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lawn Care & Mowing Information
HOW HIGH TO
MOW THE GRASS
Often cutting height is a
matter of personal prefer-
ence. Typically, you should
mow the grass when it is is
between three and five
inches high. The proper
cutting height range for a
specific lawn will depend
upon several factors,
including the type of grass,
the amount of rainfall, the
prevailing temperature, and
the lawn’s overall condition.
Cutting the grass too short
causes weak, thin grass
olants. which are easilv
damaged by dry periods
and
oests.
Cuttina too short
is often more damaging
Cut less than
l/3
Cutting down to this
area contributes to
thatch problems
\
than allowing the grass to be slightly higher.
Letting grass grow a bit longer-especially when it is hot and
dry-reduces heat build-up, preserves needed moisture and
protects the grass from heat damage and other problems.
However, allowing grass to grow too high can cause thin turf
and additional problems.
Cutting off too much at one time shocks the plant’s growth
system and weakens the grass plants. A good rule of
thumb is the
113
rule: to cut no more than one third of
the grass height, and never more than 1 inch at a time.
The amount of grass you are able to cut in one pass is also
effected by the type of mowing system you are using (for
example, broadcasting with side discharge decks can
---k--7
’
process a much larger volume of grass than mulching does).
NOTE: We cover some soecific mowino instructions for
mulching and broadcasting later in this-Lawn Care section.
Proper Cutting Height
1
inch
Cut Here On
cut
First Pass
Here
On
Tall Grass Requires Incremental Cutting
For extremely tall grass, set the cutting height at maxi-
mum for the first pass, and then reset it to the desired
height and mow a second or third time.
Don’t cover the grass surface with a heavy layer of
clippings. Consider using a grass collection system
and starting a compost pile.