How to mow your lawn

Proper mowing keeps grass height under control, encourages root growth and discourages weed growth and disease. Follow these guidelines to learn how to keep your lawn nicely manicured.

The optimum height for a lawn depends on the species as well as the lawn use. Fine-bladed grasses used for display lawns do best at about 2.5 centimetres (one inch).

Coarse-textured grasses are used for high-traffic lawns and many grasses recommended for cool climates should grow to eight centimetres (three inches) or more, especially during the hot summer months.

1. The basic rule for mowing height is to take off no more than one-third of the blade each time you mow. If the ideal height for your grass species is five centimetres (two inches), mow when it reaches eight centimetres (three inches).
2. Taking off a small portion of the blades causes the least shock to the plants and leaves plenty of blades to make food for the roots. If blades are cut too short and can't supply enough food, roots grow poorly and weaken the plant, allowing disease to take hold.
3. Longer blades also shade out weed seedlings, and the vigorous roots that result will keep most weeds from getting a foothold.The ideal height can vary according to season.
4. When grasses are growing actively, you can keep the blades a little shorter, about five centimetres (two inches). Active growth occurs in spring and fall in cold climates.
5. During periods of stress from drought or heat, cut the blades higher. Grass growing in shade also should be allowed to grow 2.5 centimetres (one inch) longer than the same grass grown in sun, so that it has more surface exposed to light to help it manufacture energy.

When drought-stressed lawns can't be relieved because of municipal water restrictions, you can still help your struggling lawn survive.

• Stop mowing or mow very high, because tall grass blades shade the soil, keep it cool and reduce evaporation.
• Also avoid walking on the grass, to prevent the soil from being packed down, and don't fertilize, so that grass can go dormant and conserve its resources.

• Fungal infections can sometimes crop up, such as brown patch and leaf spot, which usually appear as brown patches or dead spots in the lawn. Lingering dampness contributes to the problem, so correcting drainage problems that create standing water helps prevent many diseases.
• Overfertilization can also contribute to disease, because a lawn that grows too lush and thick holds morning dew for several hours. Also avoid evening watering to reduce the amount of time that your lawn is wet, because many fungal spores become active in the evening's cool, damp hours.
• A healthy lawn will tolerate light insect feeding by common pests, including sod webworms and chinch bugs. But in areas where June beetles or Japanese beetles are numerous, their larvae can seriously weaken lawns as they feed on grass roots in spring. The larvae of both types of beetles are small, whitish grubs, easily found by digging up a patch of troubled grass in spring.
• For long-term control, apply parasitic nematodes, which multiply in the soil and feed on the developing larvae. Where winters are cold, the nematodes do not survive and must be reapplied if the problem returns.

By following these basic steps, you can ensure your lawn will remain healthy and lush.