Proper lawn mowing is a fundamental defense against weeds and diseases. Maintaining grass at its recommended height ensures it receives the essential sunlight and nutrients necessary for lush, healthy growth. Mowing too close, a practice known as “scalping,” can lead to severe consequences, weakening and potentially killing the lawn. Moreover, it diminishes the grass’s nutrient supply, providing weeds with an opportunity to thrive.
Impact of Scalping on Grass: Photosynthesis is the lifeblood of grass, enabling it to convert sunlight into energy. Cutting too much of the leaf blade disrupts this process, hindering the lawn’s ability to store energy, depleting its nutrient reservoir, and ultimately suffocating the grass. A clear sign of scalping is when the grass is so short that the stem is exposed, often appearing brown. Generally, warm-season grasses should stand at least 1 inch high, while cool-season varieties should be around 2.5 inches tall. Regularly mowing at the lowest setting of your mower may also indicate scalping.
Factors Aggravating Scalping: Using a dull mower blade exacerbates scalping. Inspect the grass after mowing; if it appears torn and frayed, your blade needs sharpening. Blade sharpeners are readily available at home and garden centers. Furthermore, scalping during the height of summer exacerbates stress on the grass, hindering its ability to recover.
Guidelines for Effective Mowing: Err on the side of longer grass rather than cutting it too short. Maintain a height of about three inches throughout the growing season. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn, a practice known as “grass-cycling,” returns valuable nutrients to the soil. For optimal results, mow during the driest part of the day to prevent clumping caused by excess moisture, which could block sunlight. Overlap your mowing path by two to three inches to ensure a consistent height across the lawn.
Restoring the Lawn: If you’ve been inadvertently scalping your lawn, allow the grass to gradually grow back to its recommended height, never removing more than one-third of the blade length at a time. Additionally, implement deep and infrequent watering to support proper recovery. Adequate irrigation is crucial for the lawn’s rehabilitation process.