Web Special
Mowing Tips
 Rita Pelczar, Contributing Editor

Here are some mowing tips for the lawn tamer in your household:

• Don’t buy a larger mower than you need.
   

• Twigs and stones can damage or reduce the performance of mowers: remove debris before mowing.
   

• Keep your mower blade(s) sharpened.
   

• Do not mow grass when wet. It is difficult for reel mowers, puts strain on battery-powered mowers, and can reduce the effectiveness of mulching blades.
   

• Change your cutting pattern from week to week to avoid ruts.
   

• If the grass is not too thick, leave clippings on the lawn as mulch. Or, if you haven’t applied herbicide, bag and compost the clippings.
   

• Water deeply, but less often. Too much watering promotes weak growth and increases the need for mowing.
   

• Don't fertilize or cut too much during dry periods, which encourages new growth and requires watering. Mulching should reduce the need for fertilizer.
   

• Cut grass only when it reaches two or three inches. This promotes deeper root growth and a more drought-resistant lawn. It also blocks invading weeds.
   

• Choose native grass varieties that grow slowly and require less water. Your local nursery, botanical center, or county extension office can recommend appropriate varieties.