Cutting Lawns: How low should you go?
When it comes to cutting grass, most people think of it as just a weekly chore. But how you cut your grass will have a big influence on how your lawn looks. Below are 3 keys to good grass cutting.
HEIGHT:
Kentucky Bluegrass lawns should be cut to 2" in height. Cutting grass shorter may scalp the lawn, expose the crown and roots to drying, allow increased sunlight for weed germination and reduce the lawns ability to grow. A lawn weakened by low cutting will look a pale yellow green and will need increased watering and fertilizer.
FREQUENCY:
The rule of thumb is, never remove more than one third of the leaf blade when mowing a lawn. Waiting until the grass is very long before cutting is hard on the lawnmower, leaves clumps of dead grass and clippings on the lawn, and results in tearing, rather than cutting of the grass plants. In spring and fall, a lawn is actively growing and may require cutting every week. During droughts or periods of slow growth a lawn may only require cutting every two or three weeks. Avoid cutting grass while it is wet, or during the heat of day.
EQUIPMENT:
A well maintained lawnmower with a sharp blade is important. Mulching blades chop the clippings very fine, which reduces the need for bagging, and allows nutrients contained in the clippings to return to the soil. Bag clippings, or rake the lawn if clippings are long or in clumps, as this debris may cause increased thatch buildup.
Sharp blades result in a clean cut of the grass plant, which will heal quickly. Dull blades tear, rather than cut the grass, and may allow disease to enter the wounds.
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