Unseasonal warm weather has hit my region of Charlotte, NC. It is only the end of January and temperature highs in the 70's have caused grass growth in cool season lawns. Is it time to start mowing already? Not quite.
When to Start Mowing
The beginning of the mowing season is influenced by the type of grass in your lawn and the local climate. As a general guideline, start mowing when your grass has grown to about 3-4 inches in height. This usually aligns with the arrival of spring and the onset of regular growth, typically around mid-March in this area.
Mowing Heights Matter
Each grass species has an optimal mowing height that promotes health and resilience. Here are some common types and their recommended mowing heights:
Cool-Season Grasses:
Kentucky Bluegrass: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
Fine Fescue: 1.5 to 4 inches
Tall Fescue: 2 to 4 inches
Warm-Season Grasses:
Bermuda Grass: 0.5 to 2.5 inches, cultivar dependent
Zoysia Grass: 0.5 to 2 inches
St. Augustine Grass: 1 to 3 inches
Maintaining the recommended mowing heights encourages root development, enhances drought tolerance, and minimizes weed growth.
Mowing Frequency
The frequency of mowing depends on the growth rate of your grass and the desired height. A good rule of thumb is to mow when your grass has grown approximately one-third beyond its recommended height. We recommend weekly lawn mowing to keep your lawn consistently looking its best. This frequency allows the proper amount of grass to be removed without stressing your lawn.
Proper Mowing Practices
1. Sharp Blades:
A sharp mower blade is crucial for a clean cut. Dull blades tear the grass, leaving it vulnerable to diseases and browning. We sharpen our blades weekly, but homeowners should sharpen at least at the beginning of the season and check sharpness periodically throughout the year. Sharp blades also reduce gas consumption in machines by up to 30%!
2. Mow When Dry:
Its best not to mow when it is raining or the lawn is too wet, mowers can easily damage lawns in saturated conditions. Wet grass also clumps easily, bogs down machines and is much harder to clean off of hard surfaces.
3. Follow the One-Third Rule:
Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Scalping your lawn stresses the grass and exposes soil, making it more susceptible to weeds and diseases. If you want to maintain a 4 inch fescue lawn, be sure to mow before the grass reaches 6 inches in height.
4. Alternate Mowing Patterns:
Change your mowing pattern regularly. Though stripes are more prominent when mowed in the same pattern weekly, the repeated compaction and stress from the mower on the same pattern lines can cause damage and a less lush lawn.
5. Leave Grass Clippings:
Grass clippings are a natural source of nitrogen. If they are short and not clumping, leave them on the lawn as they decompose quickly, providing valuable nutrients to the soil. A good fertilizer program can allow you to bag clippings without depriving the lawn of nitrogen, but leaving clippings is a great practice where applicable.
Although we all love spending that time outside keeping the grass looking its best, these early high temperatures don't mean its time to break out the mowers just yet. Be patient and get ready, spring is right around the corner!
Michael Selander
Owner
Selander Landscape
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