Mowing Tips For A Thriving Lawn
This is everyone’s favorite time of year. The days are getting longer (finally!) and the weather is getting warmer. However, this is also the time that homeowners are taking stock of what the damage winter storms may have done to their landscaping, to see how the grass has fared over the colder months, and what needs to be done to get their yard looking alive again.
Mowing your lawn is one of those basic tasks. But believe it or not, there are some simple rules to follow when mowing. Mowing is actually pruning. If done correctly it can increase the density of the lawn which then will help decrease the amount of weeds that will grow. We recommend that you find out what type of grass you have in your yard as each type of grass has a recommended mowing height (You may even have more than one type of grass).
The One Third Rule
We suggest that you use the ⅓ rule: never remove more than ⅓ of the length of the grass blade at one time. If you mow the grass higher than you’re typically used to, you’ll keep your lawn from getting dried out and sunburned, not to mention the benefit of a higher grass helping to push out the weeds.
Another reason not to mow your lawn too close is to prevent a reduction in photosynthesis. The glass blade surface will become insufficient in producing food if mowed too closely and will become vulnerable to pests and disease.
When Should You Mow?
The best time to mow grass is when it’s dry. The blades are easier to cut when dry. Try to avoid cutting the grass in the heat of the day. It’ll be harder on you as you’ll get dehydrated more easily, and your grass will get stressed too.
It’s best to leave the clippings on the lawn instead of collecting them in a grass catcher. This is called “grass cycling” and can help return nutrients and nitrogen to your lawn. But make sure the clippings don’t form clumps or rows.
One last tip is to change your mowing pattern every time you mow. Changing up the pattern causes more upright growth and will be less likely to produce any ruts in your lawn.
If you’d like some more great tips or if you’re just sick and tired of mowing your lawn, we’d be happy to come out for a free consultation and show you how we can help make your yard look better than ever!
