Mowing Tips
It is important that lawn grass be maintained at the proper height
during the growing season. Northern grasses, such as blue grass, creeping
fescues, and perennial rye grass, should normally be maintained at a height
of 2½-to-3½ inches. Mow as frequently as necessary to maintain
this height without removing more than one-third of the grass blades with
one cutting. Maintain a sharp mower blade at all times. Frequent sharpenings
throughout the season are very important to the health of the grass. A dull
mower damages leaves, causing damaged grass blade tips to turn brown. Remember,
blow your grass clippings back on the lawn, where they will decompose and
the nutrients can be reused by the grass plants. Clippings left on the lawn
return enough nutrients to the lawn over the growing season to eliminate
an application of commercial fertilizer. Keep clippings off hard surface
areas, such as streets, sidewalks, and driveways, where they can easily
be carried by runoff water into storm sewers. Ultimately, they can end up
in our lakes and streams causing pollution.
Proper mowing not only helps keep a lawn dense and neat appearing, but also aids in keeping grass healthy to ward off diseases, insects, and weeds.
Revised: 03/10/98
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