Mowing 101

Groundcovers can be an alternative to turfgrass and reduce maintenance in areas that are not heavily foot trafficked.  To find Florida-Friendly Groundcovers for Manatee County click here.

With our summer rains the turfgrass is growing which means you are mowing, if you have turfgrass.  There are some important things to consider before you start making laps with your mower.

1. Mowing height - this will be determined by the variety of your turfgrass.  Turfgrass undergoes physiological stress with each mowing event, particularly if too much leaf tissue is removed. Effects of “scalping,” or removal of too much shoot tissue at one time, can produce long-term damage to the turf. This can leave turf susceptible to other stresses such as insects, disease, drought, and sun scald. Mowing also greatly influences rooting depth, with development of a deeper root system in response to higher mowing heights. Advantages of the deeper root system are greater tolerances to drought, insects, disease, nematodes, temperature stress, poor soil conditions, nutrient deficiencies, and traffic. Mowing below the recommended heights for each species is a primary cause of turf death and should be avoided.
See the table 1 at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh028 to determine appropriate mowing height for your turf.
2. Clippings - On most lawns, grass clippings should be returned to help recycle nutrients to the soil. If the lawn is mowed frequently enough, clippings cause few problems. Although many people believe that clippings contribute to thatch, research has shown that clippings are readily decomposed by microbial action.
3. Mowing Equipment - keep the blade sharpened to prevent a ragged cut.  A ragged cut stresses turfgrass making it more susceptible to insects and disease.
4. Good Practices -

• Pick up all stones, sticks and other debris before mowing to avoid damaging the mower or injuring someone with flying objects.
• Never mow wet turf with a rotary mower because clippings can clog the machine. Mow only when the turf is dry.
• Sharpen the mower blade frequently enough to prevent a ragged appearance to the turf.
• Mow in a different direction every time the lawn is cut. This helps prevent wear patterns, reduces the grain (grass lying over in the same direction), and reduces the possibility of scalping.
• Do not remove clippings. If clumping occurs, distribute these by remowing or by lightly raking. A leaf blower can also be used to distribute clippings.
• Check your mower every time it is used. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for service and adjustments.
• Adjust cutting height by setting the mower on a driveway or sidewalk and using a ruler to measure the distance between the ground and the blade.
• Never fill a hot mower with gasoline.
• Always wear heavy leather shoes when mowing the lawn.
• Wash mower after use to reduce rusting and weed seed movement.

For more information visit http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/yourfloridalawn/ or visit the Master Gardener Plant Clinic at the Manatee County Extension Office.