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Avoid These Common Lawn Care Pitfalls for a Healthy Spring Start

As winter fades and spring approaches, homeowners in Chambersburg, Carlisle, and Mechanicsburg start preparing their lawns for the growing season. However, some common early spring mistakes can lead to weak grass, weeds, and unhealthy soil. Here’s how to avoid landscaping mistakes and ensure your lawn thrives this season.

  1. Mowing Too Early

It’s tempting to start mowing as soon as the grass looks like it needs a trim, but mowing too early can damage fragile blades. Wait until your lawn reaches at least 3-4 inches before the first mow, and always use sharp blades to prevent tearing.

  1. Over-Fertilizing

Fertilizer is key to a healthy lawn, but applying too much too soon can cause weak root growth. Instead, test your soil before fertilizing to determine what nutrients your lawn actually needs. If your lawn requires fertilization, a slow-release fertilizer is best in early spring.

  1. Ignoring Aeration & Dethatching

Compacted soil and heavy thatch buildup can prevent nutrients and water from reaching grass roots. If your lawn struggled last year, aerate and dethatch in early spring to improve airflow and root development.

  1. Not Controlling Weeds Early

Pre-emergent weed control is most effective in early spring before weeds begin to sprout. If you wait until weeds like crabgrass and dandelions appear, they’ll be harder to eliminate later.

By avoiding these early spring lawn care mistakes, you’ll set your Pennsylvania lawn up for a lush, healthy season. If you need professional lawn care services in Chambersburg, Carlisle, or Mechanicsburg, contact Hornbaker’s Landscaping today!