It’s hard to believe that something as simple as mowing your yard can play such a major role in your lawns overall health and appearance. A properly mowed lawn is essential for maintaining a proper balance between all the key factors in a healthy looking lawn. Here are some of the key factors and their benefits:

• Mowing Frequency: During periods of excess rain, it’s easy for your lawn to get away from you. In this case, it is important to not attempt to catch up in one mowing, but to mow higher and more frequent while only removing 1/3 of the leaf blade per cutting until you have the grass back under control. It’s a good habit to match your mowing schedule to the growth rate of your lawn. It may be necessary to mow your grass as much as twice a week during periods of heavy growth, but only 10 to 14 days during periods of excessive drought, and perhaps monthly during the dormant winter months.

• Mowing Height: The proper mowing height depends primarily on the type of grass you have. The general rule of thumb for the Green Industry is to never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade in a single mowing. Mowing too short effects your lawn by causing the grass to use stored food and nutrients to re-grow the food producing leaf blades. During periods of heavy stress, this can result in damaging turf loss. In addition, mowing too low or scalping your lawn can produce overly thinned or bald patches, which make it easier for weeds to become established. Frequent mowing will also keep the length of clipping to a minimum and help eliminate thatch buildup. It is a common misconception that grass clippings cause thatch buildup. Actually mowing only 1/3 of the blade with each mowing produces smaller clippings, which decompose quicker. Small clippings, especially those from mulching type mowers are actually beneficial to your lawn by helping to replace the turfs nitrogen. Grass clippings can contribute as much as 25% of your turfs nitrogen requirements.

• Sharp Mowing Blades: It is important to remember to always keep your mower blades sharp. This may require you to sharpen your mower blades several times during the growing season. Mowing with dull blades is equivalent to having your hair cut with dull clippers. Dull blades tear or rip the blade, which weakens the turf and results in ragged, discolored leaf tips.

Blades should be sharpened at a 45º angle along the cutting edge. It is recommended to have your mower professionally serviced each spring including having your mower blades properly sharpened and balanced. Improperly balanced blades can cause premature aging and wear of your mowers spindles and bearings. A trick is to keep an extra set of sharpened mower blades on hand for quick change outs. Extra blades can be purchased from most lawn equipment dealers for around $15.00 each.

• Additional Tips:
1. If possible, avoid mowing when the grass is wet. Wet grass does not disperse evenly and can result in the clumping of grass clippings. This can not only result in less cosmetic appeal, but spotted thatch buildup as well as creating an environment ideally suited for fungus growth and lawn diseases.
2. Avoid getting in the habit of always mowing your grass in the same direction each time. Altering your cutting direction will help reduce rutting as well as producing a more even cut by forcing the grass blades to grow in a more straight and erect pattern.
3. Remember to change your mower’s oil after each 50 hours of usage or once per year. This will help to increase your mower’s engine life. It is also important to periodically change your mowers air filter, especially when mowing in areas with excess dust. In those cases, it may be necessary to change the air filter more frequently.
4. Use caution when pulling a mower towards you. Always wear socks, shoes (preferably steel toe), long pants and make sure your shoe laces are securely tied. Never mow your grass in sandals or barefoot. Remove any debris or obstacles prior to mowing. Large ant hills or crawfish mounds should be knocked over or flattened prior to mowing to help eliminate possible flying debris and mud.