Cut height and scalping
Do not cut your grass too short, which is even more important for cool season grasses such as Kentucky Blue Grass, Fescue, and Bermuda Grass. At this point in the summer, we would recommend 3.5”-4.5” to allow for deep root systems and prevent invasive weeds like crabgrass. Cutting it too short can destroy your lawn’s root system, allow for scraping by the mower deck, and leave it susceptible to midday scorching.
With Labor Day approaching, you might be heading out of town. If your lawn gets tall, don’t cut it down all in one session. Break it up into several mowings and avoid cutting more than a third of the height. We also recommend letting your grass rest for 2-3 days between cuttings.
Cut quality
The first step to a lawn that looks great is having your mower in good working condition. Before the season even starts, get your mower serviced to avoid a midseason breakdown.
Make your mower blades are sharp, and sharpen them several times throughout the season. We also advise to have an extra set of sharp blades on hand. Imagine a dull kitchen knife or a sharp one – which cuts better?
Cut in alternating directions each time you mow. This is especially important with lawns of shorter grass types. Altering the direction ensures a more even cut since grass blades will grow more erect and less likely to develop into a set pattern.
Should I bag or mulch?
Adding a bagging system or a mulching kit adds more cost and setup time to your machine, and it means you are married to this system. If you want to go back to normal blades & cutting, you have to remove this equipment each time.
Contrary to popular belief, grass clippings don’t contribute to thatch buildup or increase the risk of lawn disease. If you follow the above recommendations, those clippings will break down on their own, and actually provide the benefit of additional nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil.
Why listen to us?
We are Kansas City and the surrounding areas’ leading farm and ranch equipment dealer. Our locations provide full service from the time of equipment purchase to parts and servicing your machine after.
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