6 Best Practices for a Healthy Lawn
Can you believe spring has officially arrived? To help you get ready to have the best mowing season ever, we are sharing 6 best practices to promote a healthy, beautiful lawn.
1. Choose the Correct Mowing Height - The 1/3 Rule
When setting the height on your mower deck, always use the 1/3 rule. It’s best to remove no more than 1/3 of the height of your grass when mowing. Cutting too much grass plant off at one time can weaken the grass and leave room for more weeds to grow. Fast-growing conditions will require more frequent mowing. For most grass types, a general rule of thumb for grass height is around 2.5 to 3 inches tall. For example, if your mower deck is set at 3 inches, you will want to cut the lawn it has grown to 4-4.5 inches tall.
2. Mulch Lawn Clippings
This tip goes right along with the 1/3 rule. Lawn clippings are a great source of nutrients and fertilizer when allowed to decompose right back into the soil. Save time, energy and resources by not collecting lawn clippings and instead get your Deere mower deck equipped with MulchControl. A mower deck equipped with MulchControl will allow grass to be cut into finer pieces before being deposited onto your lawn compared to regular side discharge mode. Check out our blog post on MulchControl to learn more.
3. Change Directions
It’s easy to get into a habit and always mow in the same direction and pattern, but try switching it up. Alternating your mowing pattern will prevent lawn damage, ruts and compaction, control coarse grass, create an even surface and promote healthy lawn growth.
4. Avoid Mowing Wet Grass
If possible, avoid mowing wet grass. Wet grass is more likely to clump together and pile up on your lawn. It also is more likely to collect in your mower deck. Large grass clumps left in the yard may kill grass underneath, and your wheels may leave ruts in the wet lawn. It’s easier to achieve a clean cut when the grass is dry and standing more upright.
5. Remove Debris Before Mowing
Though you may not feel like taking the time before you mow to remove debris such as bits of trash or large sticks from your lawn, it will ensure large items do not damage your mower blades or get stuck in your mower deck. It also is a safety precaution for you as the operator and any bystanders.
6. Mower Maintenance
Best mowing practices include proper maintenance of your lawn mower. Make sure your mower blades are sharp. Dull blades are an ineffective way to mow and can cause damage to your lawn. We can help ensure your lawn mower is preforming its best with our Spring Lawn Mower Service Special. We will pickup and return your mower for free if you schedule an appointment before March 31, 2020! Go ahead and click here to make your service request online.
We hope you enjoyed this look at lawn mowing best practices. It's hard to believe mowing season is almost here. Make sure you are on top of your mowing game this year with these helpful tips. Visit with one of our lawn and garden specialists about any questions you may have. We are happy to help you get ready for mowing season. Click here to explore the John Deere residential mower lineup.
Special Offer: Free Shipping on Select Equipment
Did you know you don't even need to leave home to get your next John Deere machine? And now customers purchasing eligible equipment from Holland and Sons through John Deere Buy Online qualify for free delivery when purchased between March 17, 2020 and April 30, 2020. Be sure to select Holland and Sons when checking out and choose the day you'd like your machine delivered. Click here to start shopping.