Lawn pruning method
When the grass reaches a certain height, it should be mowed promptly to keep it looking neat and healthy. It's important not to cut too much at once, as this can damage the grass. Instead, only one-third of the grass blade should be removed each time. This helps maintain the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, ensuring that the roots receive enough nutrients. If too much is cut at once, the root system may struggle to recover, leading to weak growth or even death of the lawn.
As the turf grows taller, the lower leaves often become shaded for extended periods. These leaves adapt to low-light conditions, but when the upper leaves are cut, the lower ones suddenly face full sunlight. This sudden exposure can cause sunburn, which damages the grass and reduces its overall health. When the grass becomes overly vigorous, the mowing height should be increased slightly. Wait four days before returning to a regular mowing height to avoid cutting mature leaves too short, which can lead to sunburn and encourage weed growth.
Among warm-season grasses, Prunella vulgaris requires the least frequent mowing, followed by Zoysia sinica, Zoysia japonica, and Japanese zoysiagrass. In contrast, dog beetroot and carpet grass need more frequent trimming. For cool-season grasses, Festuca arundinacea typically requires less mowing, while other species tend to grow faster and require more frequent cuts. The use of nitrogen fertilizer significantly affects how quickly the lawn grows. The more nitrogen applied, the faster the grass grows, and the more often it needs to be mowed.
The frequency of mowing also depends on the season. Cold-season grasses grow rapidly in spring and fall, requiring more frequent cuts, while their growth slows down in summer. Warm-season grasses, on the other hand, thrive in summer and grow more slowly in spring and autumn. In colder climates, both types of grass experience slower root growth and reduced activity, so it's best to set a lower mowing height to minimize nutrient loss from the above-ground parts.
Watering also plays a role in mowing frequency. The more water the lawn receives, the faster it grows, and the more often it needs to be cut. Conversely, under drought conditions, growth slows, and mowing becomes less frequent. Avoid mowing when the grass is wet or the soil is too moist, as this can result in uneven cuts and clumping of grass clippings, which may block light and air from reaching the lower layers of the lawn.
It's essential to remove grass clippings after mowing. Leaving them can make the lawn look untidy and reduce airflow and sunlight to the lower grass blades. As the clippings decompose, they may release harmful organic acids that can harm the root system and weaken the grass. Additionally, leftover clippings can promote weed growth and increase the risk of pests and diseases. However, if the lawn is healthy and no disease is present, especially during hot weather, leaving the clippings on the lawn can help retain soil moisture.
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Sichuan Liuhang Agriculture Co.Ltd , https://www.lhagriculture.com