Proper lawn mowing techniques are absolutely essential to an Ecology Friendly lawn. As the intensity of heat changes during the growing season, so will the rate at which your lawn grows, therefore it’s necessary to change the frequency of cutting.
Here are our top recommendations to help you manage your lawn like an expert.
Mow frequently
Spring time requires more frequent cutting since this is when a large percentage of total growth occurs. As a guide, you should aim to mow the lawn every 4 to 7 days during growing season.
Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade
Removing more than 1/3 of the leaf blade will cause stress, which leads to browning.
Cut at a height of 2.5 to 3 inches
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. Turfgrass root depth is also deeper in lawns that are mowed high. Bentgrass lawns are an exception to this rule, and are best cut at 1 to 1.5 inches.
Mow in different patterns
Going over the same set of tire marks compacts the soil and inhibits good turf growth. To avoid unattractive marks, mow the lawn in different patterns.
Sharpen the mower blade regularly
A dull blade creates a ragged cut that causes the lawn to look brown. Sharpen regularly to avoid fuzzy mowing.
Mulch clippings back into the lawn
Clippings don’t contribute to thatch accumulation when the lawn is mowed regularly. However, if you’re recovering from disease or doing the final cut of the season, bag clippings instead.
Mow when the lawn is dry
It’s difficult to get a clean cut when the lawn is wet, and mowing a lawn when it is wet can spread some fungal turfgrass diseases.
Make your last cut before Winter short
Cut when the lawn is dormant, at 1.5 inches high to remove summer build up. By raising the mower back up to 2.5 inches in the Spring, the top 1 inch of growth will be beautiful new grass. Remember to raise the cutting again before spring. Bentgrass lawns can be cut at 0.75 inch or lower for final cut. Bag & compost the clippings if cuttings pile up on lawn.