Learn how to mow your grass correctly to maintain turf quality.
While you mow your grass to keep your lawn looking neat and tidy, mowing is also an essential step for keeping the lawn healthy. Just like humans need a haircut every now and then, your lawn also needs a trim to stay green and healthy! However, there are important specifications for how much grass you should cut and how/when you should mow. Continue reading for three tips on how to mow your grass correctly to maintain turf quality.
How Much Grass To Cut
There is no perfect answer that applies to every lawn, as the amount you should cut completely depends on the height of the grass. However, a good rule to keep in mind is only to remove ⅓ of the total height. For example, if your grass is five inches tall, you should remove 1.66 inches when you mow. Cutting your grass any more than that can lead to various issues, such as browning, pest infestations, and weed growth.
Another important tip is to keep your grass mowed at three inches or more to maintain turf quality. In the spring and summer, the extra shading that results from three-inch tall grass may inhibit crabgrass enough to keep it in check.
When To Mow
It’s also essential to know when to mow, as the weather and time of day can have a significant effect on your lawn. You should never mow when the grass is wet, as it is harmful to your mower and is unhealthy for your lawn. If the grass is damp, they will clump up underneath the mower deck and lead to dulling blades.
You should also avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day, especially during the summer months. Not only is it exhausting and hard work to mow in the blazing heat, but too much sun exposure on freshly cut grass can dry out and burn the crown system.
How To Mow
While your mowing style is likely related to the type of mower you’re using, it’s crucial to know the basics of how to mow. Most importantly, you should always change the pattern of your mowing every time. This is because your grass has a memory, and it learns when you mow a certain direction every time, and the blades start to bend in that direction. If you started mowing from north to south last time, be sure to go south to north the next time to ensure your grass grows evenly.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately-owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborist specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a lawn and total landscape care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia, including Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, and Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!