When you mow your lawn, it is important to cut it to the right height. Many people make the mistake of cutting their grass short so they will not need to mow it as often, but that can stress the lawn and lead to problems. Cutting the grass too short can leave brown or bare spots.
Grass species vary in terms of the ideal mowing height, but for most species 2 ½ to 3 inches is the shortest it should be cut. You should never cut off more than a third of the grass’s height at once. Cutting the grass removes part of the leaf surface that is necessary for food production. Removing too much of the leaf surface at once can affect the growth of the roots and stress the grass.
When a lawn is scalped, the grass is cut so short that stem tissue is exposed, which can make the grass turn yellow or brown. If the grass is scalped repeatedly, its energy reserves can be depleted. That can weaken or kill the grass and allow weeds to take over.
Make sure your lawn mower has a sharp blade. Using a dull blade can tear the grass, which can make it vulnerable to disease. If the grass is very tall, do not cut it to the recommended height all at once. Instead, gradually lower the height on your lawn mower and cut the grass in stages to prevent scalping. If part of your lawn is in the shade, you can leave the grass taller than grass in the sun. Grass can recover faster in seasons when it is growing quickly.
If you cut the grass too short, you should not use a fertilizer with nitrogen in it because that can lead to spindly growth or burn the grass. You can help your grass recover after mowing by watering it deeply and occasionally if your area does not get a lot of rain. Be careful not to water the grass too much or too often because that can make it vulnerable to disease. If the grass is yellow, you can treat it with a chelated iron supplement. If the grass is dead, you can overseed the lawn with new grass seed.
A sprinkler system with a timer can help you make sure your lawn gets the right amount of water so it can stay healthy, even if you are not home to water it. Sprinkler System Store carries a wide array of sprinklers and timers made by several top manufacturers. Order a sprinkler system today to keep your lawn green.
