A Guide For Mowing Your Lawn

Consistent, regular mowing of your lawn is imperative to its overall health and performance. It is one of the most important things you can do to sustain steady growth. Regular mowing can also lead to dense, fine textured grass that is more resistant to insects and diseases. A well-mowed lawn can offer better water absorbing tendencies as well, due to deeper root zones. The following is a guide on how often and with what techniques you should mow.

Frequency

So, how often is enough when it comes to mowing? While many recommend once per week, the frequency actually depends on some different factors. The growth of the grass is the first factor. Other factors include time of year, the grass species, degree of use, and amount of maintenance required. A good rule to follow is the rule that states no more than 1/3 of growth should be removed with each mowing. Following this rule, you can balance the benefits of frequent mowing and offset the negatives of mowing too often.

The Length of Growth

Your lawn’s height depends on the type of species it is. Most lawns perform best when they are kept between one and a half inches and two and a half inches. If you are in an area that suits a more natural and rugged look, letting your grass grow a little longer should be alright. The taller heights usually occur in areas that require less maintenance and care. A shorter lawn comes equipped with more density and texture, making it ideal for families that want to play on it. There are some negatives with the shorter heights, however, including more risk for diseases and reduced ability to retain nutrients.

Grass Clippings

Whether or not you collect the grass clippings depends on a few different factors. If you mow often and regularly, only a small amount of grass clippings will be present, meaning you can leave them and most likely be fine. However, if mowing occurs infrequently or the grass has grown high, it is probably better to collect the clippings and dispose of them. For larger fields, including schools and sports facilities, you will want to always collect the clippings.

Type of Mower

You should always use sharp mowers. For most lawns, the type of mower does not matter as much as the sharpness. If your blade is too dull, you can damage the ends of the grass, leading to brown leaves and increased disease development.