Grass mowed with dull blades have shredded ends that
makes it more susceptible to pests. It also causes the grass to
have an off-color white cast.
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One of the most important components of lawn
maintenance is mowing. It directly affects the health and quality of the
turfgrass. Improperly mowed lawns will suffer and develop an unsightly appearance.
Proper mowing consists of cutting the grass at the correct height and
frequency. Doing so will create a healthy lawn by encouraging the development
of a dense stand of turfgrass which helps reduce weeds and other pests.
The proper mowing height is determined by
the particular type of grass. Zoysiagrass should be mowed at one to one and
one-and –one-half inches high. Hybrid bermudagrass prefers a height of a half
inch to one-and –one-half inches while common bermudagrass should be cut one to
two inches high. Centipedegrass likes to be maintained at one to one-and –one-half
inches while St. Augustinegrass and tall fescue need to be cut at two to three
inches.
During hot dry periods, raise the mowing
height one-half of an inch. The longer leaf blades will shade the soil which
will keep the grass roots cooler and reduce moisture loss. When adjusting the
mowing height, measure the distance of the mowing blades to the ground and make
sure all four wheels are set at the same height.
When mowing, remove no more than one-third
of the grass blade. For example, if you want to maintain the lawn at a height
of 2 inches, mow when it is 3 inches high. Removing more than one-third will
increase the lawn’s susceptibility to pests and environmental stress. A sudden
reduction in height greater than one-third can be damaging to the turfgrass. If
the grass becomes too high between mowings, increase the height of the cut and then
gradually lower it until the recommended height is reached for the particular
type of grass.
The blades should be kept sharp at all times.
Dull blades will shred the ends of the grass. The ragged blades will cause the
lawn to develop an unsightly brown to white appearance. Also, the grass is more
prone to diseases and water loss. Sharpen the blades as needed or replace them
with new ones.
The question arises as to whether or not
the grass clippings should be collected in a bag or allowed to drop back to the
ground. The best course of action is to let them fall back into the turf where
they will break down and release nutrients. This will help provide organic
matter for the soil and reduce the need for fertilization. Some people are
concerned this will increase thatch, which are dead roots, stems and grass
blades that have accumulated between the surface of the soil and the green
blades of the turf grass. It can lead to increased pest problems and other
stresses. If the lawn is cut on a regular basis by removing no more than
one-third of the leaf blade, the clippings should not form a thatch layer.
Remember, correct mowing is an important
component of lawn care. Make sure it is mowed at the correct height and
frequency using a sharp blade. Doing so will help ensure a healthy and
attractive lawn.
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