5 Common Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid in Cumberland, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth & Scarborough, Maine

Avoid these local lawn care pitfalls to protect your soil, save money, and grow a healthier lawn year-round.

Lawn Care in Southern Coastal Maine Requires Local Expertise

Lawn care in towns like Cumberland, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, and Scarborough isn’t one-size-fits-all. These coastal and inland areas experience cool springs, humid summers, salty air, and compact clay-rich soils. Whether you're near Higgins Beach in Scarborough or deep in the wooded neighborhoods of Cumberland, the key to lawn success is knowing what not to do.

Here are five of the most common lawn care mistakes made by homeowners across Southern Maine — and how to avoid them with environmentally friendly, Maine-tested practices.

Mistake 1: Watering Too Often and Too Shallow

Why it’s a problem:
Frequent light watering encourages shallow roots that dry out quickly, especially in Falmouth’s open lots, Scarborough’s sandy zones, and Cape Elizabeth’s windy coastal areas. It also promotes lawn disease and runoff, threatening nearby streams and Casco Bay.

The fix:
Water deeply once or twice per week, targeting 1 inch total per week, including rainfall. Early morning (before 9 AM) is best to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal issues.

Bonus Tip:
Capture rain with barrels from local conservation districts. Great for Scarborough’s growing developments and Cape Elizabeth gardens with limited well access.

Mistake 2: Cutting Grass Too Short

Why it’s a problem:
Scalping the lawn — mowing too low — stresses your turf, exposes soil to the sun, and creates perfect conditions for crabgrass and moss. This is especially harmful in Cumberland’s clay-heavy soil and Scarborough’s sandy subsoils.

The fix:
Set your mower height to 3–3.5 inches for cool-season grasses common in Maine. This shades the soil, conserves moisture, and outcompetes weeds naturally.

Tip:
Sharpen mower blades twice per season to prevent tearing, especially in damp areas like Falmouth Foreside or Cape’s shaded backyards.

Mistake 3: Fertilizing at the Wrong Time — or Using the Wrong Product

Why it’s a problem:
Applying fertilizer too early in spring or during summer heat can burn your lawn or cause nutrient runoff — a serious concern near Scarborough Marsh, Casco Bay, and Mill Creek.

The fix:
Use organic or slow-release fertilizers that feed gradually and won’t pollute local waters. Follow this Southern Maine lawn calendar:

• Late April–May: Wake up dormant grass

• June: Promote summer growth

• Late August: Restore after heat stress

• October: Strengthen for winter dormancy

Where to buy regionally appropriate fertilizer:

• Broadway Gardens – South Portland

• Highland Farm – Scarborough

• O’Donal’s Nursery – Gorham

These centers stock organic lawn food suited for Maine’s environmental regulations and local conditions.

Mistake 4: Letting Weeds Take Over Before Taking Action

Why it’s a problem:
Weeds love thin, stressed, underfed lawns — and once they root, they spread fast. In Scarborough’s new developments or Cape Elizabeth’s older, acidic soils, this mistake can be hard to reverse.

The fix:

• Use corn gluten meal as a natural pre-emergent in early spring.

• Pull weeds when soil is moist to remove roots.

• Spot-treat with natural sprays (vinegar or citric acid) instead of synthetic herbicides that harm pollinators.

Tip:
Healthy, thick grass is the best natural defense. Stay on top of mowing, watering, and feeding to crowd weeds out.

Mistake 5: Skipping Aeration and Overseeding

Why it’s a problem:
Clay soil compacts easily in Cumberland and Scarborough, restricting airflow, water movement, and nutrient absorption. Without annual aeration, lawns thin out and weeds sneak in.

The fix:

• Core aerate once per year, preferably in fall.

• Overseed immediately after with a mix of red fescue, ryegrass, or colonial bentgrass.

• Topdress with compost to nourish soil and improve drainage.

Recommended seed & compost suppliers:

• O’Donal’s Nursery – Gorham

• Highland Farm – Scarborough

These nurseries offer lawn seed blends customized for coastal Maine.

Conclusion: Smart Lawn Care = Stronger Lawns + Healthier Communities

Whether you're maintaining a family lawn in Cape Elizabeth, growing a green buffer in Cumberland, restoring bare patches in Falmouth, or managing a large lot in Scarborough, avoiding these five mistakes sets you up for long-term success.

Follow local best practices and shop with trusted Maine nurseries to build a beautiful, sustainable lawn — one that’s as kind to the environment as it is to your wallet.