Common Causes of Lawn Damage and How to Prevent Them

Maintaining a healthy lawn is crucial for commercial properties—it enhances curb appeal, creates a welcoming environment, and even increases property value. However, lawns are susceptible to various types of damage, and without proper care, they can quickly become overgrown, patchy, or infested. For businesses in Lake Mary, FL, this can jeopardize your professional appearance.

To help your business maintain pristine landscaping, we’re identifying the most common causes of lawn damage and providing actionable tips to prevent them. If you'd rather hand over the responsibility to experts, Plant This offers top-tier commercial landscaping services in Lake Mary, FL.
 

1. Poor Lawn Maintenance

A well-maintained lawn requires regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, and aeration. Without these practices, your lawn becomes vulnerable to dryness, weeds, and soil compaction. Neglecting routine maintenance can quickly transform a lush outdoor area into an eyesore.

Prevention Tips

• Mow Regularly but Not Too Short – Aim to cut no more than one-third of the grass height at once to avoid stressing the roots.
• Water Effectively – Early morning watering helps prevent water loss from evaporation and minimizes fungal growth.
• Fertilize Seasonally – Use a balanced fertilizer specific to your grass type and apply it in spring and fall for optimal growth.
• Aerate Annually – Aerating loosens compacted soil, ensuring nutrients and water penetrate the roots effectively.

For busy property owners or managers, enlisting a commercial landscaping team in Lake Mary, FL might be the best solution to ensure your lawn’s upkeep.
 

2. Pest Infestation

Lawn pests such as grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms can wreak havoc on your grass by feeding on the roots and blades. Infestation begins subtly but can escalate into widespread damage if left unaddressed.

Prevention Tips

• Identify Warning Signs – Look for brown patches, thinning grass, or excessive bird activity (birds often feed on lawn pests).
• Use Natural Pest Control Solutions – Neem-based sprays and nematodes can effectively target pests without harming beneficial insects.
• Consult Professionals – Pest damage may not always be visible to the untrained eye. A commercial landscaping team can diagnose and treat infestations promptly.
   

3. Disease and Fungal Growth

Brown patch disease, fairy rings, and powdery mildew are common diseases that can damage lawns in humid climates like Lake Mary, FL. These threats often occur due to excessive moisture, poor drainage, or improper mowing.

Prevention Tips

• Improve Drainage – Ensure your lawn has proper grading and install drainage systems if needed.
• Avoid Overwatering – Too much moisture creates an inviting environment for fungal growth.
• Keep Mower Blades Sharp – Dull blades tear the grass, which can make it more susceptible to disease.
• Apply Fungicides When Needed – Use fungicides as a last resort if widespread fungal growth occurs.

Don’t want to worry about lawn diseases? Leave it to Plant This, the go-to commercial landscaping experts in Lake Mary, FL.
 

4. Insufficient Sunlight

Lawns with shaded areas often struggle to grow since grass thrives on direct sunlight. Without adequate light, your lawn may experience thinning or bald spots.

Prevention Tips

• Choose Shade-Tolerant Grass Varieties – St. Augustine and fescue are ideal options for shady patches.
• Trim Overhanging Trees – Prune branches that block sunlight to allow more natural light to reach your lawn.
• Consider Landscape Design Adjustments – Replace grass in persistently shaded areas with mulch, decorative rocks, or shade-friendly plants.

Our team at Plant This specializes in tackling challenging landscapes to ensure uniform, appealing greenery for your commercial property in Lake Mary, FL.
 

5. Thatch Buildup

Thatch—a layer of dead grass and roots—naturally forms in lawns but becomes problematic when too thick. A dense thatch layer prevents water and nutrients from reaching the soil, leading to poor grass health.

Prevention Tips

• Routine Dethatching – Use a rake or dethatching machine to break up excess thatch buildup.
• Avoid Overwatering and Overfertilizing – Both practices contribute to accelerated thatch formation.
• Aerate the Lawn – Aeration can loosen the soil and reduce the buildup of thatch over time.

If dethatching feels overwhelming, your trusted commercial landscaping provider in Lake Mary, FL is just a call away.
 

6. Foot Traffic Stress

Heavy foot traffic, outdoor events, and parking on the grass can compact the soil and damage grass blades. Over time, these stressed areas turn into bare patches.

Prevention Tips

• Redirect Traffic – Use pathways, steppingstones, or signs to minimize foot traffic on grassy areas.
• Install Protective Features – Barriers like fences or hedges can discourage cars and people from trampling the grass.
• Periodic Soil Aeration – Aerate high-traffic zones regularly to relieve soil compaction.

Looking after high-traffic commercial lawns can be challenging. That’s why businesses across Lake Mary, FL trust Plant This for premium commercial landscaping management.
 

7. Weeds

Weeds, such as dandelions, crabgrass, and clover, compete with your lawn for nutrients, water, and sunlight. If not handled early, they can quickly take over your lawn.

Prevention Tips

• Use Pre-Emergent Herbicides – Prevent weeds before they grow by applying herbicides in early spring.
• Maintain a Healthy Lawn – Fertilizing and watering regularly helps create a dense lawn that prevents weeds from taking root.
• Pull Weeds Quickly – For smaller lawns, manually pulling weeds while they’re still young prevents them from spreading seeds.

Weeds are no match for professional landscaping services. Our experienced team at Plant This ensures your lawn is weed-free all year round.
 

8. Poor Soil Health

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving lawn. Nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalances, or compacted soil can lead to weak grass that’s vulnerable to disease and damage.

Prevention Tips

• Test Your Soil – Regular soil testing can reveal pH levels and nutrient deficiencies.
• Add Organic Compost – Improve soil health by incorporating organic matter during planting.
• Amend Soil Conditions – Lime, sulfur, or fertilizers can adjust pH imbalances and replenish lost nutrients.

Not sure how to 'read' your soil? Plant This can assess your lawn’s soil health and recommend solutions tailored to your property.
 

Work with Trusted Commercial Landscaping Experts in Lake Mary, FL

Keeping your lawn healthy and damage-free requires consistent effort, especially for commercial properties with large outdoor areas. If the process feels overwhelming, why not leave it to the professionals?

At Plant This, we provide comprehensive and reliable commercial landscaping services designed to keep your Lake Mary, FL property greenery vibrant and beautiful. From routine maintenance to tackling stubborn pests and weeds, we’ve got it covered.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Your lawn deserves nothing but the best.