>types of weeds<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Broadleaf weeds <\/strong>have wide, veiny leaves that are flat. Examples include dandelions, clover, and chickweed.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Grassy weeds<\/strong> have long, narrow leaves with parallel veins, such as crabgrass or foxtail.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Grass-like weeds<\/strong> look a lot like grasses due to their long and thin leaves, but they usually grow faster and have different colorations. Examples include sedges and wild onions.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hand-pulling is an effective but tedious option for weed control, and digging weeds up by hand won\u2019t be feasible if the weed infestation is too large, so you will have to turn to alternative solutions instead.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If you are tired of pulling weeds by hand, herbicides are an effective way to kill weeds:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Pre-emergent herbicides<\/strong> prevent weed seeds from germinating.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Post-emergent herbicides<\/strong> target weeds that are already growing.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, some homeowners don\u2019t want to use chemical weed killers, so there are some natural remedies for getting rid of weeds that you can try, such as a homemade vinegar spray or pouring boiling water on weeds.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You can also prevent weeds without synthetic chemicals by following these tips:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Leave<\/strong> <strong>grass clippings<\/strong> to create a mulch layer that blocks weed seeds from the sun.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Spread<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/corn-gluten-meal-for-weeds\/\"><strong>corn gluten meal<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>in your yard, which can work as a pre-emergent herbicide.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Water deeply<\/strong> so your grass roots grow deeper, and there\u2019s less space for weed roots.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> It\u2019s important to check if the herbicide you\u2019re buying targets the lawn weed you\u2019re trying to get rid of and if it is selective or nonselective.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"13-seasonal-lawn-care-tasks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"seasonal-lawn-care-tasks\">Seasonal lawn care tasks<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond weekly upkeep, a few chores happen once or twice a year: raking leaves, dethatching, aerating, and overseeding or laying sod. Timing matters more than effort with these jobs, so match each one to your grass type and the season.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"14-rake-leaves\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"rake-leaves\">Rake leaves<\/span><\/h3>    <comment data-content=\" Removed this photo \u2014 credit information is incomplete (missing: License). Replacement could not be sourced in this session; flagged for manual sourcing (Lawn Love photo first, licensed stock second, never AI-generated). Original: https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/rake-leaves_800.jpg \"><\/comment>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raking leaves is probably the most tedious part of lawn care, but it\u2019s essential. There are few things worse than a thick mat of moldy leaves on your lawn. It can invite pests and diseases and make grass struggle to photosynthesize.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luckily, there are ways to make raking easier. <strong>Here are some tips for <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-way-to-remove-leaves-from-your-yard\/\"><strong>removing leaves<\/strong><\/a><strong> from your yard:<\/strong><\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Divide your property into sections and rake one area at a time.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Rake with the wind to have gravity on your side.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Get a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-leaf-blowers\/\">leaf blower<\/a> or a leaf blower vacuum (you\u2019ll thank us later).<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Rake the leaves onto a tarp, so you don\u2019t have to bend over every few minutes.<\/p><\/li> <\/ol>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can\u2019t finish in one day? Stomp on the piles so they don\u2019t blow away and pick up where you left off tomorrow. LawnLove\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=leafRemoval\">leaf removal service<\/a> can also save you time and possible back pain.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"15-dethatch-your-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"dethatch-your-lawn\">Dethatch your lawn<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/thatch-illustration.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration comparing healthy grass and unhealthy grass, showing thick thatch layer above soil on unhealthy side and dense roots on healthy side.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Illustration comparing healthy grass and unhealthy grass, showing thick thatch layer above soil on unhealthy side and dense roots on healthy side. Photo Credit: Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over time, dead grass and other organic matter, called thatch, gets trapped at the base of grass blades. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-dethatching\/\">Dethatching your yard<\/a> removes that thick layer of organic matter. Removing thatch allows water and nutrients to reach deeper into your soil, encouraging healthier growth.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dethatching helps keep disease and pests from taking hold in your grass, which means less time spent on maintenance.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A layer of thatch less than \u00bd inch is beneficial and acts as an organic mulch. Once it gets thicker, it becomes a problem.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dethatch only when the layer is thick, at the right time for your grass:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>For <strong>cool-season grasses<\/strong>, dethatch your lawn in the early spring or early fall.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>For <strong>warm-season grasses<\/strong>, dethatch in the late spring or early summer.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some grass species are more prone to thatch, such as Kentucky bluegrass and Bermudagrass. Still, tall fescues and perennial ryegrasses usually don\u2019t have thatch problems.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Cut out a small plug of turf and measure the spongy layer above the soil. If it\u2019s thicker than half an inch, the threshold in the University of Kentucky (UK) <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/publications.ca.uky.edu\/files\/agr54.pdf\">dethatching guide<\/a>, rent a dethatcher and get to work.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"16-aerate-your-soil\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"aerate-your-soil\">Aerate your soil<\/span><\/h3>    <comment data-content=\" Removed this photo \u2014 Lawn Love no longer uses Canva Pro photos. Replacement could not be sourced in this session; flagged for manual sourcing (Lawn Love photo first, licensed stock second, never AI-generated). Original: https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/lawn-aerator.jpg \"><\/comment>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aeration is the process of removing small plugs of soil from your lawn so the soil is less compacted and oxygen, water, and nutrients can flow into it. It might look like you\u2019re ruining your lawn at first, but aeration is incredibly beneficial for its health.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The national average <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-aeration-cost\/\">lawn aeration cost<\/a> is $104 to $195, depending on your yard size and the aeration method. <strong>The best time to aerate depends on your grass type:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Cool-season grasses:<\/strong> Aerate in early fall or early spring.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Warm-season grasses:<\/strong> Aerate in late spring or early summer.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip: You can test if your soil needs aeration by doing the screwdriver test:<\/strong><\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Take a screwdriver and push it into your lawn.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>If the screwdriver penetrates the soil with ease, your soil isn\u2019t compacted and doesn\u2019t need aeration.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>If it\u2019s hard to push the screwdriver about 6 inches into moist soil, your soil is probably compacted and needs aeration.<\/p><\/li> <\/ol>    <h3 id=\"17-cover-bare-spots\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"cover-bare-spots\">Cover bare spots<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tired of bald patches? Overseeding creates thick turf and prevents bare spots. It is the process of adding new grass seed to an existing lawn.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overseeding is a great way to get your grass back up and running after a bad year or fix patchy lawn spots that are just not growing well. Even after bald patches have developed, overseeding helps treat them.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overseed after mowing, dethatching, or aerating so the seeds reach the soil. Spread seed with a seed spreader, and keep the seeded area moist until the new grass is established.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The best time of year to overseed depends on your grass:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Overseed warm-season lawns<\/strong> in the late spring or early summer.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Overseed cool-season lawns<\/strong> in late summer to early fall, or in early spring if you missed fall.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sod is the alternative to overseeding, giving you an instant lawn without the wait. It can go down any time the ground isn\u2019t frozen, but <strong>the best times to install sod depend on your turfgrass:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Install warm-season grass sod<\/strong> in the mid or late spring.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Install cool-season grass sod<\/strong> in the early fall or spring.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New sod needs a couple of weeks and plenty of water to root into your soil. Stay off it for at least 2 weeks after installation.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The downsides of sod installation are that it\u2019s more expensive than grass seed and it\u2019s a labor-intensive DIY project. Spreading new grass seed around your yard is an easier task for a beginner than installing sod.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-overseed-lawn\/\">How to Overseed a Lawn<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"18-lawn-care-schedule-by-season\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"lawn-care-schedule-by-season\">Lawn care schedule by season<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your lawn care schedule depends on whether you grow cool-season or warm-season grass. Cool-season grasses include tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, while warm-season grasses include Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. Use this table as a starting point:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Season<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cool-season lawns<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Warm-season lawns<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spring<\/td><td>Fertilize lightly; aerate in early spring if you skipped fall<\/td><td>Start fertilizing, aerating, and overseeding in late spring<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Summer<\/td><td>Water deeply; overseed in late summer<\/td><td>Keep fertilizing; aerate or overseed in early summer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fall<\/td><td>Main fertilizing; aerate and overseed in early fall<\/td><td>Stop fertilizing; mow and water as needed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Winter<\/td><td>No scheduled fertilizing, aerating, or overseeding<\/td><td>No scheduled fertilizing, aerating, or overseeding<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 id=\"19-how-to-handle-lawn-pests-and-diseases\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-handle-lawn-pests-and-diseases\">How to handle lawn pests and diseases<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Handle lawn pests and diseases by identifying the problem before you treat it. Most lawn diseases are caused by fungi, and not all insects are pests. A correct diagnosis keeps you from spraying products your lawn doesn&#8217;t need.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"20-control-pests\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-pests\">Control pests<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not all bugs in your lawn are pests, and many are beneficial. Before you spray anything, make sure you aren\u2019t looking at ladybugs, honeybees, butterflies, or other helpful insects.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Watch for these signs of <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-summer-lawn-pests\/\"><strong>common lawn pests<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Wilted grass blades<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Discoloration<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>\u201cSkeletonized\u201d leaves<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Burrows<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Signs of digging<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Larger bird presence<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don\u2019t want to deal with the creepy crawlies yourself and you\u2019d rather let a pro handle all the pesticide applications, you can hire a professional pest control service.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"21-contain-lawn-diseases\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"contain-lawn-diseases\">Contain lawn diseases<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_131225950390_2750eed81e_c.jpg\" alt=\"large circular brown spots on grass\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The best way to combat lawn disease is to practice good lawn care. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/lawnsciencesm\/31225950390\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kris Lord<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lawn diseases are a common problem for many homeowners, and they can be frustrating to deal with. Most lawn diseases are caused by fungi. <strong>Here\u2019s how to identify a fungal problem:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Yellowing grass blades<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Brown patches<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Dry areas that don\u2019t recover after watering<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Discolored patches of grass that are surrounded by healthy-looking grass<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best way to combat a lawn disease is to practice good lawn care. In most cases, mowing the lawn, aerating the soil, and removing plant debris help contain lawn diseases.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if a lawn disease returns year after year despite good lawn care practices, chemical fungicides may prove helpful as a last resort.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 id=\"22-common-lawn-care-mistakes-beginners-make\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"common-lawn-care-mistakes-beginners-make\">Common lawn care mistakes beginners make<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common beginner mistakes involve cutting grass too short, watering too often, and fertilizing without a plan. <strong>Each one is easy to fix once you know what to look for:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Mowing too short:<\/strong> Scalping stresses grass and invites weeds. Never remove more than one-third of the blade in one mowing.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Watering a little every day:<\/strong> Shallow daily watering grows shallow roots. Water deeply and infrequently, about 1 inch per week including rain, ideally in early morning.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Fertilizing without a soil test:<\/strong> Guessing can waste product or add nutrients your lawn already has. Test first, then choose a fertilizer that fills the gaps.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mowing with dull blades:<\/strong> Dull blades tear grass and leave ragged, brown tips. Sharpen your mower blade regularly for a clean cut.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Bagging every clipping:<\/strong> Leaving clippings on the lawn, called grasscycling, returns nutrients to the soil. Bag clippings only when they form heavy clumps.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Seeding at the wrong time:<\/strong> Seed sown out of season struggles to establish. Overseed cool-season lawns in late summer to early fall and warm-season lawns in late spring to early summer.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"23-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17917578694569318\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can you put too much grass seed on your lawn?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, sowing seed too heavily crowds the seedlings, so they compete for water, light, and nutrients and many end up weak. Follow the seeding rate listed on the bag for your grass type, and use a spreader to apply seed evenly.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17917578694568431\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long does it take grass seed to germinate?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Germination time varies by grass species and soil temperature, and some grass seed sprouts much sooner than others. Keep the top layer of soil consistently moist while you wait for grass seeds to grow.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17917578694565479\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should you fertilize or overseed first?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It depends on your lawn\u2019s condition, and many pros apply a starter fertilizer at the same time they seed. Skip heavy, quick-release fertilizer on a thin lawn you\u2019re overseeding, because it feeds the weeds already growing there.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"24-let-a-pro-handle-your-lawn-care\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"let-a-pro-handle-your-lawn-care\">Let a pro handle your lawn care<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mowing, watering, fertilizing, aerating, and overseeding add up to a lot of weekends, and the timing shifts every season. Keeping up takes more time than many new homeowners expect.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather enjoy your yard than work on it? Let one of LawnLove&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">local lawn care pros<\/a> handle the mowing, fertilizing, and seasonal chores. Get a free estimate online today.<\/p>    <comment data-content=\" Removed the main image credit and flagged the main photo (pexels-max-vakhtbovych-7546776-1.jpg, porch of a house with furniture) for replacement: credit information is incomplete (missing: Name, License). Replacement could not be sourced in this session; flagged for manual sourcing. \"><\/comment>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lawn care for beginners starts with your soil and grass type. Learn how to mow, water, fertilize, and control weeds, plus a seasonal schedule and tools list.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":44404,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[147],"class_list":["post-13387","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-tips","tag-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Inspecting-healthy-lawn.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Maria Isabela Reis","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/maria-isabela-reis\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13387","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13387"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13387\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49996,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13387\/revisions\/49996"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13387"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13387"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13387"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}