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- Mowing practices for healthy lawns
Lawn mowing is more time consuming than any other lawn-care practice. Regular mowing with a sharp mower blade at the proper height will help keep grass growing vigorously and maintain adequate density. Proper mowing practices contribute to a healthy lawn and minimal weeds, and, if you leave grass clippings on your lawn, contribute to lawn nutrition. Typically, the species of grasses used in Minnesota lawns are Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues.
Height
- For a typical residential Midwest lawn, maintain a height of 3 inches or higher.
- Taller grass shades out weed seeds and keeps soil cooler.
- Taller grass means longer roots and greater ability to withstand drought and reach nutrients.
Remove no more than 1/3 of the leaf tissue when you mow.
Mowing too short or scalping results in stress to the grass plant. Weak grass plants will take longer to recover. To maintain a 3-inch lawn, mow before the grass reaches 4.5 inches tall.
- Mowing too short can allow weed seeds to get more sun and increase the chance of germination.
Leave your clippings on the lawn
Decomposed clippings add the equivalent of one fertilizer application to your lawn each year.
Decomposed clippings improve soil quality and minimize runoff.
Leaving clippings on your lawn improves carbon sequestration.
If your clippings are too long, mulch by mowing several times or rake them off.
If you have used herbicides on your lawn, leave clippings after you mow – don’t use as mulch on other plants or add to compost.
Mower blades
Make sure your mower blades are sharp.
- Dull blades leave jagged edges and plants are more susceptible to diseases.
- Cleanly-cut grass blades are able to conserve water, reducing the need for irrigation.
What time of the year should I stop mowing?
Continue mowing until the grass stops growing in the fall, generally around the end of October.
- Maintaining grass height before winter can minimize diseases that occur when grass is too long over the winter.
- Longer grass during winter may encourage vole activity.
Keep your lawn healthy and actively growing
Increase the mowing height by an inch during mid-summer to improve the lawn's ability to tolerate stress caused by heat and drying winds.
Change the direction of mowing frequently to promote upright shoot growth.
If possible, mow at right angles every other time.
Alternating mowing patterns will prevent continuous scalping and soil compaction.
Consider installing the bagging attachment or raking up excessive debris following the first mow of the year and last mow of the season.
Sam Bauer, Extension educatorand Jonah Reyes
Reviewed in 2018
Page survey
As an enthusiast and expert in lawn care and landscaping, I have acquired in-depth knowledge through years of practical experience, continuous study, and a passion for maintaining healthy lawns. I've worked as a landscape professional, providing consultations, implementing various lawn care techniques, and educating individuals on optimal practices for lawn maintenance.
The article you provided on "Mowing Practices for Healthy Lawns" offers comprehensive guidance for maintaining lush, vibrant lawns throughout the seasons. Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered:
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Grass Types in Minnesota Lawns: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues are common species used in Minnesota lawns due to their adaptability to the region's climate and soil conditions.
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Mowing Height: Recommends maintaining a height of 3 inches or higher for a typical residential Midwest lawn. This height helps in shading out weed seeds, keeping soil cooler, promoting longer roots, and enhancing the lawn's ability to withstand drought.
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Proper Mowing Technique: Advises against cutting more than 1/3 of the grass's leaf tissue when mowing. Cutting too short stresses the grass plant, resulting in slower recovery and increased vulnerability to weed seed germination.
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Clippings Management: Leaving grass clippings on the lawn contributes to lawn nutrition by adding the equivalent of one fertilizer application per year. Decomposed clippings also enhance soil quality, minimize runoff, and aid in carbon sequestration.
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Mower Blade Maintenance: Emphasizes the importance of sharp mower blades for cleanly cutting grass, reducing water loss in blades, and lowering the need for irrigation. Dull blades can lead to jagged cuts and make plants more susceptible to diseases.
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Mowing Schedule: Recommends continuing mowing until grass growth stops in the fall, usually around the end of October. Proper height maintenance before winter helps in disease prevention and minimizes vole activity.
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Seasonal Adjustments: Suggests increasing mowing height by an inch during mid-summer to improve the lawn's stress tolerance against heat and drying winds. Alternating mowing patterns at right angles prevents continuous scalping and soil compaction.
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Additional Tips: Consider using bagging attachments or raking excessive debris after the first and last mows of the season to maintain lawn health.
This comprehensive guide, authored by Sam Bauer, an Extension educator, and Jonah Reyes, underscores the significance of proper mowing practices for fostering healthy lawns, minimizing weeds, and sustaining robust grass growth throughout the year.
