Mowing and Watering for a Healthy, Green Lawn
Most people don’t think very much about lawn mowing. If we had to explain why we do it, we would probably describe it as more or less a cosmetic procedure, like getting a haircut for your house. In fact, while watering, weed control and fertilization are vital aspects of lawn care, mowing done right is just as important for a healthy lawn.
Mowing
Mowing at the appropriate height can mean the difference between a lush green lawn and a sickly yellow one. The basic rule of mowing is removing no more than one-third of the blades at a time. It’s always going to be tempting to cut more, since the healthiest method of mowing means doing it more frequently. But it will soon be obvious than increasing the height of your mower produces greener grass. Here’s a quick guide to the healthiest height for different varieties of grass.
- Bermuda, seeded: 1 to 2 inches
- Bermuda, sodded: 0.5 to 1.5 inches
- Zoysia: 0.5 to 1.5 inches
The best approach is establishing a routine so you can keep your grass within the range where it thrives.
Watering
Most turfgrass requires about one inch of water per week during the critical growth period of late spring to early summer. During hotter, drier weather, you can increase this amount by a half-inch to an inch. There is some variation among common types of grass.
- Bermuda: 1 to 1¼ inches per week
- Zoysia: 1 to 1¼ inches per week
One easy way to see if your turf is taking in enough moisture is to push a screwdriver into the ground. If it passes through four to six inches of soil, your lawn is getting enough water.
Keeping your lawn healthy is a team effort. The treatments and other services we offer are designed to support good mowing and watering habits, not substitute for them. If you have questions, one of the Lawn Specialists at Southern Lawns can help. Just give us a call at 334.466.0600.
