Everyone has heard “tips” about how to care for their lawn—whether from a neighbor, a family member, or even a quick online search. The problem? A lot of this advice is wrong, outdated, or only half-true. Believing these myths can actually damage your lawn and waste your money.
Here are the 5 most common lawn care myths—and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: Cutting Grass Short Means You Mow Less Often
Many homeowners think mowing grass extra short will keep it from growing back quickly. The reality is the opposite. Cutting grass too short stresses the plant, weakens the roots, and makes your lawn more vulnerable to weeds and drought.
The Truth: Keep your grass at the recommended height for its type (usually 2.5–3.5 inches). Taller grass shades the soil, reduces evaporation, and actually slows weed growth.
Myth 2: Watering Every Day Is Best for Lawns
Daily watering seems like it would help, but it encourages shallow roots that depend on constant moisture. This makes grass weaker and more prone to drying out.
The Truth: Water deeply and less often—about 1 inch per week. This trains roots to grow deeper, making your lawn stronger and more drought-resistant.
Myth 3: Fertilizer Alone Will Fix a Weak Lawn
Fertilizer is important, but it’s not a magic fix. If soil is compacted or thatch is too thick, nutrients never reach the roots. Many homeowners over-fertilize, which burns grass and harms the environment.
The Truth: Lawn aeration is often more important than fertilizer. Aeration relieves compaction, opens pathways for water and nutrients, and allows fertilizer to actually do its job.
Myth 4: All Grass Needs the Same Care
Grass is not one-size-fits-all. Different types (like Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, or Ryegrass) need different mowing heights, watering schedules, and maintenance routines. Treating all grass the same often leads to poor results.
The Truth: Identify your grass type and adjust care accordingly. For example, Kentucky Bluegrass prefers frequent aeration in Ontario’s clay soils, while Fescue tolerates shade better but needs less water.
Myth 5: Spring Is the Only Time to Improve Your Lawn
Most homeowners rush to do all their lawn care in spring, then ignore it until next year. The truth is, fall is just as important—if not more. Overseeding, fertilizing, and aerating in fall set your lawn up for a healthy spring.
The Truth: Split your lawn care between spring and fall. Spring is for repairing winter damage, while fall builds strong roots for next season.
Quick Comparison: Myths vs Truth
| Myth | The Truth |
|---|---|
| Cutting grass short saves time | Taller grass is healthier and suppresses weeds |
| Daily watering is best | Deep, infrequent watering grows stronger roots |
| Fertilizer fixes everything | Aeration + fertilizer = true results |
| All grass needs the same care | Care depends on grass type and soil conditions |
| Spring is the only lawn care season | Fall care is just as important as spring |
Final Word
Lawn care myths are everywhere, and following them can leave you frustrated with thin, patchy grass that never seems to improve. The truth is simple: healthy lawns come from consistent care, proper watering, mowing at the right height, and improving soil conditions with aeration and overseeding.
By ditching the myths and focusing on proven methods, you’ll spend less time fixing problems and more time enjoying a lawn that actually looks the way you want it to.