How to Mow a Switchgrass Lawn

Swtichgrass can be mown to resemble traditional lawn grass species.

Switchgrass, known botanically as Panicum virgatum, is a self-seeding, warm-season perennial grass most commonly cultivated as field forage, as an ornamental cover crop, or for production of biofuels. Whether switchgrass has invaded your lawn area or you've planted the species to serve as a low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawn grass species, it is easy to mow and maintain. Left to its natural growth form, switchgrass grows upright and very tall. Another natural advantage is its clumping growth form, which usually succeeds in crowding out unwanted weed species in the grass, according to the University of Georgia.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable height lawn mower

Instructions

1. Mow your switchgrass lawn beginning in late spring after new growth is clearly visible until the first frost of the fall or winter, depending on your climate.

2. Set your mower blade height to 6 inches or taller, as desired, to keep the soft blue-green blades in evidence.

3. Mow frequently enough to maintain the desired blade height, and only remove one-third of the blade in each mowing. This will prevent stress on the plants and any discoloration of the grass blades. In the very hot and dry portion of the summer, the growth will slow or halt, naturally reducing the frequency of mowings.

4. Allow the grass clippings to fall back onto the lawn as a natural fertilizer. Capture or pick up the clippings only when the lawn was mown when very wet.

References

• University of Georgia; The Management and Use of Switchgrass in Georgia; Dennis W. Hancock
• University of Arkansas; Mowing Your Lawn; Aaron Patton and John Boyd
• University of Wisconsin Extension; Establishing and Managing Switchgrass; Mark Renz, et al.