The 3
Key Factors of a Good Lawn Maintenance Program
Having one of the best
looking and environmentally sound lawns in your
neighborhood can be accomplished easier than you may
think. You may still encounter some lawn
"problems" during the year, but you can reduce
their probability by following a program of proper
mowing, fertilization, and watering. Professional turf
managers have known how important these 3 factors are for
years. All 3 must work together to produce a quality
lawn. Leaving one part out, or not following the plan to
its optimal level will give you less than the desired
results. |
1. A Mowing Program That
Works!
Most lawn experts agree that a majority of our lawn care
problems are a result of not mowing at the proper height
. . . and not keeping our lawn mower blade sharpened
throughout the mowing season. Each type of lawn grass has
its specific height for optimum performance. Mowing to
keep the grass at its best growing height will increase
your lawn's density and reduce problems.
 No matter
what kind of lawn you have, there is a simple "rule
of thumb" to follow when mowing. Never remove more
than one-third (1/3) of the leaf surface each time you
mow. Leaf surface or cutting height refers to the length
of grass above the soil. Cutting below the optimum height
impedes root development, which is key to having a dense
stand of grass.
Use the
table on page 8 to determine the best growing height for
your kind of grass and when to mow it again. If you have
a mixture or blend, you'll see that they have the same
mowing height.
Note: Increasing the mowing height by 1/2 inch for
shady areas, immediately following, or when the lawn has
been weakened by insect or disease injury or high
traffic. And remember . . . keep the lawn mower blade
sharp! A dull blade will cause injury to the grass plant
by tearing it . . . and increase the possibility of
insect and disease problems.
When you
follow the "rule of thumb", you don't have to
collect grass clippings. NO, grass clippings do not
create thatch! That's an old lawn myth. They decompose
quickly and put nutrients back into the soil. It's a
built-in fertilization program every time you mow . . .
and it keeps them out of our landfill; another
environmental benefit. Also, there are a number of new
"mulching" mowers on the market that cut the
clippings into even smaller pieces.
These are
not absolutely necessary to a proper maintenance program,
but if you're thinking about buying a new lawn mower, you
should seriously consider a mulching mower.
2. A Fertilization Program
that Works!
The goal of any fertilization program is to provide the
lawn with the nutrients it needs for optimum growth. The
most accurate way to find out those needs is to have the
soil tested. The soil is the conveyor of the nutrients to
all the plants in your landscape. Soil test kits are
generally available at better lawn and garden centers.
Soil test services and information are generally
available through your local County Extension office and
by private labs found in the Yellow Pages of your
telephone directory. If your lawn hasn't had a soil test
in the last 3-5 years, seriously consider having one
done; preferably when the landscape is not in an active
growing season. If a soil test is not conducted, follow
these general fertilization guidelines.
(Continued on the next page)
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