Mowing Practices

Proper mowing is essential to the health and appearance of your lawn. Improper mowing is often the primary cause for decline in lawn quality and appearance. Mowing your lawn properly will increase turf vigor and reduce susceptibility to weeds, insects and diseases.

Height and Frequency:
A closely mowed lawn may appear to be attractive, but is less tolerant to environmental stresses and slower to recover from problem pests. The proper mowing height for lawn grasses is 2-1/2 inches to 3 inches. Cutting height should be measured and adjusted, since the actual cut height may lower as mower wheels deteriorate. The height may be lowered to 1-3/4 inches to 2 inches for the first mowing of the year to remove debris and promote spring green-up.

Mowing frequency should be determined by the growth rate of the grass blades and frequent enough to ensure that no more than 1/3 of the grass blade is clipped off. Removing more than 1/3 of the leaf blade will reduce the amount of plant food provided by the shoots. Following the “1/3 guide” is especially important during periods of midsummer stress.

Mower Blades and Clippings:
A sharp mower blade makes a clean, even cut. A dull blade tears the ends of the grass, leaving shredded tips that give your lawn a brown cast and makes it susceptible to a variety of diseases. It’s important to note that not all new mowers have sharp blades.

Lawn clippings DO NOT need to be collected when the “1/3 guide” of mowing frequency and proper mowing height is practiced. If excessive turf growth has occurred, raise the mowing height and gradually reestablish the 2-inch to 3-inch mowing height. Collecting clippings WILL NOT reduce thatch buildup. The primary contributors in thatch accumulation are the roots and below-ground stems.

Cultural Practices to Avoid:
1. Mowing too fast (faster than a normal walking pace).
2. Mowing when grass is wet.
3. Mowing in the same pattern (and direction).

The Green Pointe staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please contact us if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn’s health or appearance.

Please call our office at (801) 261-1171 if you have any questions or visit our “Questions” page to review other frequently asked questions and answers.