Proper Mowing is One Step to a Lush, Green Lawn
When it comes to maintaining a lush, green lawn, four steps are essential: proper mowing, fertilization, irrigation and aeration. For now, I’ll discuss the importance of properly mowing your lawn.
Cool season grasses like Fine Fescue and Kentucky Blue Grass are commonly found throughout Michigan and most of the Midwest. When mowing a lawn containing these types of grasses, you should never remove more than two-thirds of the length of the blade of grass. In order to make sure you do not harm the grass plant, make sure your lawn mower blades are extremely sharp for the cleanest and smoothest cut.
Our lawn mower blades are sharpened after eight hours of mowing time to ensure a fresh cut. Dual lawn mower blades do not cut grass. They actually tear the blades of grass off. This type of mowing can cause the tips of the blades to turn a yellowish/brown color and make the turf susceptible to disease that can severely harm your lawn and can be costly to repair.
Mowing height is extremely important for cool season grasses, mainly because of different types of turf and site conditions. We have determined, through research and testing while mowing turf blinds in mid-Michigan, that mowing your lawn around 3-3.5 inches tall can reduce the risk of diseases. Also, there is less need for herbicides for weed control because taller grass plants can cough out undesired weeds. Mowing your lawn a little higher may result in having to mow more frequently, but this type of practice is more beneficial to your turf.
Finally, bagging or mulching your lawn is also important. A lot of people believe there is only one way to mow your lawn, and that is bagging it. Bagging a lawn consists of removing all of the turf that has been cut, leaving a clean, manicured look. Although it looks very nice, bagging is not the best thing for the grass. Mulching is one of the most beneficial and economical things you can do for your lawn. You do not have to take extra time unloading a bag, and you don’t have to pay to dispose of it. Mulching your lawn can reduce your lawn’s need for nitrogen by up to 40 percent, making your lawn “green.” Another advantage to mulching is the turf plant is made up of more than 90 percent water, reducing your need for watering. For the health of your lawn and your wallet, mulching is the better alternative.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Joe Garpiel
Landscape Management Division
