As spring lawn care season ramps up across Wisconsin, homeowners are beginning to mow, fertilize, and battle weeds in hopes of achieving a healthy yard. But according to Doug Soldat, an extension turfgrass specialist with University of Wisconsin–Madison, many people may actually be harming their lawns without realizing it.
One of the most important lawn care practices starts with mowing. Soldat says homeowners should make sure mower blades are sharp before the season begins. “Mowing is a stress. You’re wounding the plant,” Soldat explained. “A sharp knife cut is going to heal a lot better than a dull knife cut.”
He also recommends mowing lawns higher than many people typically prefer. Taller grass develops deeper roots, shades out weeds, and retains moisture better during dry weather. Soldat says cutting grass too short can actually cause it to grow back faster and create additional stress on the lawn. He encourages people to follow the “one-third rule,” meaning no more than one-third of the grass blade should be removed during a single mowing.
Beyond mowing, Soldat emphasized the importance of environmentally responsible lawn care, especially for homeowners living near lakes or waterways. He noted that phosphorus runoff is one of the leading contributors to water pollution and algae growth in lakes. Most lawns already contain enough phosphorus naturally, making additional applications unnecessary unless a soil test shows a deficiency.
“The thicker a lawn is, the harder it is for water to move across that surface,” Soldat said. “Using a proper amount of nitrogen… will give you a thicker lawn, which will prevent soil erosion and minimize the amount of water that moves down that slope.”
Soldat also discussed weed management, saying crabgrass prevention should happen early in the spring before seeds germinate. Meanwhile, weeds like dandelions and clover may not always require aggressive treatment. In some cases, clover can actually benefit lawns by naturally adding nitrogen back into the soil.
As Wisconsin moves toward the hotter summer months, Soldat advises homeowners not to overwork stressed lawns during periods of heat and drought. Lawns often recover naturally once rainfall returns, and excessive mowing or fertilizing during dry conditions can create even more damage.
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