Mowing the Lawn

Regular mowing is essential to the production and maintenance of a good lawn. Unless this is assured, expense, and work on all kinds of recommended treatments are of little value.

A first-class lawn needs cutting two or three times a week during periods of vigorous growth and even a very ordinary type of lawn needs cutting at least once a week. Less frequent mowing is adequate when growth is poor but the grass should never be allowed to exceed the chosen height by very much. Even in the winter months, occasional topping may be needed when conditions are suitable. Whenever mowing is carried out, the best results are obtained if the surface is dry.

The height of the cut depends on the quality of the lawn required and the type of grass sown. There is no need to maintain a lawn at the very short length required for bowls or golf.  Such close cutting 5mm (1/2in) causes great strain on the grass plants and even the very fine grasses thrive best at heights of 8-12mm (1-4-in). Other grasses do not survive very well at all when cut at this height even, and so a height of 1-2cm (.5-1in) is more suitable. Even the best varieties of perennial ryegrass, however, should not be cut closer than 2.5cm (1in).

Grass cuttings contain a useful amount of mineral matter in their bulk of moist organic material and allowing cuttings to fall back on the lawn decreases the drain on plant foods which arises when cuttings are removed. On the other hand, the organic material is known to encourage disease, weeds, earthworm casting, and soft surface conditions so that the best rule is undoubtedly to box off the cuttings and use them elsewhere in the garden.

The essence of a good lawn is uniformity and to get a uniform cut it is necessary to have a smooth