Proper Mowing Practices

Good mowing practices are one of the most important factors contributing to appearance and health of any turf grass area.  Because of the regularity of the mowing process, it is the major time consuming operation in lawn management.

Dense, uniform and attractive turf is affected by Mowing Height, Mowing Frequency and Mowing Pattern.

Mowing Frequency – Mowing should be done year round.  In early and late winter it’s true that you may only be tip cutting, but regular mowing will stimulate plant and root growth. During the growing seasons, cut your grass often. Frequent mowing will encourage the grass to assume a dwarf growing habit. This stimulates the production of tillers (side shoots). The development of these side-shoots is what helps thicken the lawn in spring and fall.  

The correct frequency of cutting will depend on many factors, such as lawn type, varieties, weather, soil, fertility, grass vigor and the time of the year.  The height of the grass is the best guide - at cutting time it should not be more than 0.5 to 1.5 inches above the recommended cut height, as a rough guide.

Cut twice a week when the grass is growing vigorously to avoid damage. Cut once a week in spring and autumn.  Cutting less than once a week when the grass is actually growing results in the sudden loss of a large quantity of leaves.  This shocks the plant and reduces its vigor, which results in open turf, followed by the invasion of moss and/or weeds.  If the grass has grown tall while you have been away from home then merely tip it at the first cut.  Reduce height at the next cutting a few days later, after which you can cut at the recommended height.

Mowing Height - The rule is to mow often, but never too closely.  When you let your grass get tall between cuttings, not only does the blade of grass grow but also so do the tillers. When these tall tillers (side shoots) get cut off, the grass will thin and weaken.   Close cutting at irregular intervals is unfortunately an all-too-common practice.  It means certain decline for a healthy lawn because the desirable tillers are rapidly weakened.  This unfortunate result may take weeks or months to occur and there is no quick fix to reverse the damage.  Rebuilding the turf's roots and tillers will take time, just as if you were starting over.

Mowing Patterns - Mowing patterns mean simply cutting grasses in different directions each week.  This will help prevent tire wear, ruts, wash boarding and compaction of soil.  Cutting in the same manner each week also causes grass to grow in that direction so always alternate cutting.  Do not always go around trees, shrubs and beds the same way with the mower.  When trimming around trees and beds hold weed eater level.  Cut around and out one foot.  Mow to the trimmed edge, then the next week, edge and mow closer to bed.

Grassy areas beside streets and walks need special attention.  It can be difficult to provide enough moisture to keep grass healthy during the heat of the summer in these locations due to radiant heat from pavement. First rule of thumb is to keep these areas edged and cut weekly at a height of 4 inches.  Don’t let seed heads develop between cuttings. Never cut or let lawn service cut your grass in the heat of the day, or when under high heat and drought conditions.  This will kill grass.

It is very important to keep leaves and grass clippings off your lawn.  Bag your grass clippings year-round on an as needed basis.  When your grass is growing aggressively during the spring and fall it is important to mow frequently and bag during every mowing.  If you don't bag during these times, the excess clippings could promote disease and reduce air flow to the plant causing decline.

During the heat of the summer and the middle of winter grass grows at a significantly slower pace and bagging may be suspended at this time depending upon a variety of factors including air flow, level of soil compaction, existing level of thatch, thickness of grass and many others.  However, excessive build-up of grass clippings throughout the year causes increased  thatch problems and provides a breeding ground for fungus and disease that will quickly affect the health of your turf.