Watering and fertilizing aren’t the only ways to keep your lawn looking good. Lawn mowing is another important task to keep your grass in top condition. It encourages the thick growth of each grass blade, resulting in a lush green carpet. Healthy, thick grass inhibits the growth of weeds and makes the grass more resilient.
Although lawn mowing is a relatively simple task, knowing a few tips and tricks will make the job easier while producing results comparable to those of a professional Augusta GA lawn care service.
Sharpen Your Grass Cutting Blades
Sharp tools are essential for achieving a professional finish. Sharp blades provide a cleaner cut, reducing the risk of bacteria and mold spores. Using dull blades to mow the lawn can tear, shred, and pull the grass from the roots. Sharpen or replace your mower blades at least three times a year for the best results. When mowing the lawn, keep in mind that grass is a living thing, and try to be as gentle as possible.
Examine Your Lawn for Debris
Examine your lawn for debris such as rocks or sticks. Mower blades can spin at thousands of feet per minute and release waste at up to 100 miles per hour. In addition to dulling your mower blades, it can cause serious injury. So, clear the litter before you begin.
Mow at the Appropriate Time
Lawn mowing is best done when the weather is cooler and the grass is dry. Cooler weather helps the roots retain moisture and reduces the risk of heat exhaustion. Professional lawn mowing service providers advise doing the job in the evening so that the grass has 12 hours of darkness before the sun rises the next day. Mowing in the morning is not recommended because the grass is wet and this can cause health and safety issues.
Maintain Enough Grass Blade Length
Long grass blades keep the ground cool, protecting the roots from the harsh sun and the lawn from drying out too quickly. Through photosynthesis, the surface area of the grass blade generates nutrients for growth. When you mow, make sure not to cut more than one-third of the grass blade length. Your grass may survive a close cut now and then, but regular close lawn mowing may cause your lawn to turn brown. It will also have a number of other potential negative consequences, such as increased soil compaction and vulnerability to weeds and pests.
Be Flexible About Your Lawn Mowing Schedule
You may have a weekly lawn mowing schedule. However, for best results, you must adjust it according to the season. After a period of winter dormancy, grass begins to grow again in spring. Your grass will require less frequent mowing in the early spring. You can cut it every two weeks until the weather starts to sustain consistently warmer temperatures in late spring. When the growth rate picks up in the late spring, you may need to mow once a week. The grass grows slowly – or may stop growing altogether – in hot and dry weather, and less mowing may be required during that period.
Modify Your Mowing Pattern
If you repeatedly mow the grass in the same direction, it will lean in that direction. Following the same pattern results in rutting and soil compaction, making water and air difficult to reach the roots. Take care to mow your lawn in a different pattern each time.
Mowing your lawn properly is an excellent way to keep your yard looking beautiful. However, none of this matters if your lawn is overrun with weeds. Matthews Turf Management can assist you if you have a weed problem that you are unable to control.
Matthews Turf Management can help you control weeds and encourage healthy grass growth through a regular yearly schedule of fertilization and weed control herbicides. Matthews serves residential and commercial properties in the greater Augusta, GA, area, including Evans, Grovetown & Martinez, GA, and North Augusta & Aiken, SC. Our technicians are friendly, knowledgeable and available to answer any questions during your treatment.
