Taking care of your lawn should feel rewarding, not frustrating. Yet for many homeowners, especially those here in Massachusetts, lawn maintenance can feel like a never-ending guessing game. That’s often because they’re following advice that just isn’t true. Whether it’s tips passed down from a neighbor or something you read online ten years ago, there are plenty of lawn care myths still floating around—and believing them could be doing more harm than good.
Let’s break down some of the most common lawn care myths and replace them with facts that will help your yard actually thrive in New England’s unique climate.
Myth 1: You Should Water Your Lawn Every Day
Truth: Daily watering isn’t just unnecessary—it can actually damage your lawn. When you water too frequently, you encourage shallow root growth, which makes your grass less drought-resistant.
What to do instead: Water deeply but less often. A good rule of thumb is about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. Early morning watering is ideal to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of fungus.
Myth 2: Cutting the Grass Short Means You Mow Less Often
Truth: Scalping your lawn by cutting it too short may seem like a time-saver, but it weakens the grass and makes it more vulnerable to weeds, heat, and disease.
What to do instead: Stick to the “one-third rule”—never cut more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow. This keeps your lawn healthy and dense, which naturally crowds out weeds.
Myth 3: Fertilizer Is Only for Spring
Truth: While spring fertilizing is important, skipping the rest of the year is a missed opportunity. Your lawn needs nutrients throughout the growing season, and fall fertilizing is especially crucial to prepare it for winter and kickstart growth in spring.
What to do instead: Use a year-round fertilization plan based on your grass type and local climate. Better yet, consider hiring a professional who understands the seasonal needs of your region—like a local lawn care service in Massachusetts that’s familiar with New England weather patterns.
Myth 4: All Grass Is the Same
Truth: There are dozens of grass varieties, and each has different needs. What works for one lawn may not work for another, especially if you’re using advice meant for a totally different climate.
What to do instead: Learn what type of grass you have—or consult a lawn care expert who can identify it and tailor your care plan accordingly. Cool-season grasses common in Massachusetts, for instance, behave very differently from warm-season varieties grown in the South.
Bonus Myth: Trees and Shrubs Don’t Need Regular Care
Truth: Trees and shrubs are often seen as “set it and forget it” elements in landscaping, but they also need attention to stay healthy and beautiful. Neglecting them can lead to disease, storm damage, and even early removal—an expensive outcome many homeowners don’t see coming.
What to do instead: Regular inspections, pruning, and feeding go a long way in keeping your landscape balanced. A professional Tree & Shrub Care Service in Massachusetts can help you maintain the health and structure of your trees and shrubs, ensuring your entire yard—not just the grass—stays strong and stunning.
Myth 5: Weeds Mean You’re a Bad Homeowner
Truth: Even the healthiest lawns get weeds from time to time. It’s not a moral failing—it’s just nature doing its thing. But consistent care is key to keeping them under control.
What to do instead: Focus on building thick, healthy grass that naturally chokes out weeds. Mow high, fertilize properly, and spot-treat weeds as needed. A knowledgeable lawn care service can handle this more effectively and help prevent future outbreaks.
Myth 6: More Lawn Products = Better Lawn
Truth: It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking more is better—more fertilizer, more seed, more herbicide—but overdoing it can actually do more damage than good. Too much fertilizer can burn your grass. Overseeding can waste money and effort.
What to do instead: Precision is everything. Use the right amount of the right product at the right time. Professionals have the tools and knowledge to calibrate treatments perfectly, which saves you time, guesswork, and unnecessary spending.
Myth 7: DIY Lawn Care Always Saves Money
Truth: While doing it yourself may seem cheaper upfront, it can become expensive in the long run if you’re making mistakes or constantly buying the wrong products. And let’s not forget the cost of equipment, fuel, maintenance—and your valuable time.
What to do instead: Hiring a reliable lawn care service can actually save you money in the long term. Professionals help avoid costly errors and deliver better, longer-lasting results with less waste and hassle.
Myth 8: Brown Grass Means It’s Dead
Truth: Brown grass doesn’t always mean your lawn is dead. In many cases, it’s simply dormant, especially during extreme heat or drought. Dormancy is a natural survival mechanism.
What to do instead: Check if the grass is crispy and pulls out easily—that may indicate it’s dead. If not, it’s probably just sleeping and will green up again with proper care and water. Don’t panic or rip up your lawn too soon.
Final Thoughts
Your lawn is an important part of your home’s curb appeal, but keeping it green and healthy doesn’t have to be a battle of trial and error. By ditching outdated advice and common lawn care myths—especially ones that don’t apply to your landscape—you allow yourself to enjoy your yard, not constantly fix it.
