First and foremost, it is best to not remove more than 1/3 of the total grass length per Maintenance. So for example, if your grass has reached 6" in height (and with the recent rain, that's not necessarily out of the question), you should not be cutting below 4" during that mow. Cutting more off than this can damage the grass and cause it to die out. When working with lawns that have grown to these heights, it is also important to make sure to bag the clippings. If you do not bag at these heights, the clippings could possibly cover the lawn and also prevent the remaining grass from getting the sunlight and rain that it needs. If you regularly cut at intervals at normal heights, you can mulch clippings which will give nutrients back to the soil.
Cutting at low heights (1-2" for grasses in our area such as BlueGrass, Fescue and Rye) can cause shorter root depth. Root Depth is imperative for lawn survival through the Summer Months. At First Response Land, we attempt to mow between 2.5" and 3.5" throughout most of the year. This allows the roots to grow deeper, which will help the lawn pull in water during the hot times of year. During the spring rain season, the grass will regularly get the water it needs. This is the best time of year to keep up with the grass to allow the roots to grow. No one wants to see their beautiful lawn die out in July just because it isn't able to survive the heat. We vary out cut height depending on grass growth and recent rainfall, but as we move towards July, we will begin raising our mowers to the 3.25" to 3.5" range. Along with assisting the root system, this also helps to shade the soil so that the sun and heat do not cause as much water to evaporate from the soil.
Another important reason for higher cutting heights than one would expect is more of a visual effect. By cutting at 3" you gain the ability to "Stripe" lawns more easily. This is when you see some type of pattern through a lawn. While some do not care for this look, we believe that it can truly set your lawn apart from the rest. By having a nice set of stripes on your property, and having a clean cut edge to your sidewalks (as we provide), you can attain a noticeable difference from those who simply just cut their lawn because they have to.
While in certain circumstances we understand it is necessary to mow at lower heights due to animals, It is important to understand what it will take to keep a healthy lawn in those conditions. Water and fertilization are key components to any healthy lawn, but especially if you must cut at or below 2". As the lawn has more trouble protecting itself, you must ensure that the nutrients are available and the lawn gets adequate water at the correct times of day to survive through the warm months.
We hope you've learned a bit from this article and that you've found it useful. There is so much more that could be added, and over time we will add more articles with as much information as we can. We look forward to putting out more information to help you have the best lawn in your neighborhood!
Weekly Maintenance is a start, but it takes a bit more to have the picture perfect yard. Together as a Team, we can make it happen!
Cutting at low heights (1-2" for grasses in our area such as BlueGrass, Fescue and Rye) can cause shorter root depth. Root Depth is imperative for lawn survival through the Summer Months. At First Response Land, we attempt to mow between 2.5" and 3.5" throughout most of the year. This allows the roots to grow deeper, which will help the lawn pull in water during the hot times of year. During the spring rain season, the grass will regularly get the water it needs. This is the best time of year to keep up with the grass to allow the roots to grow. No one wants to see their beautiful lawn die out in July just because it isn't able to survive the heat. We vary out cut height depending on grass growth and recent rainfall, but as we move towards July, we will begin raising our mowers to the 3.25" to 3.5" range. Along with assisting the root system, this also helps to shade the soil so that the sun and heat do not cause as much water to evaporate from the soil.
Another important reason for higher cutting heights than one would expect is more of a visual effect. By cutting at 3" you gain the ability to "Stripe" lawns more easily. This is when you see some type of pattern through a lawn. While some do not care for this look, we believe that it can truly set your lawn apart from the rest. By having a nice set of stripes on your property, and having a clean cut edge to your sidewalks (as we provide), you can attain a noticeable difference from those who simply just cut their lawn because they have to.
While in certain circumstances we understand it is necessary to mow at lower heights due to animals, It is important to understand what it will take to keep a healthy lawn in those conditions. Water and fertilization are key components to any healthy lawn, but especially if you must cut at or below 2". As the lawn has more trouble protecting itself, you must ensure that the nutrients are available and the lawn gets adequate water at the correct times of day to survive through the warm months.
We hope you've learned a bit from this article and that you've found it useful. There is so much more that could be added, and over time we will add more articles with as much information as we can. We look forward to putting out more information to help you have the best lawn in your neighborhood!
Weekly Maintenance is a start, but it takes a bit more to have the picture perfect yard. Together as a Team, we can make it happen!