According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 81% of Americans say having a well-maintained lawn is essential to them, but many still get it wrong. 

Despite best intentions, homeowners often make costly lawn and landscape care errors. The good news is that these can be fixed without turning your weekends into full-time yard duty. This blog covers the top 5 mistakes people make and how to fix them. 

Contents: 

• The five most common lawn care mistakes homeowners make 
• Why overwatering and wrong mowing techniques hurt your yard 
• How to avoid poor landscape design choices 
• Simple fixes that work 
• When it’s time to call in the pros 

1. Water, Water Everywhere – But Not the Right Way 

Overwatering is one of the biggest lawn maintenance mistakes. People assume more water = greener grass, however this isn’t always true. Overwatering can suffocate your grass roots, preventing them from absorbing essential nutrients. Overwatered grass may also become more prone to disease and fungal infections. 

Why it’s a problem: 

• Leads to shallow root growth 
• Increases the risk of fungal diseases
• Wastes water (and money) 

How to fix it: 

• Water deeply, but less frequently (2–3 times a week) 
• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation
• Use a rain gauge or moisture meter to avoid guesswork 

2. Mowing Too Short: Don’t Give Your Grass a Buzzcut 

Think mowing short saves you time? Think again. Cutting grass too low, aka “scalping,” stresses out your lawn. Scalping removes too much of the grass blade, weakening the plant and reducing its ability to photosynthesize. Over time, this can lead to thinning grass, which allows weeds to take over. Mowing at the proper height helps maintain strong, healthy grass that is better equipped to withstand drought and pests. 

Quick tips: 

• Follow the ⅓ rule: never cut more than one-third of the grass height 
• Keep mower blades sharp 
• Vary your mowing direction to avoid soil compaction 

Bonus: Taller grass naturally crowds out weeds. Less herbicide = win! 

3. “One Size Fits All” Fertilizing 

Your lawn has specific needs. Fertilizing without understanding your lawn’s nutrient requirements can lead to uneven growth and wasteful spending. Applying or using the wrong fertilizer at the wrong time can cause damage, like nutrient imbalances or fertilizer burn.

Common issues: 

• Using the wrong N-P-K ratio 
• Fertilizing at the wrong time 
• Overapplication = chemical burn 

Pro tip: Do a soil test! It tells you exactly what your lawn lacks (or has too much of). Many local extension offices offer this service. 

4. Your DIY Landscaping May Not Be Working 

A beautiful landscape design isn’t just about planting whatever looks good at the nursery. While picking out vibrant plants can be exciting, it’s essential to consider how they’ll grow and fit into your overall landscape plan. Poor planning can lead to overcrowding, with plants competing for sunlight and space, or the wrong plant types for your climate and soil. 

What often goes wrong: 

• Wrong plants for the region 
• No spacing for growth 
• Ignoring seasonal color variation 

5. Trying to Do It All Alone 

Let’s be real: YouTube tutorials can only get you so far. Yard care can be hard work, and doing it wrong will cost more and take up more of your time. From selecting the wrong plants to improper soil preparation, mistakes can lead to poor results that require more time, effort, and money to fix. Professional landscapers bring expertise and efficiency, helping you avoid costly errors. 

When to call a pro: 

• You’re seeing patches or brown spots regularly 
• You’re redoing your yard layout
• You just don’t have time! 

At Legacy Materials, we don’t just supply top-quality landscaping materials—we know how to use them for maximum impact. Whether you’re battling weeds, dealing with patchy turf, or want a backyard you can enjoy, we’ve got you covered.  

Our mission goes beyond materials. We are committed to sustainability, community growth, and customer education. Whether you’re tackling a backyard project, enhancing curb appeal, or managing large-scale construction, our team can guide you toward the right mix of products for lasting results. 

Browse our selection of river rock, or other certified materials and get expert advice on making the right choice for your lawn’s needs. Contact us at 1-515-432-7333 today to get started!