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Is it true that I can mow less often if I cut the grass really short?

Answer: 

The frequency of mowing should be based on the growth of the grass. As a general rule, mow as often as needed so that no more than one-third of the total leaf area is removed in a single mowing. Removing more than one-third is detrimental because it reduces the reserve carbohydrates within the plants that are used to regrow shoots and leaf tissue after mowing. Depleting the carbohydrates reduces the capability of the grass plant to withstand environmental stresses. Making the lawn more prone to drought damage, disease issues, and weed pressures.  

Mowing Tips for Spring

News Article

One of the hallmarks of spring in Iowa is the greening up of the lawn.  There are several things we think about for the lawn this time of year and top of the list is mowing.  Below are some resources and advice on mowing this spring.Close-up of turfgrass

Fall Lawn Care

News Article

Home lawn weed control, mowing and fertilization are maintenance activities that continue through late summer and fall.  Learn more about proper fall lawn maintenance that will contribute to an attractive, healthy lawn next season in the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Yard and Garden news release from August 30, 2108.

Mowing Your Lawn

Mowing Your Lawn
Mowing is an extremely common practice related to lawn care. This publication provides information on the frequency a lawn should be mowed and the proper height to cut the grass. Operating a mower is also discussed, as are safety measures.  PM 1213

Mowing the Lawn

News Article

Lawns across Iowa have turned a beautiful, dark green in the last few weeks.  Proper mowing practices over the next several months will help keep the lawn attractive and healthy. 

When can I stop mowing the lawn in the fall?

Answer: 

Continue to mow the lawn until the grass stops growing in the fall.  The foliage of cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, stops growing when daytime high temperatures are consistently below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  In central Iowa, bluegrass usually stops growing in early to mid-November.  Once the foliage stops growing, the lawn mower can be put away for the winter.  

What is the proper mowing height for shady turfgrass areas?

Answer: 

Do not mow shady areas less than 3 inches in height.  Because of the lower photosynthetic rates in shady areas, the turfgrass plants need a large leaf surface to manufacture adequate amounts of food.  The recommended mowing height for grass growing in shady areas is 3 to 3½ inches.  (A 3 to 3½ inch mowing height is also fine for sunny areas.) 

When mowing turf, never remove more than 1/3 of the total leaf surface at any one time.  If the mower is set at 3 inches, cut the grass when it reaches a height of 4½ inches. 

If possible, alternate the mowing direction from one mowing to the next.  Mowing the lawn in the same direction or pattern may damage certain areas.  The damage is caused by the mower wheels repeatedly going over the same areas, resulting in soil compaction and physical wear. 
 

How often should I mow my lawn?

Answer: 

Mowing frequency is based on the growth rate of the turfgrass and mowing height. As a general rule, never remove more than one-third of the total leaf surface at any one mowing. Shorter mowing heights require more frequent mowing. A lawn maintained at a 2-inch height should be mowed when the grass reaches a height of 3 inches, while a lawn maintained at a 3-inch height should be cut when it reaches a height of 4 ½ inches. One inch of growth is removed when the lawn is maintained at a 2-inch height, one and one-half inches of growth is removed when the grass is maintained at a 3-inch height. During favorable growing conditions it may take grass five to six days to grow one inch, eight or nine days to grow one and one-half inches. Irrigation and fertilization practices, weather conditions and other factors determine the growth rate of the turfgrass. 

Should I remove the grass clippings when mowing the lawn?

Answer: 

When the lawn is mowed properly, grass clippings do not need to be removed or bagged.  Small clippings filter down into the turf and quickly decompose, returning essential plant nutrients to the soil.  Lawn clippings do not significantly contribute to thatch development. 

Grass clippings may need to be bagged or raked and removed when mowing extremely tall grass.  You may also want to bag the grass clippings and use them as a mulch in vegetable and flower gardens. 

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