It seems many people try to pick up the art of mowing, and many fail in
creating a masterpiece. Most feel this is a goof-proof chore, but the truth is
that properly mowed lawns are healthier and more beautiful. There are five key
techniques to follow when cutting the lawn:
Height, Frequency, Blade Sharpness, Clippings, and Direction/Pattern.
Height:
When servicing the lawn the height is important. The minimum height of the
blades should be 3” inches. This allows the root system to be protected from
the sun and reduces scalping or cutting into the dirt when you go over an
uneven area.
Frequency: Not
only is mowing height important, so is consistency of cuts. The
minimum requirement for most lawns is weekly cutting. Anything
less than weekly, you are harming your turf by removing too much of the grass
blade in one visit.
Blade Sharpness:
Do you think surgeons use dull blades? Neither do lawn professionals who
provide quality service. Sharp
lawnmower blades produce clean cuts, and clean cuts promote better grass
health. Dull lawnmower blades, by contrast, produce rougher cuts that make the
grass more susceptible to disease and cause the tips of the grass to turn brown
and die.
Clippings: Recycling grass clippings back into the lawn
reduces water loss, lowers soil temperatures, and returns vital nutrients to
the soil. A common misunderstanding is that mulching mowers contribute
to thatch buildup. Frequent mowing and the right equipment makes all the
difference.
Direction: Alternate the direction in which you cut the lawn each
mowing. This will help prevent your lawn from establishing ruts from the mower
wheels passing over the same area in the
same direction.
If you or your lawn service provider follows the above tips,
you will be setting a good foundation for taking your lawn to the next level in
health and appearance.
Written By: David Hensel, Maintenance Manager
