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Mowing Tips
The two most important facets of mowing are
mowing height and frequency. The minimum height for any lawn is 2 inches. The
preferred mowing height for all Colorado species is 2.5 to 3 inches. Mowing lower than 2 inches can result in decreased drought and heat tolerance and
higher incidences of insects, diseases, and weeds. Mow the lawn at the same
height all year. There is no reason to mow the turf shorter in late fall.
Mow the turf often enough so no more than 1/3 of the grass height is removed at any single mowing. For example, if your mowing height is 2 inches, mow the grass when it is 3 inches tall. During the season, regularly check mowing equipment for sharpness and adjustment. Sharpen rotary mower blades every fourth mowing, especially when mowing fescue or ryegrass lawns. A dull mower blade will shred and fray leaf blades instead of cutting them cleanly resulting in a brown, unattractive lawn. Check reel-type mowers for proper blade-to-bedknife adjustment before each mowing to avoid shredding and tearing of the grass leaves. 1T. Koski, Colorado State University Extension turf grass specialist, horticulture and landscape architecture; and V. Skinner, Extension horticulture agent, El Paso County. 2/96. Reviewed 12/03. |