Many gardeners have misconceptions about the best practices for cultivating thick, green grass. This mistake could make their lawns more susceptible to weeds and patchy growth.
David Truby, the managing director of Greensleeves, has shared an essential tip to achieve a thick, vibrant lawn that will flourish throughout the season. He explained that one of the most common lawn care myths involves the concept of “overseeding.” Contrary to popular belief, “overseeding is actually a natural way to thicken your lawn instantly and crowd out undesirable weeds. It is one of the most critical tasks involved in growing a healthy, lush lawn.”
Overseeding helps repair damage from various sources, such as wildlife activity, mower mishaps, or general wear and tear.
David emphasised that without overseeding, “lawns that have not been overseeded will grow thin and unhealthy, making it much easier for weeds to overtake the lawn.”
In fact, it’s one of the most crucial steps in maintaining a healthy garden, as it encourages the growth of new grass to fill in any gaps, making your lawn thicker almost immediately.
He also noted that lawns that are regularly reseeded become progressively “thicker and more luscious,” boosting disease resistance and reducing the spread of moss.
“Many varieties of grass reproduce at a slower rate after several years. By adding new grass plants, you can keep your lawn vibrant and strong,” the specialist said.
Another common gardening misconception is that mowing the lawn short allows for longer intervals between cuts or reduces the frequency of mowing. However, David warned that too close a cut can actually be “damaging”.
He elaborated: “The problem is that this kind of mowing puts an enormous amount of stress on the turf. Each blade of grass is a leaf, and with less leaf area, each grass plant has less surface area to provide the photosynthesis that fuels leaf and root development.
“The solution is straightforward. Mow the lawn as high as possible high as you can comfortably tolerate. Most homeowners find that two to two-and-a-half inches is a good height, though it may take some time to become acclimated to a length that feels slightly shaggy.
“Mowing the lawn to this height once a week (or less during heat and drought stress) will ease the pressure on the plants and result in an overall healthier lawn.”