Summer is here, and people already have their mowers out. We have seen some common issues with lawns. To help keep your warm season grasses growing strong and healthy, follow our tips below or call our professional lawn care company at (734) 887-1081 to request a free estimate.
Mow Often and Not Too Short
Mowing frequency is often debated. A mistake so many people make with their lawns is cutting it too short. Without thinking about it, each cut they make is too short. We get it — cutting the grass short means fewer cuts you need to make. But your lawn hates this.
Ideal mowing height varies depending on grass type, but in general, you should aim to cut about one third of the height of the grass blade with each cut. Any more than this length of a cut causes clippings to build up, stunting grass growth during the extra decomposition period. Longer grass blades encourage roots to reach deeper into the soil for water, thus creating even better connections.
Keep Your Lawn Mower Blades Sharp
With sharp mower blades, each slice will precisely cut the grass. Whereas with dull blades, your lawn gets chewed up and shredded unevenly. When cut at varying lengths with a dull blade, your grass becomes more open to diseases. Experts suggest sharpening your mower’s blades after 10 hours of use, so depending on the size of your yard, that is at least twice per season.
Switch Up the Pattern
Mowing is a rough time for your lawn. Even the lightest mower is hefty. When adding the mower’s weight to the lawn clippings pressing the grass and soil down, your lawn’s health takes a toll. To improve its health, try mixing up your mowing pattern. Make sure to choose an efficient route to walk on your grass as little as possible. Furthermore, a traditional lawn mower will allow more precision than a riding lawn mower.
Time the Watering in Early Morning
Regular, early morning watering (around 10 a.m.) makes for a healthy lawn, according to the John Deere experts. This timing gives a balance between making the water available and not having it evaporate away. Avoid evening watering as much as you can. If grass stays wet overnight, you may get some fungus growth. Try to water your lawn so the moisture goes down about six inches into the soil. Reminder: don't mow wet grass, or else the wet grass clippings will clog your mower deck.
Don't Forget About Weed Control
Weed seeds spread in mid to late summer, and summer lawn pests like worms, ants, and fleas are also active in the summer heat. Invest in weed control and pesticide or, better yet, call in professional gardeners and exterminators to preserve your healthy lawn.