Mowing is a contributing factor to increased stress in your tall fescue lawn. To keep your tall fescue lawn in top condition during the summer, proper mowing practices are vital. Here are a few quick tips:
Set the Right Height
For tall fescue grass, maintaining an optimal height of 3.5 to 4 inches is crucial, especially during the summer months. This height range is not just a recommendation but a key factor in ensuring your lawn remains healthy and resilient. Here’s why:
Shade and Moisture Retention: Taller grass blades provide better shading for the soil, reducing evaporation and helping to retain moisture. This is particularly beneficial in the summer when water can quickly become scarce due to heat and sun exposure.
Enhanced Root Development: When the grass is kept at this optimal height, it supports the development of deeper root systems. Deeper roots are more capable of accessing water and nutrients from the soil, which is essential for enduring summer stress.
Reduced Heat Stress: Grass that is taller has a larger surface area to photosynthesize and store energy. This additional energy reserve helps the grass cope with and recover from heat stress.
Time your Mowing
Regular mowing is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn, but the timing of your cuts can determine whether your lawn thrives or becomes stressed.
Cutting Stress: Time your mowing to cut 1/3 of the blade length at a time for your lawn to maintain its health and resilience. Cutting too short or too frequently can weaken the grass, making it more susceptible to diseases and less able to cope with environmental stresses
Adjust Mowing Frequency: As the temperatures of the growing season change, the frequency of mowing will also change. During the Spring and Fall, your tall fescue will need to be mowed weekly. As the summer temperatures rise, the grass will grow slower and will need to be cut on a 10-14 day schedule in most instances.
Mowing Pattern: Change your mowing pattern each cut to avoid compacting the soil. Compacted soil will inhibit root health.
Avoid Mowing When Wet: Wet grass tends to clump and stick to the mower blades, resulting in uneven cutting. Clumps of grass left behind can also smother your lawn, and reduce the effectiveness of lawn treatments by acting as a barrier.
Keep Blades Sharp
Sharp mower blades are essential for a clean cut. Here’s why:
Healthier Cuts: Sharp blades cut grass cleanly, which minimizes damage to the grass blades and reduces the risk of disease.
Improved Appearance: Grass cut with sharp blades looks tidy and uniform, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your lawn.
Reduced Stress and Faster Healing: Dull blades tear the grass, leaving ragged edges that not only look unsightly but also stress the grass. This makes it more susceptible to disease and dehydration and can delay the grass’s natural healing process.
Dull blades can turn a straightforward mowing session into a source of significant stress for your lawn. Ensuring your mower blades are sharp will help keep your lawn healthy and more resistant to summer stressors.
By following these tips, you’ll not only maintain a visually appealing lawn but also support its long-term health and vitality. Happy mowing!
If you have any questions, we are always here to help. Shoot us an email at sales@sorensenoutdoor.com or give us a call at 540-845-6203.
Comments