- Mow High, Mow Often
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is cutting their grass too short. In Nebraska, where summer heat and drought can be tough on turf, keeping your grass longer helps it stay healthier.
Set your mower blade to 3 to 3.5 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, keeping it cooler and retaining moisture. It also encourages deeper root growth and helps crowd out weeds naturally. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time—doing so can shock the plant and weaken your lawn overall.
During peak growing season (typically spring and early summer), mow once a week. As growth slows later in the summer or into fall, you can space mowing out to every 10–14 days, depending on weather and conditions. - Water Smart—Deep and Infrequent
Overwatering is one of the most common lawn care mistakes. Fremont lawns generally need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. The key is to water deeply and less frequently.
Instead of watering every day, water two to three times per week, applying about half an inch each time. Early morning is best—watering in the evening leaves grass wet overnight, increasing the risk of fungal diseases.
If you’re unsure how much you’re watering, place a shallow container (like a tuna can) in your yard while your sprinkler runs. Measure how long it takes to collect half an inch of water, and use that as a guide for future watering. - Fertilize Strategically
Feeding your lawn the right nutrients at the right time is crucial for long-term health and color. Nebraska’s soil often lacks key nutrients, and fertilizing at the wrong time can do more harm than good.
We recommend a three-application schedule:
• Spring: Jumpstart growth after winter dormancy.
• Mid-summer: Strengthen the lawn through heat and drought.
• Fall: Prepare your grass for winter and encourage deep root growth.
Use a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. If you’re unsure what your soil needs, Fremont Lawns offers soil testing and tailored fertilization programs based on local lawn conditions. - Aerate Once a Year
Our area’s soil tends to be heavy and compacted, which makes it harder for roots to get the air, water, and nutrients they need. Aerating your lawn once a year—usually in the fall—can significantly improve lawn health.
Aeration involves removing small plugs of soil from your lawn to reduce compaction and promote better root development. After aerating, it’s the perfect time to fertilize or overseed, as nutrients and seeds will reach the root zone more effectively. - Keep Your Mower Blade Sharp
A dull mower blade tears grass rather than slicing it cleanly. Torn grass blades turn brown at the edges, making your lawn look stressed and increasing vulnerability to disease.
We recommend sharpening your mower blades at least once per season—more often if you mow frequently or have a larger yard. This simple maintenance step can make a big difference in how your lawn looks and how well it bounces back from each mow.
Final Thoughts from Fremont Lawns
Caring for your lawn properly takes time, effort, and a little local knowledge. These five lawn care tips are a great place to start, especially if you’re managing your yard yourself. But if you’d rather leave it to the pros, Fremont Lawns is here to help.
We offer expert lawn mowing, fertilization, weed control, aeration, and landscaping services throughout the Fremont, NE area. Our experienced team understands the unique conditions of eastern Nebraska lawns—and we deliver results you can see.