Now that spring has arrived in the southern region of the United States, it’s time to prepare for lawn maintenance. One of the most important aspects of lawn care is how you mow it. Here are some tips designed specifically to keep your Southern lawn healthy:
Optimal cutting height
Maintaining the proper cutting height is vital to encouraging deep root growth and strengthening the health of your lawn. Try to keep the grass at a height of about 3 to 3.5 inches, depending on the type of grass that is prevalent in southern lawns. Cutting your grass too short can leave it vulnerable to diseases and invasive weeds.
To ensure you are mowing the grass at the correct height, use a ruler to measure the grass from the ground to the tip of the blade after mowing or keep the lawnmower blade in the highest position.
seasonal cut
Adjusting your mowing practices seasonally is key for southern lawns. In the colder spring and fall months, you can cut your grass a little shorter than usual. This practice can help mitigate the risk of winter-related fungal diseases.
However, avoid mowing during heavy frosts or when the ground is excessively wet. Towards late fall, gradually lower the height of the blades for the last cuts of the season to deter fungal diseases such as snow mold.
During the hot summer months, keep the mower blades higher and avoid mowing during peak temperatures. Mowing heat-stressed grass in the middle of the day can deprive the grass of essential nutrients and moisture, resulting in a brown, parched appearance.
Cutoff frequency
Mowing frequency depends on factors such as grass type, growth rate, and desired grass height. Generally, mowing once or twice a week during the growing season should be sufficient for southern lawns.
For example, tall fescue, a cool-season grass prevalent in the region, experiences significant growth during spring and fall, requiring more frequent mowing during these periods.
Remember the golden rule: never remove more than a third of the blade of grass at a time. Set your lawn mower to the highest setting to maintain the recommended grass height of 3 to 3.5 inches.
sharp blades
Keeping your lawn mower blades sharp is essential for a clean cut. Dull blades can tear your lawn, causing lawn disease and possible lawn death. Make sure your blades are sharp by sharpening them regularly or having your lawnmower serviced annually.
Vary the cutting pattern
Changing your mowing pattern is essential to preserving soil health and preventing compaction, whether you are using a ride-on mower or a push mower. The weight of a lawn mower can compact the soil with each pass, negatively affecting the overall health and appearance of your lawn.
By varying your cutting pattern, you can reduce soil compaction, allowing water to penetrate deeper into the roots, promoting healthier growth and resilience.
By adopting these mowing techniques customized for southern lawns throughout the seasons, you can ensure the health and vitality of your lawn all year long.
