Proper mowing is essential to the health and appearance of your lawn. Even
though it seems a rather basic cultural practice, mowing is often the primary
cause for decline in lawn quality and appearance.
Mowing your lawn improperly will severely
reduce turf vigor and increase susceptibility to weeds, insects and diseases.
Height:
A closely mowed lawn may appear to be attractive but results in a turf less tolerant to environmental stresses and slower to recover from problem pests. Intensely maintained turf such as golf course fairways, are able to withstand a lower mowing height because of management practices. The proper mowing height for lawn turfgrass is 2" to 3". It is important that cutting height be measured and adjusted to the turfgrass blades since the actual height of cut may lower as mower wheels compress and settle into the lawn. The height may be lowered to 1- 3/4" to 2" for the first mowing of the year to remove debris and promote spring green-tip.
Frequency:
Mowing frequency should be determined by the growth rate of the turfgrass blades. Lawn mowing should be frequent enough to ensure that no more than 1/3 of the grass leaf blade is clipped off in a single mowing. Removing more than 1/3 of the leaf blade will greatly reduce the amount of plant food provided by the shoots. The "1/3 guide" is especially important during periods of midsummer stress.
Clippings:
Clippings DO NOT need to be collected when the "1/3 guide" of mowing frequency and proper mowing height is practiced. If excessive growth has occurred, raise the mowing height and gradually establish the 2" to 3" mowing height. Collecting lawn clippings removes the valuable nutrients produced by decomposing grass blades and may also reduce the benefits of a Pro Care application. Collecting clippings WILL NOT reduce thatch build-up. The primary contributors to thatch accumulation are the roots and below-ground stems.
Mower Blades:
Keep your mower blades sharp. A sharp mower blade makes a clean, even cut. A dull blade tears the ends of the grass, leaving ragged, shredded tips. Mowing with a dull blade gives your lawn a brown cast and makes it susceptible to a variety of diseases. It is important to note that not all new mowers have sharp blades.
Cultural Practices to Avoid:
Mowing too fast (faster than a normal walking pace).
Mowing when grass is wet.
Mowing when a mower engine is not running well.
Mowing in the same pattern (and direction).
The Pro-Care staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please call if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn's health or appearance.
Height:
A closely mowed lawn may appear to be attractive but results in a turf less tolerant to environmental stresses and slower to recover from problem pests. Intensely maintained turf such as golf course fairways, are able to withstand a lower mowing height because of management practices. The proper mowing height for lawn turfgrass is 2" to 3". It is important that cutting height be measured and adjusted to the turfgrass blades since the actual height of cut may lower as mower wheels compress and settle into the lawn. The height may be lowered to 1- 3/4" to 2" for the first mowing of the year to remove debris and promote spring green-tip.
Frequency:
Mowing frequency should be determined by the growth rate of the turfgrass blades. Lawn mowing should be frequent enough to ensure that no more than 1/3 of the grass leaf blade is clipped off in a single mowing. Removing more than 1/3 of the leaf blade will greatly reduce the amount of plant food provided by the shoots. The "1/3 guide" is especially important during periods of midsummer stress.
Clippings:
Clippings DO NOT need to be collected when the "1/3 guide" of mowing frequency and proper mowing height is practiced. If excessive growth has occurred, raise the mowing height and gradually establish the 2" to 3" mowing height. Collecting lawn clippings removes the valuable nutrients produced by decomposing grass blades and may also reduce the benefits of a Pro Care application. Collecting clippings WILL NOT reduce thatch build-up. The primary contributors to thatch accumulation are the roots and below-ground stems.
Mower Blades:
Keep your mower blades sharp. A sharp mower blade makes a clean, even cut. A dull blade tears the ends of the grass, leaving ragged, shredded tips. Mowing with a dull blade gives your lawn a brown cast and makes it susceptible to a variety of diseases. It is important to note that not all new mowers have sharp blades.
Cultural Practices to Avoid:
Mowing too fast (faster than a normal walking pace).
Mowing when grass is wet.
Mowing when a mower engine is not running well.
Mowing in the same pattern (and direction).
The Pro-Care staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please call if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn's health or appearance.