Time, Money, and Know-How: The 3 Biggest Lawn Care Barriers and How to Beat Them
So you want the perfect lawn — deep green, healthy, weed-free, the kind of lawn that turns heads and makes your neighbors pause mid-stride. We love that energy.
But let’s be real for a second; getting to that perfect lawn isn’t always smooth sailing. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at this for a while, there are three major speed bumps that trip up most homeowners:
Time. Money. Know-how.
In fact, our recent lawn survey found that 34% of people didn’t have enough time to spend on lawn care, 31% indicated that budget constraints limit their lawn care, and 26% felt they didn’t have enough knowledge or expertise to achieve the lawn they want.
Let’s dig into why these barriers exist, how to work around them, and what you really need to get that lawn looking like the 18th fairway at Augusta.
1. Time: Lawn Goals Take Commitment
Let’s talk about the biggest elephant on the lawn — time.
You see the results on social media: perfectly striped grass, deep green color, not a weed in sight. But what you don’t always see? The hours behind the scenes.
A great lawn is kind of like fitness. You can’t expect six-pack abs after one trip to the gym, and you can’t expect a show-stopping lawn after one round of fertilizer. It’s about consistency. It's the little things, done repeatedly, that stack up over time to give you that “wow” factor.
Here’s how time plays into your lawn success:
Mowing
During peak growing season — especially if you’re growing warm-season grass like Bermuda or Zoysia — you’ll be mowing at least once or twice a week. Not just to keep things tidy, but to encourage lateral growth and density.
When you mow more frequently and follow the one-third rule (never cut more than ⅓ of the blade at once), your lawn gets thicker and more resilient. Skip it too often? You end up scalping the grass and stressing it out.
Want to mow less often without sacrificing quality? Enter: Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs).
The PGR Advantage
Products like Primo Maxx or Anuew EZ work by temporarily slowing the vertical growth of your grass, without affecting its color, density, or overall health. In fact, most lawns treated with a PGR actually get greener, thicker, and more stress-tolerant over time.
Here’s what that means for you:
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Less mowing — Grass grows slower vertically, saving you time.
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Cleaner cuts — Mowing is smoother with less tearing.
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Better stripes — Dense turf holds stripes longer.
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Improved drought and heat tolerance — Especially helpful in summer.
- Fewer clippings — Meaning less cleanup.
Pro Tip: Apply a PGR every 2 weeks at half the monthly label rate during the growing season, ideally right after mowing. You can tank mix it with other products like biostimulants or liquid fertilizers (just check compatibility).
So, if you're short on time or just want to take your lawn to that next level of refinement, PGRs are one of the best-kept secrets in pro-level lawn care.
Related: How Plant Growth Regulation Can Make Your Lawn Thicker and Greener
Watering
Most lawns need about 1 inch of water per week, either from rain or irrigation. But here's the thing: it's not just about dumping water on the lawn and walking away. Timing matters. Early morning watering (before 10 a.m.) is ideal. Watering at night? That’s an invitation for disease.
Time-saving strategy: Invest in a smart irrigation controller that automatically adjusts watering schedules based on weather data. Set it and forget it — just check in every so often to make sure it’s working as it should.
The Secret Weapon: Soil Moisture Managers
If you're in a hot or dry climate — or just want to reduce how often you need to water — products like Hydretain and FOURPlay™ are total game changers.
Hydretain works by pulling moisture vapor from the air within the soil and converting it into usable water droplets that your grass roots can absorb. It helps stretch the time between watering and rainfall, so your grass stays hydrated longer.
FOURPlay™ goes a step further — it’s a 4-in-1 soil amendment that combines:
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A soil penetrant (helps water move deeper into the soil)
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A soil surfactant (breaks up hydrophobic soil layers)
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A moisture manager (like Hydretain)
- And a biological stimulant (to improve root health).
The result? Deeper water penetration, better retention, and improved root development. That’s a win-win-win for lawn hydration.
Fertilizing and Treatments
To keep your lawn healthy and green, it needs nutrients, and that’s where fertilizer comes in. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you need a complex, pro-level program or a calendar full of weekly tasks.
If you're just starting out, a balanced fertilizer applied every 6–8 weeks during the growing season is a great first step. It’s easy, effective, and gives your grass what it needs to grow strong without overcomplicating things.
When you’re ready, you can add other helpful treatments like:
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A pre-emergent herbicide in early spring and fall to block weeds before they sprout.
- A post-emergent spot spray for any weeds that slip through the net.
Top Tips for Fertilizing Your Lawn: Choosing the Right Lawn Fertilizer
Want to Save Time? Try Tank Mixing (When It’s Safe)
If you’re using liquid products — fertilizers, biostimulants, or soil amendments — you can tank mix several of them to save time and effort. That means fewer passes across the lawn and less setup.
Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
Tank mixing just means combining compatible products in the same sprayer. As long as they’re labeled safe to mix and you're following proper application rates, you’re good to go.
For instance, all of these products can be safely mixed in the same tank and applied to your lawn all at once.
Golf Course Lawn Carbon Kit — this kit consists of 3 products: Release ZERO™ or Release 901C™, Nutri-Kelp™, and ByoSpxtrum™.
- 10% liquid carbon for deeper roots and greener grass
- Micronutrient blend boosts soil biology
- Formulated to protect turf from heat and drought
- Safe for all grass types
- Can be mixed with fertilizer, herbicide, and growth regulator.
Anuew EZ Plant Growth Regulator — will reduce your mowing by 50% while helping your lawn grow greener and thicker.
So, What If You Don’t Have a Lot of Time?
If your schedule is packed but you still want a great lawn, here are a few things you can do:
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Automate what you can. Smart sprinklers, pre-measured product packs, and spreaders/sprayers with precise calibration save tons of time.
- Simplify your product stack. Use combo products — like a fertilizer with pre-emergent or bio-stimulants that feed your lawn and improve soil health at the same time.
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Choose liquid products over granules. Liquids work via foliar uptake, so you don’t need to water them in, saving you time and money.
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Do a little each day. Five minutes pulling weeds or checking for fungus is better than letting things slide for weeks and then trying to fix it all in one go.
- Prioritize the basics. If you can only do three things regularly: mow, water properly, and fertilize according to a plan. That alone will get you 80% of the way to a healthy lawn.
Check out our Lawn Fertilization Program Calculator
Bottom line:
Lawn care does require time — but it’s not all-or-nothing. Start small. Stay consistent. Build habits. Your future self (and your grass) will thank you.
And hey, if you enjoy the process like I do, the time you spend out there becomes less of a chore and more of a reward.
Step-By-Step Guide for Getting a Golf Course Lawn
2. Money: The Lawn Ain’t Free
Let’s talk dollars and cents because lawn care isn't just about sweat equity. Getting that thick, green carpet of grass under your feet does take some financial investment. Now, before you click away thinking you need to drop a fortune, let’s clear something up:
You don’t need a country club budget to have a golf course lawn.
But… you do need to spend smart.
Start with the Soil (It’s Cheaper than Guessing)
The number one way to waste money on lawn care? Throwing down products your lawn doesn’t need.
That’s where soil testing comes in. For the cost of a few fancy coffees, you’ll get a custom readout of your soil’s pH, nutrient levels, and deficiencies. It tells you exactly what your lawn does and doesn’t need.
No more guessing. No more over-fertilizing. Just data-driven applications that save money and give better results.
Pro Tip: We have an affordable, easy-to-use soil test that gives you actionable recommendations — no lab coat required.
Related: Soil Test Kit Results Back: What Next?
Focus On What Moves the Needle
There are thousands of lawn products out there. Some are worth their weight in gold. Others? Not so much.
If you’re building a lawn care plan on a budget, spend money where it counts:
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Pre-emergent herbicides: Like Prodiamine or Dimension, to stop weeds before they start.
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High-quality fertilizer: Go for granular slow-release options that feed over time.
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A good sprayer or spreader: One-time investment, long-term payoff.
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Plant growth regulators (PGRs): Help reduce mowing and improve density — win-win.
Skip the gimmicks and stick to the basics that deliver real, visible results.
DIY = ROI
Hiring a lawn care company might seem easier, but you’ll often spend 2 to 3 times more per season than doing it yourself.
Let’s break it down:
| Service | Pro Cost | DIY Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Fertilizer Program | $400–$600/yr | ~$150/yr (granular + bio-stimulants) |
| Weed Control | $300+/yr | ~$75/yr (with a proper herbicide kit) |
| Aeration | $100–$150 each time | Free with a manual aerator or PGRs over time |
Add it up, and DIY can save you hundreds per year and give you full control over what’s going into your lawn.
What If You Physically Can’t Care for the Lawn Yourself?
Not everyone has the time or physical ability to push a mower, spray herbicides, or haul around bags of fertilizer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a great lawn.
Instead of paying for a full-service lawn care company year-round, ask a relative or look for a local student, neighborhood teen, or independent contractor who can mow weekly and apply products you supply. This gives you more control over what’s going on your lawn and keeps costs low.
The Lawn Is an Investment
Let’s flip the script: your lawn isn’t just an expense — it’s an asset.
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A great lawn adds curb appeal and real estate value.
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It creates a safe, soft space for pets and kids.
- It’s a source of pride, and yeah, you’ll get some bragging rights too.
And like any good investment, what you put in is what you get out. The good news? Once you get your lawn dialed in, you’ll spend less over time, not more. Healthy grass needs fewer weed killers, fewer disease treatments, and fewer expensive fixes.
Bottom line:
Yes, lawn care has costs, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Spend where it counts, avoid waste, and make smart choices. With the right products and knowledge, every dollar goes further.
You’ll be investing in more than just grass; you’re investing in your home, your environment, and a hobby that gives back every time you step outside.
Related: 10 DIY Tips for Affordable Lawn Care
3. Know-How: Lawn Success Is a Learning Curve
If you’ve ever stared at a brown patch, a stubborn weed, or some strange fungus and thought, “What on earth is going on here?” You’re not alone.
The truth is, the biggest barrier between most homeowners and a pro-level lawn isn’t money or time; it’s knowledge. Not knowing what to do, when to do it, or how much is too much… that’s where mistakes happen.
But here’s the good news: lawn care isn’t rocket science. It’s learnable. And you don’t need a turf science degree to figure it out — you just need the right mindset and some trustworthy guidance.
The Solution: Education + Observation
Every lawn is a little different, with different grass types, soil conditions, and climate zones. What works for your buddy in Texas might not work the same in Georgia or the Carolinas.
That’s why the key is learning to read your lawn and build your knowledge over time.
Here’s how to shortcut that learning curve:
- Watch educational content. (Shameless plug: hit up our YouTube channel for step-by-step tutorials, product guides, and troubleshooting help.)
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Read educational content. We have hundreds of resources to help you learn about specific lawn issues.
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Join lawn care communities. Facebook groups, Reddit threads, Discord chats — there’s a huge network of DIYers sharing tips, photos, and real-life results.
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Track what you do. A simple lawn care journal or app can help you remember when you applied something, how the lawn responded, and what to tweak next time.
- Ask questions. Whether it’s emailing me, joining in my YouTube live sessions on a Friday evening, or commenting on a video, I’m here to help.
- Enroll in the Golf Course Lawn Academy.
The Golf Course Lawn Academy is an online course I created for homeowners who want to learn how to really level up their lawn. Whether you’re brand new or have a few seasons under your belt, this course gives you:
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A step-by-step system to build a golf course–quality lawn
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Lessons on mowing, fertilizing, watering, weed control, and more
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Lifetime access, so you can learn at your own pace
- The confidence to know exactly what your lawn needs, and when.
Think of it as your lawn care blueprint. Less guessing, more growing.
If you’re ready to skip years of trial and error, the Golf Course Lawn Academy is where you want to be.
Tools and Resources to Build Confidence
One of the best ways to grow your knowledge (and your results) is to use tools that make things easier, not harder.
Here’s what I recommend to every new lawn care boss:
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A soil test kit — Know what your grass actually needs.
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A reliable sprayer and spreader — Apply products evenly and efficiently.
- Access to trusted info — Skip the guesswork. Follow proven programs and guides from experts who care about DIY success.
Use a Month-by-Month Lawn Care Calendar
One of the easiest ways to stay on track (and avoid overwhelm) is by following a month-by-month lawn care calendar.
Instead of trying to do everything at once — or forgetting key treatments until it’s too late — you’ll know exactly what to do, when to do it, and why it matters.
A good calendar helps you:
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Time your pre-emergents and fertilizer applications perfectly
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Plan for core aeration and overseeding or dethatching (if needed)
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Schedule insecticide and fungicide treatments.
- Avoid wasting time or product on things your lawn doesn’t need yet.
Here are some examples you can print out for reference:
Lawn Care Is a Skill, And You’re Building It
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get everything right the first time. That brown patch you fought off last season? That’s experience now. That failed seeding attempt? A lesson in timing.
With every pass of the mower, every sprayer you clean, and every question you ask, you’re building the knowledge that makes you the expert on your lawn.
If you’re willing to learn and experiment, there’s no limit to how good your lawn can get. Mistakes are part of the process — what matters is sticking with it and improving season after season. Trust the process. Ask for help when you need it. And most importantly? Enjoy it. Lawn care shouldn’t feel like a chore; it should feel like a win every time you step outside.
Lawn Care FAQs: Real Questions, Real Solutions
Q: How much should I water my lawn each week?
A: Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Deep and infrequent is better than shallow and frequent. Early morning watering (before 10 a.m.) is ideal to minimize evaporation and disease risk.
💡 Tip: Use a rain gauge or an empty tuna can to measure your output.
Read more>> How Often Should I Water My Lawn?
Q: Why does my grass keep turning brown, even though I water it?
A: Could be too much water, too little, or poor soil retention. Overwatering invites diseases like brown patch and root rot; underwatering stresses the turf. Consider adding a moisture manager like Hydretain or FOURPlay™ to help your soil hold onto water longer.
Q: I mow low to save time — why is my lawn looking worse?
A: Mowing too short (“scalping”) weakens the grass and exposes soil, making it easier for weeds to take hold. Stick to the one-third rule—never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time — and mow often enough to maintain that height.
Read more>> What Is Lawn Scalping and When Should You Do It?
Q: When should I apply pre-emergent weed control?
A: Timing is everything. For warm-season grasses, apply a pre-emergent like Prodiamine or Dimension in early spring (soil temps ~55°F) and again in fall (soil temps ~70°F). Miss the window, and those weeds will come in hot.
Read more>> What Are Pre-emergent Herbicides and When You Should Apply Them?
Q: Can I just throw down fertilizer any time I want?
A: Not quite. Fertilizer works best when applied during active growth periods. For warm-season grass, that’s late spring through summer. Don’t waste product on dormant turf — it won’t absorb nutrients, and you risk runoff.
📌 Start with a soil test to know what nutrients your lawn actually needs.
Read more>> The Best Time To Fertilize Your Lawn
Q: I’ve been throwing down products, but nothing’s working. Why?
A: You might be skipping the most important step: soil health. If your pH is off or your soil is compacted or hydrophobic, even the best products won’t work well.
Start with a soil test and consider core aeration or soil amendments like CarbonizPN-G™ to improve your lawn from the roots up.
Q: I’m overwhelmed. Is there an easy way to learn all this?
A: Absolutely. The Golf Course Lawn Academy is an online course that walks you through everything — step by step. Whether you’re a total beginner or want to sharpen your lawn game, it’s built to give you a plan, not just products.
Beat the Big 3 and Build the Lawn You Want
So there it is. The top three things standing between you and that perfect, golf-course-level lawn?
Time. Money. Know-how.
But here’s the truth: none of them are deal-breakers.
You don’t need unlimited free time — you need consistency.
You don’t need a blank check — you need to spend smart.
You don’t need to know everything — you just need to start, stay curious, and keep learning.
Every lush, green lawn you see started with someone deciding to give it a shot. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. One mow at a time. One product at a time. One win at a time.
And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.
Ready to take your lawn to the next level? We’ve got everything you need to turn your yard into the best one on the block. Browse the Golf Course Lawn store.
Ron Henry
Ron Henry is the founder of Golf Course Lawn, which is dedicated to helping homeowners achieve golf course-quality lawns. He holds a certificate in Sports Turfgrass Management from the University of Georgia. With expert knowledge in turf care, fertilization, and weed control, he shares practical tips and product recommendations to create lush, healthy lawns.