Top 5 Spring Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors to help your lawn thrive this spring in Auburn and Opelika, Alabama.

Spring is the season when lawns begin to recover from winter stress and prepare for the heat of summer. But in places like Auburn and Opelika, where spring can shift quickly into hot, dry conditions, getting lawn care right is essential. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the same early-season mistakes that cost them time, money, and a healthy lawn.

Here are the top 5 spring lawn care mistakes to avoid — and how to fix them.

1. Mowing Too Early

It’s tempting to fire up the mower at the first sign of green, but mowing too soon can do more harm than good. When soil is still soggy or grass roots haven’t fully recovered, mowing can compress the soil and damage new growth.

✅ What to do instead: Wait until your grass reaches about 3 inches in height and the soil has dried out and warmed to around 10°C (50°F). Mowing any sooner risks stunting the lawn’s recovery.

Tip: Walking on a wet lawn is just as damaging — give it time to dry out before any heavy foot traffic.

2. Cutting Grass Too Short

“Scalping” your lawn — mowing it too low — is a common mistake that weakens grass and invites weeds. Short blades can’t retain moisture effectively or support healthy root systems.

✅ What to do instead: Follow the “one-third rule” — never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single cut. Keep the grass between 2.5 to 3.5 inches tall to encourage deep root growth and reduce stress.

3. Skipping Aeration and Overseeding

After winter, many lawns suffer from compaction and patchy growth. Ignoring aeration and overseeding is a missed opportunity to restore turf density and improve soil health — especially in Auburn and Opelika, where spring conditions are ideal for these services.

✅ What to do instead:

• Aerate the lawn to relieve compaction and allow water, oxygen, and nutrients to penetrate the root zone.

• Overseed immediately after to fill in bare spots and thicken the turf.
  

Not sure whether overseeding or reseeding is right for your lawn? Check out our full guide on Overseeding vs. Reseeding: What’s the Difference? to help you choose the best approach this spring.

4. Watering Too Much — or at the Wrong Time

Too much water — or watering at night — can drown your lawn and lead to fungal diseases. It also discourages deep root growth, making your lawn more vulnerable in summer.

✅ What to do instead:

• Water deeply and infrequently: Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.

• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and lower the risk of disease.

Avoid evening watering, as grass stays wet overnight and becomes prone to mildew and rot.

5. Ignoring Early Weed Control

If you wait until weeds appear, it’s already a battle. Many spring weeds germinate early, and skipping pre-emergent treatment allows them to take over fast.

✅ What to do instead:

• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to stop weed seeds from sprouting.

• Follow up with post-emergent treatments to control visible weeds before they spread.
  

The earlier you act, the easier it is to maintain control throughout the season.

Professional Lawn Care in Auburn & Opelika

Spring is your best shot at setting up a healthy, resilient lawn — but only if it’s done right. At RIP Landscapes, we specialize in seasonal lawn care packages for homeowners in Auburn and Opelika, including professional mowing, aeration, overseeding, weed control, and more.

Let our team help you avoid costly mistakes and enjoy a lush, green lawn all season long.

👉 Book your spring service today or contact us for a free lawn care assessment.