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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.  

Spring Lawn Care

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Spring is finally here and a little work now will help maximize your yard for appearance and performance throughout the summer. April is a great time to fertilize your yard to help it green up, and prevent summer annual weeds with an application of a preemergent herbicide.

What is the correct mowing height for a lawn in summer?

Answer: 

Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season grasses thrive in the cool weather of spring and fall.  Hot, dry conditions in summer are stressful for cool-season grasses.  Kentucky bluegrass lawns should be mowed at a height of 3 to 3½ inches during the summer months.  Bluegrass lawns should be mowed at a height of 2½ to 3 inches in spring and fall.  The additional leaf area during summer shades and cools the crowns of the turfgrass plants.  The higher mowing height also provides more food-producing foliage and promotes deeper root growth. 

When mowing the lawn, never remove more than 1/3 of the total leaf area at any one time.  Removing more than 1/3 of the leaf area severely injures the turfgrass plants and reduces their ability to withstand additional environmental stresses. 

 

When mowing the lawn, what is the proper mowing height?

Answer: 

Kentucky bluegrass lawns should be mowed at a height of 2½ to 3 inches in the spring and fall months.  Mow bluegrass lawns at a height of 3 to 3½ inches in June, July, and August.  A higher mowing height in summer helps to cool the crowns of the turfgrass plants, encourages deeper rooting, and provides more leaf area for photosynthesis during the stressful summer months. 

Mowing below the recommended range may scalp the turf and cause the turfgrass to deteriorate.  Extremely low mowing heights decrease the total leaf surface area, carbohydrate reserves, and root growth, creating a situation where the turfgrass plants are unable to produce enough food to meet their needs.  This makes the plants more susceptible to drought, high temperature, and wear injury.  In addition, the bare areas created by a decrease in turfgrass density increase the likelihood of weed problems. 

Mowing Lawns in Summer

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Sound mowing practices are important during the summer months. Kentucky bluegrass lawns should be mowed at a height of 3 to 3.5 inches during the summer months. (During cool weather in spring and fall, bluegrass lawns should be mowed at a height of 2.5 to 3 inches.) The additional leaf area during summer shades and cools the crowns of the turfgrass plants. Extremely high temperatures at crown level can kill the turfgrass. When mowing the lawn, never remove more than one-third of the total leaf area at any one time.