Lawn Mowing & Cutting

Keeping grass at the correct height lets it better compete with weeds.

Summertime brings with it the sound of humming lawnmowers as homeowners seek to tame growing grass into a well-managed lawn. Mowing grass -- a chore so familiar that most homeowners don't give it much thought -- represents the most important care you give your lawn. Proper mowing discourages pests, weeds and diseases while encouraging full, healthy growth.

Mowers

Homeowners can choose between three types of mowers. Reel mowers cut with a scissor-like action that leaves a neat, clean cut. Although usually more expensive, reel mowers don't require gasoline. Rotary mowers chop grass with a rotating blade. They usually maneuver well but can throw stones or injure the user if used improperly. Mulching mowers cut each piece of grass several times, leaving tiny clippings that quickly decompose and disappear. No matter which type of mower you choose, keeping the blade sharp will keep the lawn healthy, tidy and resistant to disease.

Mowing Height

The height you mow your lawn depends on the grass species. Cut warm-season grasses back to 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, but maintain cool-season grasses a bit taller -- between 3 and 4 inches. Keeping grass as long as possible exerts several protective effects that matter especially for cool-season grasses. Longer grass develops denser, deeper root systems that are better able to take up water during the dry summer months. Taller grasses also stay cooler, affording them extra protection. Keeping your lawn at its maximum recommended height in the spring can reduce the occurrence of annual weeds by 80 percent, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade during a single mowing.

Grass Clippings

Leaving the clippings on the grass after you've mown can benefit your lawn. Grass clippings can return soil nutrients to your lawn, minimizing the need for fertilizers. As they decompose, they also boost the organic matter content of your soil, which allows the soil to hold on better to water and nutrients, ultimately creating a lusher, healthier lawn that requires less maintenance. If you remove only one-third of the grass blade, clumps of clippings shouldn't become a problem. If you have the occasional clump, a second pass with the mower usually distributes them adequately.

Troubleshooting

Lawns that look white after you mow them have likely been cut too short, according to Mike Goatley, a turf specialist with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Clumps of clippings indicate that you aren't mowing often enough. If your lawn undergoes a growth spurt, don't cut it back all at once. Instead, observe the one-third rule, and trim it back to the correct height in two separate mowing sessions.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Natural Lawn Care
• Cornell Cooperative Extension: Home Lawns -- Establishment and Maintenance
• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Turf Specialist Provides Tips for Summer Lawn Care
• University of Illinois Extension: Guidelines for Mowing Lawns Properly