Obtaining a healthy, green lawn requires more than just a turf program. There are Cultural Practices that need to be in place to support the turf program to keep your lawn healthy and green.
The Central Penn Turf Technician did my application.
What steps do I need to take to support the turf program and ensure I have a healthy, green lawn?
1. Mow High
2. Mow Frequently
3. Use the 1/3 Rule
There are (3) three mowing Cultural Practices you need to follow for the success of a healthy, green lawn. It is imperative that all (3) three mowing Cultural Practices are followed simultaneously to keep your healthy, green lawn.
Mow High
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Set your mower so that your cut grass is 3+ inches long. To ensure your mower setting is correct set your mower on a hard surface and check the blade height with a ruler.
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Mow with sharp mower blades.
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Grass types in our area stay healthier when mowed at 3+ inches.
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Grass mowed at 3+ inches reduces the overall stress of the plant by providing shade to the crown, soil and root system resulting in a cooler environment conducive to healthy plant growth.
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The longer blades of grass reduce moisture loss and stress of drought.
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Mowing tight causes physical damage to the crown, which is the growth point of the plant.
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Reduced leaf surface decreases the ability to produce food through photosynthesis.
Mow Frequently
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The season of the year will dictate how often you mow.
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Generally speaking, you will be mowing more in the Spring. Mowing frequency during the Summer and Fall months will depend on how wet or dry the season is as the moisture intake of the plant directly correlates to the growth of the plant.
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Use the 1/3 rule. (see below)
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During the hot, dry days of summer you may be able to extend your mowing frequency to every two weeks or more. Leaving your lawn on the long side during the Summer months is a beneficial Cultural Practice. It provides shade for the root system and reduces moisture loss.
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Eliminate "traffic" on the lawn. Drought stresses the grass plant and causes it to be susceptible to damage simply by walking on it or running a mower on your lawn. You should avoid any type of "traffic" on a lawn that is dry due to drought.
Use the 1/3 Rule
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IT IS IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW THE 1/3 RULE: DO NOT REMOVE MORE THAN 1/3 OF THE LEAF BLADE AT A TIME. KEEP IN MIND A HEALTHY LAWN SHOULD NOT BE CUT LOWER THAN 3 INCHES.
​Do I mulch, bag or let grass clippings lay?
Culturally and Agronomically Central Penn Turf does not have a preference as long as the mowing operation is done correctly-Mow high, Mow frequently and use 1/3 rule.
There are some advantages to mulching, bagging and/or letting grass clippings lay:
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Leaving clippings on your lawn returns "some" nutrients back into the soil.
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Mowing is less time consuming if you let grass clippings lay.
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If you let grass clippings lay, you don't have to dispose of the them.
There are some areas where there are advantages to catching and disposing grass clippings due to the possibility of clippings being carried into your home and/or business and creating a mess you do not want to deal with:
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Close, small tight landscaped and mulch areas
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Swimming pool areas
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Play areas
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Pet areas
Should I mow my grass if it is wet?
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Mowing your lawn when it is wet is never a good practice. Mowing wet grass can clog the mower, cut uneven and leaves your lawn with clumps of wet grass that can smother the grass underneath it.
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