Many homeowners strive to make their lawn resemble the putting green at their neighborhood golf course. This is not really a good idea for your own yard. Cutting the grass too short is harmful and special treatment is necessary to achieve a putting green type effect. Golf courses also use different types of grass for this dramatic result. However, devoting some time and care to your lawn will result in a nicely manicured yard. Here are several lawn care tips to help you get started:
Be Flexible — Grass will grow at a faster rate in the spring than it will in mid-summer, due to the temperature differences and other factors. Adjust your cutting schedule accordingly. Having a set day every week regardless of the time of year is not always the best approach. Examining the lawn each week and noting how long the grass is at that time will yield much better results. There may be times when cutting every week is necessary and other times when a two week interval will yield a nicer lawn.
Advantages of Longer Grass — Grass cut too short can start to become pale or brown and may take a long time to bring back to a healthy green color. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is make sure your mower’s cutting blade is not set too low. Letting your lawn grow a little bit longer is a better technique than the ultra-short option. Many experts recommend leaving grass slightly longer in spring in the upper mid-west region and adjusting cutting times according to the amount of rainfall.
Damaged Grass Repair — If you have noticed yellow or brown spots starting to appear, leaving the grass slightly longer until this fades can help to bring the color back to normal. You can adjust the blade back to the normal cutting length later after the color returns. Make sure you are not over-fertilizing as well, which may be causing yellow or bare spots.
Other Considerations for a Healthy Lawn — Keeping your lawn mower blade sharp is important to avoid ripping and tearing the grass instead of a clean cut. Most experts recommend sharpening the blade once a year, either right before or right after the cutting season. This is a good time to tune up your mower and change the oil to ensure there are no problems during summer when you don’t want a breakdown. Watering is another necessity if you do not have an irrigation system. A thorough watering less often is more beneficial than a quick treatment every day.
Every lawn is different, so use these tips as a guideline and make adjustments for your own lawn. A well-maintained lawn can add a great deal to the appeal of your property, along with increasing the value of your home. You will find yourself spending more enjoyable time outdoors with friends and family.
Lawn Care FAQ
How often should I mow my lawn in Indiana?
In Central Indiana, mowing frequency depends on the season. In spring, you may need to mow every 5–7 days due to rapid growth from rain and mild temperatures. During the hot, dry summer months, mowing every 10–14 days is often better to prevent stressing the grass.
What is the ideal grass height for a healthy lawn?
For most Indiana lawns, aim to keep grass between 3–4 inches tall. This height helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and discourage weed growth, especially during the heat of July and August.
Can cutting grass too short cause weeds?
Yes. Short grass exposes the soil to sunlight, which can encourage weed germination. Longer grass provides natural shade that makes it harder for weeds to take hold.
How can I fix yellow or brown spots in my yard?
Yellow or brown patches can be caused by over-fertilization, pests, disease, or drought stress. Adjusting mowing height, watering deeply once or twice a week, and overseeding bare spots can help restore color. Hittle Landscaping offers professional lawn assessments to identify and treat the exact cause.
Is professional lawn care worth it?
Professional lawn maintenance ensures proper mowing techniques, seasonal adjustments, fertilization, and irrigation care—all of which protect your investment and keep your yard looking great year-round. For homeowners in Westfield, Carmel, Noblesville, and surrounding Indianapolis communities, Hittle Landscaping provides tailored plans for every property size.
Can you mow the lawn when the grass is wet?
While it’s possible, mowing wet grass can lead to uneven cuts, clumping, and extra wear on your mower. Just as you adjust mowing frequency with the seasons, it’s best to wait until the grass is dry for a cleaner cut and healthier lawn.
