5 Common Lawn Care Mistakes Homeowners Make
Summer may be winding down here in Central Kentucky, but with the temps staying high, taking care of your lawn is still just as important as it was at the beginning of summer. A lush, healthy lawn doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of consistent care and smart mowing habits.
One of the most important guidelines? The 1/3 rule. When followed, this simple rule can make a huge difference in your lawn’s health and appearance. Following this rule and avoiding some common lawn care mistakes will have your lawn looking great all season.
What is the 1/3 Rule?
The 1/3 rule states that you should never cut more than one-third of your grass blade’s height in a single mowing session. For example, if your grass is 3 inches tall, you should trim no more than 1 inch at a time.
Why it matters:
Reduces stress on your lawn – cutting too much at once weakens grass and can cause it to turn brown.
Encourages deeper roots – healthier roots are more drought-resistant.
Prevents weed growth – healthy, thick grass naturally shades out weeds.
Akers Lawn Care and Landscaping ©
Common Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid
1. Mowing too short (“scalping”)
Cutting grass too low makes it vulnerable to pests, diseases, and heat damage. This is why we follow the 1/3 rule and make sure you still have plenty of lawn left.
2. Using dull mower blades
Dull blades tear rather than cut, which results in ragged edges that invite disease and leave your lawn looking less than great.
3. Mowing when the grass is wet
Wet grass clumps and can lead to uneven cuts and fungal growth.
4. Ignoring mowing frequency
Waiting too long between mowings forces you to cut more than 1/3 of the height of your grass at once, stressing the lawn.
5. Skipping seasonal adjustments
Grass heigh recommendations vary depending on the season and type of grass.
Akers Lawn Care and Landscaping ©
Final Takeaway
Following the 1/3 rule and avoiding these common mistakes will help you maintain a greener, thicker, and healthier lawn year-round. And if you’d rather leave it to the pros, Akers Lawn Care & Landscaping is here to help keep your lawn in top shape in Central Kentucky.