April is the start of the
lawn-mowing season. With the spring rains and snows we've received,
lawns are greening up and growing up. So, it's time to start that
mower!
Don't let your
lawn become a hay meadow before you make your first cut of the season.
Typical guidelines say to set the mowing height of your lawn mower at 2
inches for a first cutting then raise it as the season warms up to a
final mowing height of 3 inches around the first part of May.
Interestingly,
the higher the mowing height, the stronger the root system of the grass;
conversely, shorter mowing heights reduce the vigor of the roots. A
mowing height of 3 inches also helps shade the ground and aid in water
conservation.
Be sure to mow
when the grass is dry to obtain a more uniform cut. Dry clippings will
fall to the turf and not mat up. Mow with a sharp blade. A blade that
is nicked and dull bruises the grass, fraying the tips which will give
your lawn a dull yellow cast to it.
Spring lawn
growth is fast, so be sure to mow with some frequency, maybe up to twice
a week, but by the time summer rolls around, grass growth will slow
down. Then, usually mowing just a once week will be needed.
So get out there
and enjoy the sweet smell of freshly cut grass!
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