Green Insights
With years of experience in lawn care and maintenance, ELM Lawn Care provides expert tips and professional services to keep your yard healthy and beautiful year-round.
The One-Third Rule: Why How Much You Cut Matters as Much as How Often
There's a rule in lawn care that most homeowners have never heard of, but that professional crews follow on every single yard, every single week. It's called the one-third rule, and understanding it will change how you think about mowing.
The concept is simple: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. If your grass is three inches tall, you should cut no more than one inch off — leaving it at two inches. If it's four and a half inches, cut one and a half inches.
Simple in theory. But the implications are bigger than most people realize.
Spring Lawn Checklist: Mowing and Fertilization Go Hand in Hand
April is the month everything clicks into gear. The grass is growing, the weather is cooperating, and homeowners across Short Pump and Glen Allen are finally back outside paying attention to their yards. It's also the month where the decisions you make — especially around mowing and fertilization — set the tone for how your lawn looks from now through September.
These two things don't have to be complicated, but they do have to work together. Here's how we think about the April lawn checklist and why mowing and fertilization are more connected than most people realize.
Is Your Lawn Ready for Spring? Here's What to Do First
Every March, I show up to yards across Glen Allen, Short Pump, and Twin Hickory and see the same thing: lawns that wintered okay but aren't quite ready for what's coming. The grass is starting to green up, homeowners are eager to get outside, and the instinct is to jump straight into mowing and fertilizing. But rushing that process is one of the most common mistakes I see, and it can set a lawn back for months.
Spring lawn prep isn't complicated. But the order matters. Here's what we actually do — and in what sequence — to get lawns in central Virginia ready for a strong growing season.
Why Spring Mulching Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Lawn
Learn why spring mulching matters for Glen Allen, Short Pump, and Twin Hickory homeowners — and how fresh mulch protects your plants all season long.
Keep Your Lawn Healthy This Fall
As summer fades and cooler weather arrives, your lawn shifts into an important transition period. Fall is one of the best times to give your yard the attention it needs to recover from heat stress, rebuild root strength, and prepare for the months ahead. A little effort now helps your grass come back greener and thicker in spring — and keeps your outdoor spaces looking tidy through the season.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your lawn healthy this fall.
When Should You Start Thinking About Fall Lawn Care?
When Should You Start Thinking About Fall Lawn Care?
Spoiler: Now’s the time.
While the heat of summer still lingers in Central Virginia, late July is actually the perfect time to start thinking about fall lawn care. It might seem early, but planning now ensures your lawn is ready for cooler temps—and gives you the best shot at a thick, green, healthy yard by next spring.
Here’s why fall is so important, and what steps you can take now to set your lawn up for success.
Summer Lawn Myths—Busted
There’s no shortage of advice out there when it comes to summer lawn care. Unfortunately, not all of it is helpful—and some of it can even do more harm than good.
At ELM Lawn Care, we’ve seen it all. So let’s set the record straight by busting some of the most common myths that come up during the hottest time of year.
Watering Wisely During Summer
As summer heat intensifies in the Glen Allen area, many homeowners worry about how much—or how little—they should water their lawns. It’s a great question, and at ELM Lawn Care, we believe smart watering is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your lawn healthy and resilient throughout the season.
How Often Should I Mow in June? Tips for Healthy Summer Growth
June is when lawns really start showing off—thick, green growth fueled by warm days and occasional rain showers. But with that growth comes responsibility. Mowing too often (or not enough) can impact your lawn's health, appearance, and resilience through summer.
So, how often should you mow your lawn in early summer? Here’s a breakdown to help keep your yard healthy and looking its best this season.
Why Mowing Height Matters in Warm Weather Lawns
As the temperatures rise in suburban Richmond, VA, your lawn’s mowing height becomes more than just a matter of preference — it plays a major role in the health and resilience of your grass.
Too often, homeowners think that cutting the grass short means less mowing. But in warm, humid climates, scalping your lawn can do more harm than good. Here’s why keeping your grass a little taller during the warmer months can make all the difference.