Proper cutting techniques are essential to a lush and healthy lawn. As the temperature changes approaching the hot summer months, so does the rate at which your lawn grows.
How often should I mow?
Spring time requires more frequent cutting because a large percentage of total growth occurs in the spring season. As the temperature fluctuates and increases approaching the hotter summer months, you may need to change the frequency of cutting. Generally you will need to mow every 4 – 7 days.
How much grass should I cut each time?
Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade; otherwise browning will occur as a result of stress.
Cut at a height of 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 7 cm). Bentgrass is an exception and is best cut at 1 to 1.5 inches (3 to 4 cm). Mowing at these heights allows your lawn to shade out newly germinated weed seeds, and forces weeds like dandelions and plantain to grow more upright, resulting in more removal of weed leaf area when the lawn is mowed.
Mowing Tips
- Mow in different patterns to avoid rutting or tire marks. Going over the same set of tire marks compacts the soil and inhibits good turf growth.
- Sharpen the mower blade regularly to avoid fuzzy mowing. A dull blade creates a ragged cut that causes the lawn to look brown.
- Mulch clippings back into the lawn. Clippings do not contribute to thatch accumulation when the lawn is mowed regularly.**
- Mow when the lawn is dry; it’s hard to get a clean cut when the lawn is wet
**Exception – Bag clippings during disease recovery and the final cut of the season.
Proper cutting and watering techniques are absolutely essential to a lush, healthy lawn. Don’t leave your lawn to chance; if you don’t have the time or energy to worry about your property maintenance, hire a professional!