Garden Talk - Proper mowing for pleasing lawns

Growing conditions have been very good for lawns this spring, so most, whether new or old, are flourishing. That means that mowing must keep up with growth.

While mowing is primarily a physical task, knowledge of a few key considerations can guide the physical activity to good effect. Most of us have had the displeasure of seeing instances of mowing that was not well-guided. There?s the sun-scalded lawn scalped to within an inch of its life ? literally! There?s the lush lawn mowed belatedly, with clippings blown into the street or all over the neighbor?s roses ? actions neither neighborly nor, quite possibly, in accord with local ordinances.

Grass height and frequency of mowing are the two key considerations for lawn health and attractiveness, not to mention regard for one?s neighbors! Most lawns can be mowed to the height of 2-1/2 to three inches during the cooler months of spring and fall. During the warmer summer months, the height should be three to 3 -1/2-inches. Keeping the grass a little taller in hot weather protects the crowns and provides more blade area for photosynthesis while lawns are stressed.

Frequency of mowing should be based on growth rate of the grass. For proper mowing, never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf surface in a single mowing. For example, grass that has reached 4-1/2 inches may be mowed to 3 inches but no shorter.

Mowing grass that is excessively tall is hard on both grass and mower. When such a mowing project is necessary, set the mower blade as high as possible and reduce the height of the grass gradually through frequent mowing.

This is the only instance in which attention must be given to clippings. Normally they can simply be left where they fall. However, when the lawn has become overgrown, the clippings must be removed to prevent them from smothering the grass and promoting disease. Thus in this instance the clippings will have to be bagged or raked up.

Be sure that your mower blade is sharp so that blades of grass are not torn. Try to mow when the grass is dry, and alternate your mowing pattern. That is, move in different directions with each mowing. That prevents the grass from being pushed over rather than truly cut and reduces soil compaction and wear from mower wheels.