Mowing

General

One of the keys to maintaining a beautiful lawn is in the mowing. Mower height, sharpness, cleanliness, and mowing schedule can make the difference between a lush green lawn and a brown weed infested one. The following are mowing tips that will help keep your lawn looking its best:

Sharpness

Mower blades must be maintained in sharp condition to keep your lawn looking its best. Dull blades do not cut, they tear, which results in damaged blades that will give the lawn a brown cast. A sharp mower will leave the grass blade with a straight tip and minimal damage or browning.

Cleanliness

Make sure your mower is clean of weeds and other contaminants prior to cutting your lawn. Weeds like common Bermuda, crabgrass, and kikuyugrass can be transferred from one lawn to another if they are cut with the same lawn mower.

Schedule

Most lawn varieties require weekly mowing during the growing season. Letting your lawn get too tall between mowings, can cause damage. In general, it is not recommended to mow off more than 1/3 of the blade height. Warm season varieties do not require mowing during the winter months if they have gone dormant. Cool season varieties like Marathon will slow down significantly in the winter months. In some instances, you may be able to mow your lawn once every second or third week. Be careful not to allow your lawn to get too tall between mowings!

Marathon Varieties

Begin mowing weekly one week after installation. Using a rotary mower cut Marathon Sod at a height of 2 to 3 inches, Marathon II at a height of 1 1/2 to 3 inches. Marathon III should be cut at a height of 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches. Do not mow off more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blades at one time. A sharp mower is essential – white or yellow grass blade tips are the result of a dull mower. Always remove the grass clippings or use a mulching mower.

Pureblue and Ryeblue

Begin mowing weekly one week after installation. Using a rotary mower cut sod at a height of 2 to 3 inches. The shorter height is recommended for cooler seasons and the longer height for warmer times of the year. Do not mow off more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blades at one time. A sharp mower is essential – white or yellow grass blade tips are the result of a dull mower. Always remove the grass clippings or use a mulching mower.

Tifgreen

Mow Tifgreen weekly during the warm season. A seven or more blade front throw reel type mower will give best results. Rotary mowers will not do a satisfactory job on hybrid Bermudas. Adjust your mower to between 1/4 and 1/2 inch cutting height. This low-cut will give a putting green appearance and slow that thatch build-up. Always remove the clippings. For an optimal appearance, mow twice weekly during the summer months.

St. Augustine

Mow St. Augustine weekly throughout its growing season. Mowing height may vary between 1 and 2 inches depending on preference. Never mow off more than 1/3 of the grass blade length at one time, since plant injury may result. Always remove grass clippings or use a mulching mower.

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