Lawn Care Mistake to Avoid Part 2
Last week’s blog tackled the number one lawn care mistake people make, which in case you missed it, is watering incorrectly.
If you need some help with your hydration technique, click here. Today’s blog will continue to cover lawn care errors with the second most common mistake…not mowing correctly. This series on lawn care practices to avoid will carry on for two more weeks since we are covering the top four most common issues. So stick with us, and you can avoid these mistakes! Your lawn will thank you later!
Remember: The top mistakes people make are related to these four areas:
- Watering your lawn
- Mowing your lawn
- Fertilizing your lawn
- Using Herbicide or Weed Killer on your lawn
Now that we have reviewed our series topics, let us move on to discussing mowing! It seems simple and easy, but messing it up can be devastating to your lawn and your property as a whole!
This time of year is essential for lawn care to prepare your turf for its peak seasons of spring and summer. We want to do our part in providing as much support as we can in ensuring your lawn is healthy, vibrant, and able to be enjoyed by you and your guests, this year, and every year moving forward.
Another reminder is that some of the services or topics we will discuss might not be in season, so make sure you note that to study up when the time is right. Then you will be ready and knowledgeable about the task at hand.
Of course, keep in mind that we are here at Ruff and Ready to help you with all your lawn care needs. Our reliable, licensed, insured team will be more than happy to service your lawn to ensure these mistakes do not occur.
Now back to mowing…
Mowing is in itself the goal of the spring season. By early May, you will want your lawn healthy, vibrant, and flourishing enough so that you will have to make the first cut of the season.
What does mowing do for my lawn?
Mowing your lawn is an essential part of maintaining the overall health of your property. It gets rid of overgrown grass, makes sure that your lawn stays healthy and continues to flourish. It also ensures that your grass will get the proper nutrients needed to thrive.
Some people do not realize that when you cut or mow your lawn to a particular required height, that is for a reason. Your grass blades must be even so that water and sun can reach your entire turf. If your grass blades are not consistently cut evenly, some parts of your lawn might suffer. Taller blades can block shorter ones from accessing the required sun and water.
Your lawn’s height and width determine how much air and nutrients can penetrate the roots to promote grass growth and maintain your grass’s health. That is why mowing in itself is an essential service for your lawn and needs to be taken seriously. You can not just mow to mow or lose sight of the details.
What mistakes can be made when mowing your lawn?
Like the watering process, it is easy to make one of two main mistakes when mowing your lawn. It is common for people to over-mow their grass and, on the flip side, under-mow their grass. These mistakes frequently happen when homeowners have not done their research and think they can push a mower across the lawn any old way.
Mowing your lawn just to mow it often leads to a cut that is too short. You do not just mow your turf to do something outdoors or to escape your family, or because you do not remember the last time you trimmed your lawn. This process is not saving you time, and by doing it more frequently, you are actually doing yourself AND your lawn a disservice. By over-mowing, you risk damaging the roots of your grass, as well as the blades, which is detrimental to your entire lawn. Causing damage to the roots messes with all the nutrients your lawn needs to stay healthy and survive. Fewer nutrients mean less health and strength. The practice of cutting your grass too short ultimately leaves your blades more susceptible to diseases and pests.
What is the recommended height for mowing your lawn?
Getting your lawn to the proper height is essential. The recommended length for most grass blades is typically somewhere between 2.5-3 inches tall. This is the appropriate height to ensure that your lawn will be in its healthiest form during the peak seasons. Of course, this varies based on specific types of grasses and climates.
It is vital that when you mow your lawn in an attempt to get it to the required height, that you do not remove more than a third of the grasses height during one mow. So if your grass is three inches, you would not take off more than one inch during a single cut. This really means that you can not let the grass on your lawn just continue to grow, and if it is extremely overgrown, you may have to mow a few times before you reach its required height.
Whether your lawn is being mowed by you, a neighbor, a good samaritan, or by us, you want to make sure your turf receives the proper care and that it has enough height to absorb its required nutrients.
Hiring a professional is the best option for maintaining the proper height for your lawn! With that said, remember that our team at Ruff and Ready is here for all your lawn care needs! Suppose your property needs more than quality lawn care? In that case, we also offer a variety of outdoor solutions such as landscaping, landscape lighting, hardscaping, sod installation, irrigation installations and repairs, patios, concrete work, driveways, and more!
So if you are a resident of Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula, CA, or any of their local areas, give us a call today!