Basic Lawn Care Tips

This information is somewhat general, but it is

pertinent to almost any species of turf. It doesn’t matter

whether we are discussing warm-season or cool-season

species, proper cutting management is by far the most

important factor in keeping a healthy turf.

First, make sure you are cutting the lawn to its

proper height. If you prefer a lawn shorter than two

inches, then you should not have one that is comprised of

St. Augustine or Centipede grass. These need to cut at a

minimum of 2 ¾ inches. Trying to maintain these two species

this short will result in a thin weedy lawn, especially if

it gets dry.

Keeping mower blades sharp is also important. A smooth

cut not only looks better, but it lessens the possibility

of disease. For some hybrids of Bermudagrass, a reel type

mower does a much better job, especially when maintaining

heights of an inch or less. When cutting with a rotary

mower it is critical that blades are always kept sharp.

Grass should not be cut when it is wet but cutting it

when it is somewhat wet is better than letting it get too

long and then scalping it. For best results, never remove

more than one third of the canopy at a time. That means if

you wish to maintain your lawn at two inches, you should

not let it get taller than three inches before mowing it.

I know this sounds drastic, but proper mowing results

in a thicker healthier turf. Under these conditions there

is less need to spray for diseases and weeds. Clippings

decompose faster and the whole area looks better. So

remember: don’t mow too close, use a sharp mower, and mow

often.

Water management can be important, especially on dry

soil types. In this area, a supplemental irrigation system

is very helpful. Proper water management means that the

turf is less stressed and that will make the lawn less

prone to pests and diseases.

Proper pH and fertility are also important, but

fertilizing is not always the answer. If clippings are not

removed from the lawn, they will usually be recycled, and

fertility will be maintained provided other factors are

managed properly.

Unless you have a fescue lawn or insist on having a

green lawn during winter, there is usually no need to

overseed in the fall. I have written another article for

those who wish to do this.