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On the Mow Again

I can't wait to get on the mower again...

Mowing is necessary for a quality turfgrass. Mow frequently and at the proper height. The frequency and height of cut depend on the type of turfgrass, fertilization program, and the amount of rainfall.

The frequency of mowing depends on the growth rate of the turfgrass. The best rule of thumb is to mow enough that you never remove more than one-third of the leaf area per mowing. A common mistake is to allow the turf to become overgrown before mowing; this stresses the grass by removing too much of the foliage at one time.

When you mow turfgrass properly, it is not necessary to remove clippings for the health of the lawn. The only time you need to remove clippings for the grassʼs sake is when they are so heavy that the uncut grass is not visible; then remove the clippings to allow the sun to hit the grass. Clippings are an excellent  source of slow-release nutrients to the turf. If you remove clippings for aesthetic purposes, consider placing them in a compost pile rather than the trash.

Recommended cutting heights for some popular grasses are:

• Bermuda 0.5"–1.5" 
• Centipede 1.5"–2"
• St. Augustine 2.5"–3" 
• Zoysia 1"–1.5"

More tips and recommendations are online at:
http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/establish-and-manage-your-home-lawn or pickup Extension Publication 1322, “Establish and Manage Your Home Lawn,” at our office.

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