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You Are Mowing Too Short and Not Regularly Enough

 

Notice in the picture, hw we have illustrated two different cut lengths, ntice the browning and scalping on the shorter "stripe"

 

Before you decide on mowing height, be cognisant of maintenance. The shorter you cut your grass, the more frequently you will have to cut, treat for weeds, water and fertilize. If your grass species prefers to be cut long and you want to cut it once a week, do so. If you want a shorter grass, grasses that prefer to be cut longer can be ‘trained’ to tolerate a lower cut over time. This can only be achieved with a well established root system. If you have a shaded grass that is not shade tolerant, ensure to cut it a little higher than the rest of your yard, by doing so you allow the grass blades to have more surface area and photosynthesise better. Furthermore, the longer your grass blade, the deeper your root system.

 

The One Third Rule

This rule simplifies most questions around how lawn should be cut. When cutting your grass do not cut more than 1/3 of the grass height. For example, if grass is 6cm long and sitting at the high end of it recommended preferred length, it needs to be cut by 1/3. Cut off 2cm, to check do a short run with the mower and measure the clippings from the basket. If this is done once a month, you will be able to establish the need to cut the lawn more or less frequently. Another indicator with warm weather creeping grasses is white patches of grass after cutting (scalping). This can be caused by uneven ground or grass growing faster than it is being cut.

Stick to your cutting length, once you have discovered what the right lawn mower height setting is, MARK IT! You will then consistently always have the right setting. This is really important if you have someone else cutting your lawn with your equipment, a fool proof solution.

 

If you decide your cutting length is too long and you would prefer it shorter, DO NOT just drop your lawn mower to a the new desired length (especially if it is substantially lower). Drop your mower one notch and cut more frequently every 2 days until you feel the new height is established. Again remember not to go past the 1/3 rule, so make sure when you do drop the height that you are cutting soon enough after the longer cut to maintain 1/3 being removed. Repeat the above until you are at the desired height.

 

Direction of Moving

Try avoid cutting your lawn in the same pattern every time. You will cause ruts and the grass may grow to ‘adapt’ to the direction it is being cut. Vary your cutting pattern, it will make sure the grass is more prone to grow straight up and more uniform. Cutting in a single pattern continuously may also hide the unevenness of your lawn over time, this may lead to scalping and bare spots. If you are cutting using an electrical corded mower, start cutting at the point where you are closest to the electrical outlet and mow in a pattern which moves away from the point. As you keep mowing further away the cable will not get in your way.

 

Additional Mowing Tips

• Walk through your lawn before mowing, pick up all debris they may damage your mower, if you have pets picking their excrement up is a must. Ensure that there are no rocks or branches which may damage your lawn mower permanently. Ensure that your sprinkler system has retracted properly to avoid clipping a sprinkler head with your mower.

• Mow your lawn as regularly as possible, this will ensure you stick to the 1/3 rule and put the grass under less stress when mowing.

• Avoid mowing your lawn when it is wet. By mowing when it is wet, you can get exaggerated ruts forming, spread disease easier, put your mower under additional strain and if you are using an electrical corded mower, you may even get shocked.

• Do not mow your lawn during peak sun times, either very early in the morning or even better in the late afternoon.

• Check fuel levels before you start mowing and always keep a jerry can of spare fuel.

• Wear earplugs, some lawnmowers generate enough noise that can cause hearing damage over time.

• Mow your lawn perimeter first.