Why Is My Neighbor’s Lawn Greener Than Mine?

For some, the quest to create the lushest, greenest lawn on the block is a serious summer-long competition. For others, it’s more about just having a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing place to chill outdoors. Regardless of personality type, at some point, we’ve all probably asked ourselves, “Why is the neighbor’s lawn greener than mine?”

The answer is multi-faceted. A lot of lawn care practices need to come together to create that masterpiece. But getting it right isn’t out of reach. Here’s what to know about why your neighbor’s lawn is greener than yours and how to troubleshoot what’s holding yours back.

Why Is My Neighbor’s Lawn Greener Than Mine?

Watering habits

In general, lawns benefit from deep watering, which encourages strong root growth. Landscape designer Eduard Negodenko recommends soaking the ground to 1.5 inches deep once a week in the early morning. Also, avoid night watering, as it can encourage fungal diseases.

“Irrigation systems also vary,” he says. “Perhaps your neighbor’s system blankets the entire lawn evenly with hydration, while your hand-held hose or sprinkler may miss some spots.”

Soil composition

Soil composition varies between yards due to home construction, past landscaping practices and natural soil variations. A soil test can determine the nutrient balance in your soil and whether your yard’s pH is too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic). The ideal range for most grasses is between 6.0 and 7.0, says Negodenko. “Anything above or below and your grass will struggle to absorb nutrients no matter how much fertilizer you apply,” he says.

Nutrients and fertilization

Lawns lacking nutrients may look pale or yellowish, says turf expert Ryan Walts. “Products containing nitrogen, iron, and/or ferrous sulfate often encourage green-up of the grass and provide a more immediate visual response,” he says. Also, a soil test will show what essential nutrients might be lacking, such as nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium.

The type of fertilizer can also affect lawn color. Quick-release fertilizers can green things up quickly but for a shorter time. “If the neighbor uses slow-release nitrogen-rich fertilizers every six to eight weeks in the growing season, the grass will always be green in color,” says Negodenko.

Shade

Most grass varieties do best with at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day. If your lawn is less green “it could be that your neighbor’s yard is receiving a little more sun, or they chose a shade-tolerant variety like fine fescue or St. Augustine, while your yard struggles with a sun-loving species like Bermuda grass,” says Negodenko.

Weed control

Competition from weeds can also weaken a lawn. “If weeds such as crabgrass, dandelions or clover are stealing nutrients and water, your grass will have trouble maintaining health,” says Negodenko.

Mowing habits

“Most homeowners mow too short, thinking this will cause the lawn to need mowing less frequently, but this actually damages the lawn because it exposes more soil surfaces to sunlight,” says Negodenko. That ends up making it more susceptible to weeds.

The ideal mowing height varies by grass type, but in general, cutting it no shorter than three inches, as well as never cutting off more than one-third of the length of the grass blades, will keep your lawn healthy and help it develop deep roots that hold onto moisture.

Lawn care routine

Another reason your neighbor’s lawn might be greener than yours is their maintenance routine. “A lawn with a consistent care program, including aeration, overseeding and seasonal treatments, will generally stay greener and healthier throughout the year compared to one that doesn’t,” says Walts.

Tips To Make My Lawn Look Like My Neighbor’s

Just ask

“The best first step to make your lawn the same as your neighbor’s is to ask what they do,” says Negodenko. “They may give you a bit on the products they use, watering schedules or perhaps even mention hiring a professional lawn care service.”

Test your soil

Testing your soil for nutrients and pH levels is a game-changer. Buy an at-home kit or send a sample to a local extension services office to find out exactly what your lawn needs.

Water properly

Water each area of your lawn three mornings per week for 20 to 30 minutes. “Lawns that receive consistent, deep watering tend to be greener and healthier than those that don’t,” says Walts.

Prune trees and bushes

If shade is the problem, prune back tree branches or switch to a more shade-tolerant grass species.

Slow-release fertilize

Use a slow-release nitrogen-blend fertilizer to keep your grass fed continuously throughout the season, and fertilize at recommended intervals. “Proper fertilization helps grass make the most of nutrients and store energy, keeping it lush and resilient,” says Walts. “Regular applications of organic products can also improve drought tolerance.”

Mow higher

If you’ve been mowing too short, now is a good time to raise your blade to that healthier height, which will ultimately encourage strong root growth, says Negodenko.

Aerate

Walts recommends aerating your lawn annually during peak growing seasons to loosen compacted soil and improve water and nutrient absorption. “This can lead to stronger, deeper roots and an overall healthier lawn. ”

Pest control

Keep an eye out for insects and lawn diseases, as they can steal nutrients and weaken your grass, says Walts. “Implementing a pest control program can help maintain your lawn’s health and keep it looking as vibrant as your neighbor’s,” he says.

Limit traffic and wear

Reducing foot traffic, especially in high-use areas, can help prevent patchy or worn-down spots, says Walts. “If needed, create designated walkways or play areas to keep the grass in its best shape,” he says.

About the Experts

• Eduard Negodenko has been designing landscapes and providing lawn and garden expertise for more than seven years. He currently work at Avanti Landscaping in Toronto, Canada.
• Ryan Walts is training manager and business coach at the fertilizer and weed control franchise Lawn Squad. He has 17 years of experience in turfgrass science and maintenance.

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