Remember that mowing is pruning. Mowing that is done well will increases the thickness of the lawn, which in turn decreases weeds. Each type of grass has a recommended mowing height. Stick to the 1/3 rule, never remove more than 1/3 of the grass at one time. A healthy lawn needs care and service often. Here are 10 things to remember when you are mowing your lawn.
- Mow when the grass is dry. The blades will be upright and less likely to clump when cut.
- Avoid mowing in the heat of the day to prevent heat stress on your grass and yourself.
- Keep mower blades sharp and balanced. Ragged cuts made by dull blades increase the chance of disease and pests.
- Change the mowing pattern each time you mow. Grass develops a grain based on your cutting direction, tending to lean towards the direction you mow. Alternating the pattern causes more upright growth and helps avoid producing ruts in the lawn.
- Mow moving forward, whether you’re pushing a walk-behind mower or sitting behind the wheel of a lawn tractor.
- Drop the clippings (unless you bag them) towards the area you have already cut.
- Leave clippings on the lawn unless they form clumps or rows. This technique (known as grass cycling) returns nutrients and nitrogen to the lawn.
- Consider using a mulching mower or mulching attachments.
- If you bag your clippings, consider recycling them.
- Mow grass higher in shaded areas under trees. In these areas grass has to compete with tree roots for water and nutrients.
Proactive Landscaping
Find out how good it feels to have a perfect yard year round even with this extreme Oklahoma climate. Contact the Broken Arrow lawn care professionals for a free lawn consultation and accurate service estimate.
