Mowing the lawn is something that many of us take for granted. It seems like a simple enough task, but each time you mow your lawn, you are setting the stage for either the success or failure of your lawn. Mow correctly, and you will build a healthy turf that is healthy, tolerant of drought, and free of weeds. Careless mowing, on the other hand, will lead to a sparse, unhealthy lawn, and lots of frustration. At K ’n’ K, we work to alleviate some of the issues that simple mowing can cause. It is important to time the mowing, so that each cut will require no more than the removal of one-third of the total leaf surface of a blade of grass, particularly in the peak summer months. This will prevent damage to the lawn, or worse, scalping of the lawn that will lead to bare spots. These exposed areas invite invasive weed growth as the weed seedlings are allowed to take root in these spots. Additionally, the open area allows more sunlight to reach these seeds and facilitate growth. Grass that is cut short on a regular basis will have a poorly formed root system, leaving it more susceptible to drought and high temperatures.
No matter the project we are talking about, having the right tools is important. When it comes to mowing, it is crucial to keep the blades sharp. A dull blade will cause uneven cutting, or uneven edges of the grass due to tearing. These uneven edges provide an opening for diseases and pests, and risk to your healthy lawn. At K ’n” K, we demand a routine maintenance schedule for all of our equipment, so you can be sure we will take care of your lawn properly. If you are a DIY person, make sure to remove the mower blades periodically and take them to a professional for sharpening. It may be a good idea to purchase extra blades, so you always have a sharp blade at the ready.
Adjusting your mower height is not one of the “set it and forget it” tasks. The mower height needs to be adjusted throughout the growing season. In peak summer, the height should be higher, allowing grass to remain a bit longer. This will provide shade for soil protection, and the grass will develop a deeper and healthier root system. In the fall, the height can be lowered a bit, and should be set at its lowest level for the last one or two cuts of the season. As winter sets in, this will prevent the development of snow-related mold that can damage your lawn for the next growing season.
Mowing the grass when it is wet may not hurt the grass, but you won’t get the best results. Wet grass can clump together and lay down as the blade hits the clump, leading to an uneven cut. The wet grass can clog the mower, and leave clumps on the lawn that can kill the grass underneath it. If you must cut when it’s damp or wet, treat the underside of the deck with an oil or silicone spray to prevent grass from sticking to the mower deck and blades. If you see clumps left on the lawn, pick those up to prevent killing the grass underneath. For best results, wait until it’s dry.
Mowing when there is shade on the grass, or during the coolest part of the morning or evening will produce the best results. Mowing the grass puts a tremendous amount of stress on the plant, and it will need time and water to recover. Mowing in direct, hot sunlight can cause more moisture loss and a slower recovery time. Of course, you’ll enjoy mowing during cooler times too!
If you mow regularly and keep to the one-third rule (only cutting one-third of the grass leaf height each time), you can leave those clippings on the grass. This “grasscycling” can provide more than 25 percent of your lawn’s fertilizer needs, and you will save time and money not bagging up those clippings (not to mention the fertilizer savings). Consider purchasing an adaptor kit for your mower to plug the exit hole where grass is usually sprayed out from - this will prevent you from getting those clippings all over yourself. These universal kits can be purchased from anyplace that sells mowers, or online. You may also want to purchase a mulching blade, although it is not a must.
Avoid mowing in the same direction or pattern each time you mow. When you do this, you risk compacting soil and actually creating ruts. Both compacted soil and ruts can lead to grass that’s less healthy, followed by weeds that thrive in compacted soil.
Using these and other tips will help you achieve and keep a lawn you will love year after year. If you are pressed for time, give us a call. We're here to help, and you can be assured that we'll take care of your lawn like it's our own. Call K 'n' K at 248-835-4731, or contact us here.