Most see their lawns as a place for barbecues, family games, or simply an important aesthetic enhancement to their home

But much more intuitively, we know time spent outdoors can be great for physical & mental health – and that includes your garden.

Reliable and well-respected research highlights that engaging with green spaces, including your garden, can lower stress, encourage exercise, and improve emotional well-being.

So what’s the substance behind the headlines…

You can find the sources at the bottom of this post.

1. Physical Health Benefits: Promoting Activity and Fitness

Well-maintained lawns encourage outdoor activities, such as walking, stretching, or playing with children and pets.

Studies suggest that spending time in natural spaces encourages regular physical activity, helping to control blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and obesity. People who actively use their green spaces are also more likely to meet their daily exercise goals, which can improve cardiovascular health and immune function.

Lawns also provide a soft, safe surface for outdoor play, ideal for children and adults alike. Encouraging outdoor time reduces sedentary behaviour and decreases time spent in front of screens, which is linked to better sleep quality and overall health.

2. Mental Health Benefits: Nature’s Antidote to Stress and Anxiety

Scientific evidence suggests that exposure to green spaces can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Harvard researchers have found that people who spend time outdoors experience lower levels of rumination (the repetitive negative thoughts often linked to mental health disorders). These benefits are tied to sensory stimulation from nature and reduced overstimulation from urban environments.

A review of gardening activities supports these findings, showing a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and improved mood and mental clarity among participants involved in maintaining outdoor spaces.

3. Quality of Life: Enhancing Social Bonds and Community Engagement

Gardens and lawns can enhance social cohesion and community interaction. Outdoor spaces offer a neutral ground for socialising with neighbours and family, strengthening social ties that contribute to emotional well-being.

Evidence from healthcare strategies using nature-based activities suggests that green spaces, such as private lawns, can play a pivotal role in building supportive communities and fostering mental resilience

So, we’re a bit biassed but we truly believe a beautifully maintained lawn offers more than just aesthetic pleasure. The evidence suggests it’s an investment in your health and happiness too.

So next time you mow or water the lawn (maybe in partnership with LawnsOne – hint hint), you’re very likely also taking care of your overall health too.

References

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – How green spaces, including lawns, improve mental well-being by lowering stress, enhancing mindfulness, and promoting physical activity, which helps prevent chronic diseases. Harvard Chan School of Public Health

BMJ Open – This scoping review maps the evidence on the health benefits of gardening and green spaces, showing that they enhance mental and physical health. It emphasises the role of green spaces in healthcare strategy, suggesting their use as a social prescription for well-being and chronic disease prevention. BMJ Open

BMC Systematic Reviews – This umbrella review compiles several studies showing how gardening activities improve well-being, reduce anxiety, and enhance cognitive function. It highlights the broad health benefits derived from engaging with natural spaces. BioMed Central

Like everything in life, choosing service providers can be a bit of a fuss.

Of course, the neighbour may have recommended this or that company and that’s the easy choice. You could just go with it. But if it doesn’t work out that’s a fair bit of cash and time wasted.

For lawn care, with just a few minutes, you can make a really well-informed and objective decision. From soil health to pest control, the right lawn care team can make a noticeable difference.

Here are 6 essential factors to consider plus the red flags to look out for when choosing your team.

Key Criteria to Evaluate Lawn Care Providers

1. Understanding Your Lawn’s Needs

No two lawns are the same. The specific needs of your lawn depend on several factors – soil type, grass species, climate, how you use the lawn and even seasonal challenges.

A good lawn care provider should be able to assess these needs and create a bespoke care plan tailored to your garden. This personalised approach ensures that treatments address underlying issues, delivering better results over time.

Positive Signs

They offer a free or affordable lawn assessment either upon first visit or before treatment starts
They identify grass health, soil conditions, and pests during their assessment
They discuss specific challenges, like clay-heavy soil or moss, and offer tailored solutions.
They provide seasonal treatment plans to meet year-round needs.

Red Flags

Straight into sales; with little to no questioning on how your lawn is currently performing or the issues you’re facing
One-size-fits-all treatment plans with no consideration of individual lawn conditions
Vague responses when asked about specific lawn problems
No mention of soil health or pest control in their service offering

2. Qualifications and Experience

It’s essential to choose a provider with trained and certified technicians. Look for industry-recognised certifications like BASIS Lawn Assured or NPTC accreditation, which indicate that the technicians are knowledgeable in pesticide management and lawn care science.

Good Signs:

Technicians are accredited with qualifications such as BASIS Lawn Assured or NPTC certification.
They have years of experience working with local soil and grass types common to your area
The company offers ongoing staff training to keep up with industry trends.

Red Flags:

No visible certifications or evidence of staff training
Reluctance to provide information about qualifications or experience
Poor knowledge of local lawn conditions or typical pests

3. Treatment Plans and Services Offered

Look for services like aeration, scarification, fertilisation, and weed control as part of a seasonal treatment plan.

A well-rounded care programme ensures your lawn stays lush and green throughout the year, addressing issues before they become significant problems.

Good Signs:

They provide services such as scarification, aeration, fertilisation, weed control, and pest management.
The provider explains the benefits of each treatment and how it fits within the seasonal schedule when asked
They offer clear service packages with optional add-ons for customised care.

Red Flags:

Tiered packages that don’t include essential treatments like aeration, overseeding or moss & thatch control
Push unnecessary services that don’t align with your lawn’s condition
Any lack of transparency around what’s included in treatment plans

4. Equipment and Technology Used

Providers using modern, well-maintained equipment often deliver better results. For instance, outdated scarifiers or aerators may damage your lawn.

Good Signs:

Providers use modern, well-maintained tools such as aerators, scarifiers, and spreaders.
They have the ability to use advanced methods like soil testing kits to fine-tune treatment plans.

Red Flags:

Poorly maintained or outdated equipment, which could harm your lawn.
Unwilling to discuss the equipment or methods used during treatments.

5. Pricing Models and Value for Money

While price matters, it’s crucial to consider the value you’re getting from the service. Transparent pricing ensures there are no surprises down the road.

Good Signs:

Clear, transparent pricing
Options for pay-as-you-go services
They offer a free consultation
They guarantee their work

Red Flags:

Hidden fees or vague pricing structures
Pressure to lock in long-term contracts without clear benefit
Discounts offered without clarity on what services will be provided

6. Customer Reviews and Reputation

A company’s reputation is a strong indicator of service quality. Reviews can give you an insight into the reliability and professionalism of the provider.

Good Signs:

High ratings on review platforms like Google
Any very low star-rated reviews are clearly mistakes and not actually upset customers
Local testimonials or word-of-mouth recommendations.
Consistent praise for professionalism, expertise, and timely communication.

Red Flags:

Any inconsistency in customer experiences across reviews.
Any low star-rated reviews contain legitimate complaints
Seemingly unresolved (not suitably replied to) complaints on review sites
Lack of local presence or few recognisable testimonials in your area.

So, for an investment that’s ultimately in your property, look for companies with the right qualifications, tailored treatment plans, modern equipment, fair pricing, and a reputation for excellent service.

There’s no shortage of advice when it comes to lawn care, but not all of it is helpful.

In fact, some common tips can do more harm than good.

If you’re looking to keep your lawn lush and healthy, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. At LawnsOne, we’ve seen the consequences of these myths firsthand, and we’re here to debunk them, helping you make informed decisions for your garden.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 lawn care myths, explain why they’re misleading, and share professional advice on how to really achieve a healthy, green lawn.

Myth 1: Watering Every Day is Best for Your Lawn

Debunked:

It’s a common belief that watering your lawn every day is the key to keeping it green, but this is a myth.

In reality, daily watering encourages shallow root growth, making your lawn more vulnerable to drought and disease. Instead, it’s better to water deeply but less frequently, which encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil where they can access moisture more efficiently.

Expert Advice:

At LawnsOne, we recommend watering your lawn once or twice a week, depending on the weather. The key is to soak the lawn thoroughly so that the water reaches a depth of about 6 inches. This encourages strong, deep roots that can withstand dry spells and other stresses.

Myth 2: All Grass is the Same

Debunked:

Many people assume that all grass types are the same, but in fact, different grasses thrive under different conditions. The type of grass best suited to your lawn depends on several factors, including your local climate, soil type, and how much shade your lawn gets.

Expert Advice:

In the UK, lawns in the Southeast often thrive with rye grass mixes like PM80 and PM70 but some situations may call PM60, a shadier mix including fescues.

Our specialists at LawnsOne assess these factors to recommend the best grass type for your lawn. Choosing the right variety ensures it thrives year-round with minimal maintenance.

Myth 3: Shorter Lawns Are Healthier

Debunked:

While it might seem like mowing your lawn as short as possible will reduce the need for frequent mowing, it actually harms your lawn in the long run. Cutting the grass too short weakens it, making it more susceptible to pests, diseases, and drought stress.

Expert Advice:

We recommend the “one-third rule” — never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at once. This helps maintain the lawn’s strength and health. For most grass types, keeping it at a height of 30-40mm works best, allowing for healthy growth while keeping weeds at bay. Mowing higher also helps the grass shade its roots, reducing evaporation and keeping the soil moist.

Myth 4: Fertiliser is Only Needed in Spring

Debunked:

Fertilising only in spring is one of the most common misconceptions in lawn care. Lawns require consistent nutrients throughout the year, not just in one season. While spring is an important time to boost growth, a balanced, year-round fertilisation plan is key to maintaining lawn health.

Expert Advice

LawnsOne’s 7-treatment, 5-visit plan ensures that your lawn gets the right nutrients at the right times, from spring growth spurts through autumn phases.

Fertilising in autumn, for example, prepares the lawn for winter by encouraging root growth, so it can bounce back stronger in the spring.

Myth 5: Weeds Mean You Have a Bad Lawn

Debunked:

Weeds are often seen as a sign of a poor lawn, but even the best-maintained lawns can have weed issues. Weeds can spread through windborne seeds, birds, or even from a neighbour’s garden. It’s not always a reflection of neglect.

Expert Advice:

While weeds can sprout anywhere, the difference lies in control and prevention. At LawnsOne, we use treatments to tackle weeds before they take hold.

A thick, healthy lawn also naturally suppresses weeds by out-competing them for space, water, and nutrients.

Myth 6: DIY Lawn Care is Just as Effective as Professional Services

Debunked:

There’s a belief that DIY lawn care can be just as good as professional services but it’s not always the case. Without the right knowledge, equipment or treatments, DIY efforts can often be ineffective or even damaging.

From applying the wrong amount or type of fertiliser or deploying treatments at the wrong time, there’s plenty of room for error.

Expert Insight:

LawnsOne professionals are trained to use precision tools and treatments, ensuring your lawn gets exactly what it needs. Our technicians tailor each treatment to your lawn’s specific condition, using commercial-grade products that aren’t available to the public. This ensures that you see results quickly, without the guesswork and risks that come with DIY care.

Myth 7: You Should Bag Grass Clippings

Debunked:

Many homeowners believe that bagging grass clippings after mowing keeps their lawn cleaner. However, leaving the clippings on your lawn can actually be beneficial. Grass clippings decompose quickly, returning valuable nutrients like nitrogen to the soil.

Expert Advice

LawnsOne recommends mulching grass clippings instead of bagging them. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also naturally fertilises the lawn, leading to greener, healthier grass. Mulching can reduce your lawn’s need for additional fertilisers, saving time and money while improving soil health.

Myth 8: Pesticides Are Always Necessary

Debunked:

While pests can certainly damage your lawn, using pesticides indiscriminately can do more harm than good. Over-reliance on chemicals can damage beneficial organisms in the soil and harm the overall health of your lawn.

Expert Insight:

At LawnsOne, we focus on long-term prevention through a combination of cultural, mechanical, and biological methods.

We limit the use of chemical treatments using them only when absolutely necessary, reducing the environmental impact while keeping your lawn healthy and pest-free.

Myth 9: Thatch is Always Bad for Your Lawn

Debunked:

Thatch – a layer of organic material between the grass blades and the soil – isn’t always a problem. In fact, a small amount of thatch (up to ½ inch) can actually be beneficial, protecting the soil from temperature fluctuations and retaining moisture.

Expert Advice:

The issue arises when the thatch layer becomes too thick, suffocating the lawn and blocking nutrients, water, and air from reaching the roots. LawnsOne provides regular aeration and dethatching services to ensure that the thatch remains at an optimal level, promoting healthy grass growth.

Myth 10: Lawns Don’t Need Care in Winter

Debunked:

It’s easy to assume that your lawn doesn’t need any care during the winter months, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Even though growth slows down, there are crucial steps you need to take to ensure a healthy lawn in the spring.

Expert Advice

LawnsOne’s year-round treatment plan includes winter treatments that protect the grass from frost damage, mould, and other winter stresses.

Winter aeration, for instance, helps the soil breathe and avoids compaction. Taking care of your lawn during the colder months ensures it stays strong, healthy, and ready for spring growth.

When it comes to creating a beautiful lawn, inspiration can come from many places. Some of the most iconic lawns have graced the screens of our favourite films and TV shows, leaving a lasting impression.

Whether you’re a fan of classic elegance or quirky topiary, these famous lawns might just provide some inspiration for their own outdoor space.

Let’s take a journey through some of the most memorable lawns in entertainment and discover how you can bring a piece of that cinematic magic to your home garden.

The Great Gatsby: Timeless Elegance

Okay, so we’re not suggesting you’ve 100+ acres to play with but the Great Gatsby’s lawn is the epitome of opulence.

With its sweeping green expanses, ornamental fountains, and carefully manicured hedges, it exudes a timeless elegance that’s hard to match.

To capture a similar look in your own garden, focus on symmetry and classic garden features. Incorporate stone pathways, water features, and neatly trimmed shrubs to create a sense of order and luxury.

Edward Scissorhands: Sculpted Perfection

The whimsical garden in Edward Scissorhands is unforgettable. And of course, a bit of a wild card. From intricately sculpted animals to fantastical shapes, this lawn showcases the transformative power of creative landscaping.

If you’re inspired by Edward’s handiwork consider adding a few topiary pieces to your garden. Start with simpler shapes and, if you’ve the stomach, gradually work your way up to more complex designs.

Notting Hill: The Urban Oasis

Whoopsie daisy … the garden behind the house in Notting Hill is quite the serene, urban oasis. A small, private space filled with lush greenery, climbing roses, and the odd bench, providing a peaceful retreat from the city bustle.

Use climbing plants and tall hedges to create a sense of enclosure. Incorporate comfortable seating areas, potted plants, and ambient lighting to make the space inviting and relaxing.

Desperate Housewives: Wisteria Lane’s Charm

Wisteria Lane’s lawns are as much a character in Desperate Housewives as the residents themselves. The lush, vibrant lawns are framed by colourful flower beds and picket fences. The picture-perfect suburban street?

To bring some of Wisteria Lane’s charm to your garden, focus on vibrant plantings and well-defined borders. Use flowering shrubs and perennials to add colour, and keep your lawn well-manicured to enhance its overall appeal.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Estate

The sprawling lawns of Downton Abbey are the depict of grandeur and sophistication. With expansive green spaces, stately trees, and ornate garden features, they represent the pinnacle of English estate gardens. To incorporate elements of Downton Abbey’s lawns into your garden, think big. Large lawns, mature trees, and classical garden ornaments like statues and urns can help recreate that grand estate feel.

So, whether you’re drawn to the elegance of The Great Gatsby, or something altogether more reserved and charming, there are elements you can incorporate to elevate your lawn’s design.

If you’ve ever bought or sold a house, you’ll probably have come across the term ‘kerb appeal’; the general attractiveness of your home and surroundings.

Behavioural scientists call it the first impression bias: people tend not to have all the information they need when they are first introduced to something or someone, so our brains make a bunch of rapid observations and form assumptions around them.

Of course, we are a bit biassed ourselves but really, how important is your garden and lawn when it comes to your home in this equation?

The Importance of First Impressions

First impressions are powerful.

According to Homeowners Alliance research conducted by YouGov, almost 70% of buyers think kerb appeal is important with a tidy front garden coming in third on the list (67%) of the features that were most important, above the front door, exterior walls and others.

And those opinions matter, quantifiably so.

The Stats Don’t Lie

Here’s a bit more evidence highlighting the importance of kerb appeal:

In a published article the associate professor at the UTA College of Business found that together, neighbour and own property kerb appeal may account for up to 7% of a house’s sale price (The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics).
Evolution money asked 2000 UK residents how much ‘kerb appeal’, with 3 in 10 saying they’d be happy to pay an extra £5k or more for a home with a well-maintained exterior.
Finally, taking a trip over the pond for a moment, the largest trade association for realtors (NAR) revealed that cost recovery on a standard lawn care service was 217%. In percentage terms that outstrips all other outdoor remodelling projects.

What this means in the South-East

In Ashford

With average house prices in Ashford lingering around the £350,000 mark, a 1% or 2% boost equates to a £3,500 – £7,000 premium.

In Sevenoaks

With average house prices in Sevenoaks lingering around the £480,000 mark, a 1% or 2% boost equates to a £4,800 – £9,600 premium.

In Canterbury

With average house prices in Canterbury lingering around the £345,000 mark, a 1% or 2% boost equates to a £3,450 – £6,900 premium.

In Dartford

With average house prices in Dartford lingering around the £335,000 mark, a 1% or 2% boost equates to a £3,350 – £6,700 premium.

In Dover

With average house prices in Dover lingering around the £285,000 mark, a 1% or 2% boost equates to a £2,850 – £5,700 premium.

In Maidstone

With average house prices in Maidstone lingering around the £330,000 mark, a 1% or 2% boost equates to a £3,300 – £6,600 premium.

In Tunbridge Wells

With average house prices in Tunbridge Wells lingering around the £450,000 mark, a 1% or 2% boost equates to a £4,500 – £9,000 premium.

So back to our bias.

Investing in professional lawn care is one tactic in the kerb appeal playbook with a demonstrable impact on first impressions and out-weighed return on investment through increased sale value.

And even if you don’t end up selling, those lasting first impressions don’t only have to be for potential buyers.

There are very few industries today that aren’t impacted by technological advancement. For better or worse.

And you may not consider lawn care to be first in line for the good stuff. It’s just some green thumbs together with their tools, tricks & treatments, right?

Not the case.

With the foundations of the trade firmly rooted in science, it starts to make sense that there’s actually a ton of progress happening. And we see this routinely at the conferences we attend and professional development and training we organise.

So, here are seven of the latest breakthroughs in lawn care technology that are not only revolutionising the industry but also changing how people take care of lawns themselves.

1. Smart Irrigation Systems

Smart irrigation systems are revolutionising lawn care by offering precise water management.

These systems use weather data and soil moisture levels to adjust watering schedules automatically, ensuring your lawn gets the right amount of water at the right time.

The benefits can be substantial, particularly for large lawns where they have the greatest utility: water conservation, reduced water bills, and the convenience of automation.

Popular brands like Hunter and Rainbird lead the market with their innovative products.

2. Robotic Lawn Mowers

Gone are the days of spending hours mowing the lawn.

Robotic lawn mowers, like the Worx Landroid or Husqvarna Automower, handle the task with remarkable efficiency and precision.

These devices are programmed to navigate your lawn, cutting the grass to your desired height while you relax. They are not only time-saving but also ensure a consistently manicured lawn without the hassle.

3. Soil Sensors

Soil sensors are a game-changer for lawn health monitoring.

Whilst likely the reserve of we professionals (or very the keenest of lawn enthusiasts), these sensors measure soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels, providing valuable data to optimise fertilisation and prevent diseases.

By using soil sensors, homeowners can maintain a healthier lawn with fewer resources. Brands like Delta T and Renke offer advanced soil sensing technology that takes the guesswork out of lawn care.

4. Organic Lawn Treatments

With increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, organic lawn treatments are gaining popularity.

These eco-friendly products are safe for pets, children, and the environment while effectively promoting lawn health.

Innovations in this area include natural fertilisers, pest repellents, and disease control solutions.

And whilst not a technological innovation, indeed perhaps the opposite, a related trend worth noting is wildflower areas; a perfect compromise between maintaining an aesthetically pleasing garden and boosting the local ecosystem.

5. Drone Technology

Drones are not just for aerial photography.

Believe it or not, they are being adopted for lawn care.

Equipped with cameras and sensors, drones can provide detailed aerial views of larger lawns, identifying problem areas and assessing overall health.

They can also be used for precise application of fertilisers and pesticides, ensuring even coverage and reducing waste.

LawnsOne haven’t any plans to be flying over your lawn this year and we’ll be sure to give you some warning if we ever do.

6. Advanced Lawn Aerators

Aeration is crucial for a healthy lawn, and modern aerators are making this process more efficient.

Advanced lawn aerators, such as the VOGT Geo Injector maxi, offer better soil penetration, breaking up compacted soil, enhancing oxygenation, and improving water permeability.

So whilst a lawn treatment robot won’t be arriving at your doorstep anytime soon there’s still plenty of innovation happening in the lawn care space.

At LawnsOne, we are committed to staying ahead at the very useful and effective end of these innovations, ensuring our customers benefit from the latest advancements.