LAWN MOWING

Mowing probably requires more time than all the operations involved in growing 
quality turfgrass. Too often mowing is regarded as a necessary drudgery rather 
than as one of the most important factors in maintaining a desirable turf. 

                               Type of Mower

Reel mowers, if properly adjusted, should cut cleaner with less damage to turf 
than the rotaries. A reel mower follows the contour more exactly, giving a 
uniform height if cut. The rotaries ride on four wheels, thus, they tend to 
cut higher in depression and scalp ridges. Rotary blades travel at high speeds 
and are a potential danger to the operator or anyone near enough to be hit by 
flying debris. 

Rotary mowers are simple in construction, require less maintenance and have a 
lower initial cost t%an reel mowers. Rotary mowers are constructed to trim 
closer and are more versatile for mowing weeds and other tall vegetation. 
Adjustment of rotary mowers is relatively easy, whereas most homeowners are 
unable to adjust reel mowers. 

A study conducted at The Ohio State University in 1962 compared Merion and 
Delta Kentucky bluegrass turf cut at 1 and 2 inches of height with reel and 
rotary mowers. Plots cut with the reel mower consistently rated higher in 
several quality measurements than those mowed with a rotary mower. The quality 
advantages were greater at the closer mowing height. Cutting Height 

The use of turf must be a primary consideration in determining the height to 
mow turfgrass. Grass cut to 2 inches is acceptable on a home lawn but would be 
completely unsatisfactory on a golf course fairway, Species adapted to the 
mowing height required for a specific use must be chosen if a good turf is to 
be maintained. 

Turfgrasses, like other plants, must manufacture sugars through the process of 
photosynthesis if they are to survive and grow. This process occurs mainly in 
the leaves if the plant. Turfgrasses cut to low heights cannot sustain the 
rate of photosynches is necessary to maintain plant vigor. 

There is a direct relationship between the height of cut and the number of 
roots resent Research with Kentucky bluegrass has shown that root growth was 
more than twice as great when the grass was cut at 2 inches in height than 
when cut at 3/4 inch. In general, the closer a given grass is mowed, the fewer 
roots it will produce. 

It is usually desirable to maintain grass as high as the particular use will 
allow. On bluegrass lawns cutting heights from 1 1/2 to 2 inches are 
desirable. On golf course fairways, grasses are usually cut from 1/2 to 3/4 
inch, and on greens, creeping bentgrass is often cut as low as 3/16 inch. Less 
damage occurs from close cuttings if a reel type mower is used. 

                              Mowing Frequency

Grass should not be allowed to grow so tall that mowing removes a majority of 
the leaf surface. No more than one-fourth to one-third of the leaf area should 
be removed at mowing. For example, if Kentucky bluegrass is normally cut at 2 
inches, it should not be allowed to grow beyond 3 inches before it is again 
mowed at 2 inches.  This would restrict leaf removal to less than one-third 
compared to the total length. 

                              Mowing Practices

It is desirable to change the direction of mowing to avoid a series of ridges
running at right angles to the direction of mowing. Mowing at right angles
every other time also helps to prevent formation of grain effect and tends to
prevent continuous scalping of high spots.

All mowing equipment should be kept in good working condition. Mowers should
be sharpened and adjusted frequently to assure a clean cut. A dull rotary
mower frays the ends of leaves and results in brown tips, which are unsightly
and indicate damaged turfgrass.

Grass should be mowed when it is dry, if possible. Wet grass is more difficult
to cut and clogs up under the rotary mower. Mowing should not, however, be
delayed for long periods of time because the grass is wet.

                             Clipping Removal
It is advisable to return grass clippings to the lawn because they are a
valuable source of nutrients.  Research has shown that when clippings are
removed, 1/3 more nitrogen fertilizer was necessary to maintain the same color
and density as areas where clippings were returned.  Furthermore, and contrary
to popular belief, grass clippings do not contribute to thatch accumulation if
proper mowing practices are followed.

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Another textfile from STONEHENGE BBS [415] 479-8328
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