Don't cut your grass too short, particular
for cool season grasses. Higher heights usually provide for a deeper
root system, looks better, and is less likely to have weeds invading,
particularly crabgrass.
Don't remove any more than one third of the
grass leaf at any one cutting. If circumstances arise that a lawn gets
too tall and you just have to lop off a bunch to get caught up, bite
the bullet and break it down into several mowings to get caught up with
3 or so days between cuttings.
Try to avoid mowing when the grass is wet.
When mowing only a third with each cutting,
you can safely leave clippings that will quickly decompose and add nutrients
back into the soil. Contrary to popular opinion, grass clippings do
not add to thatch buildup. Grass blades are made up of about 75% water.
Mow your lawn in a different direction with
each mowing, especially with lawns of shorter grass types. Altering
the direction ensures a more even cut since grass blades will grow more
erect and less likely to develop into a set pattern.
Keep your mower's blade sharp, which means
having it sharpened several times during the mowing season. Keep several
blades around so you'll always have a sharp one on hand.
Don't forget to change your mower's oil at
least once during the mowing season.
If you didn't drain your gas tank in the
fall, or use a fuel stabilizer, don't use that old gas, it can cause
a number of problems. Better to use fresh gasoline to begin the new
mowing season.
Water as infrequently as possible. Thoroughly water when
you do water so moisture soaks down to the roots. Exceptions to this
general rule would be for newly seeded lawns where the surface needs
to stay moist, newly sodded lawns that have not yet rooted into the
soil, or when summer patch disease is a problem (see Lawn Diseases).
Otherwise, avoid frequent waterings that promote shallower root systems
and weeds (e.g., crabgrass).
Water early if possible. Given a choice, water early in
the day when lawns are normally wet from dew. Avoid midday due to evaporation,
and at night due to potential increased chances of some diseases. The
exception to this guide is when you are in extremely hot weather and
nighttime temperatures don't go below 68 degrees. Then it is better
to water in the late afternoon or early evening, providing you don't
have watering-time restrictions. Late in the day reduces the amount
of evaporation that takes place during the very hot day, allowing more
water to reach the root zone.
Spread the water uniformly across the lawn. Sprinklers
vary in distribution patterns, and require spray overlap for uniform
coverage. Placing coffee cans or similar straight-sided containers on
the lawn can help measure water application rates. Avoid flooding areas,
or missing other spots. On heavy clay soils and slopes, watch for excessive
runoff; it may be necessary to apply the water in several applications
to allow for adequate penetration.
Water conservation. To help conserve water, mow your lawn
at a higher than normal height, avoid applying an excess of nitrogen
as warm weather approaches, limit traffic over the lawn, improve turf
rooting, control thatch and soil compaction, and avoid pesticide use
on drought stressed lawns.
