On the to-do list for turf management, using the mower is almost never a favorite. But remember that without a regular mowing of the grass we could not speak of turf. Let’s get a reason and let’s go.
Mowing rules
There are 2 rules when mowing the lawn:
- Cut 1/3 of the leaf length at most
- Cut to the maximum recommended height for the species that makes up the lawn
- Remove max 1/3 of the leaf length, respecting the optimal cutting height
The height to adjust the cut depends on the characteristics and bearing of the grass species of which the lawn is composed. Some varieties grow tall and straight, others remain shorter and tend to expand horizontally. You can choose the lawn top dresser there.
In general, the higher the lawn, the stronger and more resistant it is. This is particularly important during the summer: a higher height prevents weeds from germinating and gives greater tolerance to drought. Furthermore, mown meadows at higher heights have greater leaf surface exposed to the sun and this means more energy for the grass itself and more energy for the grass means stronger, denser lawn with deeper roots.
When to mow
Proceed with dry lawn and before the grass size exceeds the recommended cutting height by one third.
A poorly sharpened lawn mower creates problems
Make sure to use a well-sharpened lawnmower: blunt blades fray the tips of the leaf blades and make the turf particularly ugly to look at. Remember to always use a lawn mower with well-sharpened blades: they ensure a clean cut that benefits the appearance of the turf. Furthermore, clipping the cut part is more chopped up and therefore easier to degrade. Some species, take on a scruffy appearance if shaved with blunt blades.
The direction and the path must be changed every time you mow the lawn, to avoid that the grass is affected by the friction of the wheels. If always passed in the same direction, the lawnmower tends to push and fold the blades forward rather than cutting them cleanly, with the risk of creating light-dark textures or stripes.
It was once believed
In the past, turf specialists recommended cutting grass shorter than normal on the first spring cut. They believed that a low cut allowed the sun to reach the crown, stimulate new growth and allow for early greening.
However, nowadays experts believe that the cons are more than the pros because there is a risk of scalping from the English “to scalp” and then shaving until reaching ground level, which stimulates the plant to form new leaf foil instead of root system and this is not a goal to pursue, as the ability to resist stress such as drought or water shortage is directly proportional to the size of the root system.
In addition, the lower and less green parts of the plant are exposed to sunlight and turn yellowing: what is technically called the mat effect is obtained. To avoid the scalping effect, the rule not to remove more than a third of the leaf blade must be respected.
