on
7/15/2009
For St Augustine it is just like Murray said, the highest or possibly the second to the highest setting on your mower. If you have a Snapper it should be the highest. 3.75" to 4 inches should be the minimum. There is NEVER a reason to cut St Augustine shorter. Thatch is a myth when it comes to St Augustine. Longer grass blades will also stimulate deeper root growth. Less need for water and fertilizer. If I fertilize it might be lightly once every 3 to four years. Too much watering will leach the soil of it's nutrients and cause salt and mineral build up. The American lawn fool spends billions trying too hard to have the perfect lawn and at the same time is polluting the land, waterways and even the oceans. The large chemical companies have done an excellent job on selling the elusive and unattainable (by man) Garden of Eden.
I do pray that those who read this as well as the seekers of the ever elusive perfect lawn will follow this ''common sense'' just maybe their runoff won't be adding to the chemical pollution that finds it's way to PUBLIC water supplies . Just as we can't feed us right without being knowledgeable about us and the food[s] we eat . lawns are no different . They aren't showpieces that exist for our pleasure , but with knowledge about their needs ,and proper timely care they can derive unimaginable pleasure for their owner that last throughout the season . Properly cared for lawns are not a haven for insects or allergies .
on
7/15/2009
This is good solid advice, I was unaware that taking care of my lawn would be easier if it were a bit longer. I appreciate it and am going to start my new lawn care program this week! Only one drawback: my wife has tiny dogs, and they don't like it when the grass is long. Oh well! They'll just have to get used to it. :)
on
7/15/2009
Thanks! One addition: cutting in a same direction (clockwise for right-side mowers) is a good change-up alternate pattern. This allows to allow a mow-over of the clippings (possibly eliminating any need for a mulching machine), and keeps thatching to a minimum by making the clippings tiny, easily decaying and appearing less noticeable.
Also, any messy debris from your wheels can stay outside your garage by allowing them to dry first; it usually falls off at that point!
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houstonyardero said
on 7/15/2009 For St Augustine it is just like Murray said, the highest or possibly the second to the highest setting on your mower. If you have a Snapper it should be the highest. 3.75" to 4 inches should be the minimum. There is NEVER a reason to cut St Augustine shorter. Thatch is a myth when it comes to St Augustine. Longer grass blades will also stimulate deeper root growth. Less need for water and fertilizer. If I fertilize it might be lightly once every 3 to four years. Too much watering will leach the soil of it's nutrients and cause salt and mineral build up. The American lawn fool spends billions trying too hard to have the perfect lawn and at the same time is polluting the land, waterways and even the oceans. The large chemical companies have done an excellent job on selling the elusive and unattainable (by man) Garden of Eden.
franchesca said
on 7/15/2009 Excellent article, Murray! I will have to apply your tips. Thank you.*
lilolladystuff said
on 7/15/2009 Great article and useful tips i will keep. Thank you.
DreamsInBloom said
on 7/15/2009 Wow, this was a really useful article. I knew nothing about this, but it makes a lot of sense. Thanks.
haileyerickson said
on 7/15/2009 I love finding new ways to do things and this article provides just that!
Rusty54 said
on 7/15/2009 Murray ,
I do pray that those who read this as well as the seekers of the ever elusive perfect lawn will follow this ''common sense'' just maybe their runoff won't be adding to the chemical pollution that finds it's way to PUBLIC water supplies .
Just as we can't feed us right without being knowledgeable about us and the food[s] we eat . lawns are no different . They aren't showpieces that exist for our pleasure , but with knowledge about their needs ,and proper timely care they can derive unimaginable pleasure for their owner that last throughout the season .
Properly cared for lawns are not a haven for insects or allergies .
jonglew said
on 7/15/2009 Anyone got a good idea of how long the garss should be when it's cut?
Quickstar said
on 7/15/2009 Nice article on How to Cut Your Way to a Healthy Lawn!
toking said
on 7/15/2009 Great tips!
eggdashure said
on 7/15/2009 Great points. Some very useful information.
acedesigns said
on 7/15/2009 This is good solid advice, I was unaware that taking care of my lawn would be easier if it were a bit longer. I appreciate it and am going to start my new lawn care program this week! Only one drawback: my wife has tiny dogs, and they don't like it when the grass is long. Oh well! They'll just have to get used to it. :)
lindalw said
on 7/15/2009 My thoughts exactly. Now Dan, get out there and cut the grass!
antboni said
on 7/15/2009 Thanks, Murray, this is an excellent guide.
commediluce said
on 7/15/2009 Thanks! One addition: cutting in a same direction (clockwise for right-side mowers) is a good change-up alternate pattern. This allows to allow a mow-over of the clippings (possibly eliminating any need for a mulching machine), and keeps thatching to a minimum by making the clippings tiny, easily decaying and appearing less noticeable.
Also, any messy debris from your wheels can stay outside your garage by allowing them to dry first; it usually falls off at that point!
writegurl said
on 7/15/2009 This is an awesome piece! High 5*.