March 15, 2023
Ah, lawn mowing season in Bucks County. You can almost smell the freshly cut grass in the air! You’re likely busy trying to keep your yard looking pristine but what mowing height should you use? Knowing which cutting length is best for your lawn depends on many factors and this blog post will guide you through it all! We will also talk about the common mistakes made when cutting your lawn. With the right mowing techniques, you can have a lush and healthy lawn that will make your neighbors green with envy. So, let's dive in and talk about the best mowing height for optimal growth and color. When it comes to mowing, the first thing you need to know is that the optimal height depends on the type of grass you have. Almost all grasses in Bucks County are cool season and most commonly Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Perennial Rye Grass. For most cool-season grasses, you want to aim for a mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches. Why is this important? Well, mowing at the right height promotes a healthier root system and encourages thicker turf, which makes it more resilient against drought, disease, and pests. But, here's the thing, you don't want to cut the grass too short, because that can damage the root system, cause the grass to turn brown and thin, and make the lawn more susceptible to pests and disease. A common rule of thumb is the ‘rule of one third’. You never want to cut off more than 1/3 of the total height of your lawn. If your lawn is currently 4 inches tall you do not want to cut off more than 1.3 inches(4 Divided by 3). Now, let's talk about some common mistakes to avoid when mowing your lawn. First up, using a dull blade. A dull blade can tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leading to jagged edges and brown tips. This can make the grass more susceptible to disease and pests. So, make sure you're using a sharp blade to get the job done. You should be getting your mower blade sharpened once per season. Another mistake to avoid is mowing when the grass is wet. Mowing wet grass can cause clumps of grass clippings to accumulate on the lawn, leading to a suffocation of the grass and the growth of mold and other fungal diseases. Plus, it's just a pain in the butt to mow wet grass. Next up, mowing too frequently. Your lawn really only needs to be cut weekly and maybe even every two weeks in the summer. Cutting the grass too often can stress the grass and cause it to weaken, leading to thinning and browning. So, don't overdo it with the mowing. Give your lawn some time to grow and breathe. And finally, avoid mowing in the same pattern every time. This can cause ruts and tire tracks, leading to thinning and uneven growth. Mix it up a bit and go in different directions each time you mow. This will also give you those really nice crosshatched lawn stripes! In conclusion, maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn requires proper mowing techniques. Mowing at the right height promotes healthy growth and helps prevent disease and pests. Avoiding common mistakes, such as using a dull blade, mowing wet grass, mowing too frequently, and mowing in the same pattern, can also help maintain a healthy lawn. So, get out there and mow your lawn like a pro.