The Greener Guide to Mowing Matters And More – Best Mowing Practices for Spring, Summer, and Fall

Maintaining a healthy, lush lawn requires more than just the initial spring mow—it’s an ongoing process throughout the growing season. From spring’s new growth to summer’s heat and fall’s preparation for winter, consistent mowing practices are essential for keeping your lawn thriving. Let’s explore the key mowing tips and strategies to keep your lawn green, resilient, and beautiful from spring through fall.

• If the grass isn’t growing – it doesn’t need mowing! Best practice throughout the growing season is aim to mow approximately once per week – only when it needs it.  
• When grass height about 4.5 inches tall – it prefers a trim.  Set mower blade deck to between 3.5 to 4.5 which prevents cutting off too much at once. For the healthiest lawn, only cut up to one-third of the blade length in any mowing – except the final fall mow of the year.
• Mowing in the late afternoon or early morning, when temperatures are cooler, helps reduce stress on the grass. Always avoid mowing during the heat of the day (usually 10am  - 2pm)

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Problems happen when the lawn is mowed wet, including:

• Soil Compaction: Wet soil is easily compacted under the weight of the mower, reducing airflow and water absorption, which hinders healthy root development.
• Ruts and Damage: Mowing wet grass can leave ruts or tire tracks, which are difficult to repair and can cause long-term damage to the lawn’s appearance and structure.
• Uneven Cuts: Wet grass tends to bend, leading to an uneven cut that stresses the lawn and makes it more vulnerable to disease.
• Clumping: Wet grass clumps together when mowed, creating piles that smother the lawn, block sunlight and airflow, and can lead to bare spots and dead patches.

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The height at which you mow your grass is crucial throughout the growing season. Aim to keep your grass at a height of 3.5 to 4.5 inches. This taller cut helps the grass retain moisture, encourages deeper root development, and strengthens its resistance to weeds, disease, and drought.

• Water Retention: Taller grass creates shade over the soil, reducing evaporation and helping retain moisture, meaning you’ll need to water less frequently.
• Healthier Roots: A higher cut promotes stronger, deeper root systems, giving your lawn the resilience to withstand periods of drought or heat stress.
• Natural Weed Control: Taller grass crowds out weeds by creating a thick, healthy turf, reducing the need for herbicides.
• Reduced Stress: A higher cut helps the lawn recover more quickly from mowing and foot traffic, keeping it greener and healthier throughout the season.

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Dull mower blades can tear the grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leaving it vulnerable to disease and creating a patchy appearance. Keep your mower blades sharp, ideally sharpening them 2-3 times throughout the season or after every 25-30 hours of mowing. Sharp blades ensure a clean cut, promote faster healing, and contribute to a more uniform, vibrant lawn.

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One common mowing mistake is cutting grass that’s too long, which can leave behind clumps or “haystacks” of grass that smother the lawn and create dead spots. To prevent this:

• Avoid cutting off more than one-third of the grass height at a time.
• Make sure the grass is dry before mowing to prevent clumping.
• If clumps do form, rake them up or use a mulching mower to break them down into smaller pieces.

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It’s best to leave grass clippings on the lawn throughout the growing season. These clippings act as a natural fertilizer, returning valuable nutrients to the soil and promoting healthier growth. Just be sure to avoid large clumps of clippings, as they can block airflow and light. A mulching mower can help break down clippings more evenly.

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When something doesn’t seem right with your lawn, addressing it promptly is the key to preventing bigger problems. Waiting too long can allow minor issues to escalate, potentially leading to more significant damage and costly repairs. Here’s why quick action matters:

• Prevent Problem Spread: A small patch of dead grass or a few weeds can quickly spread, creating larger issues that require more time, effort, and resources to fix.
• Save on Costs: Minor problems can often be resolved with simple treatments, but waiting too long may require more extensive and expensive solutions, such as re-seeding, aeration, or chemical treatments.
• Keep Your Lawn Healthy: Promptly treating problems like weeds, pests, or disease helps maintain the overall health of your lawn. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to long-term damage that affects your lawn’s resilience and appearance.
• Catch the Root Cause: Addressing problems as soon as you see them gives you a better chance of identifying the root cause, such as poor soil health, pests, or overwatering, before it worsens.

When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a lawn care professional. The earlier you address concerns, the easier and more affordable it is to fix, ensuring a lush, healthy lawn all season long.

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Compacted soil can prevent your lawn from thriving, as it limits root growth and the absorption of water, air, and nutrients. Soil becomes compacted from heat, cold, freezing, thawing, heavy foot traffic, and even certain soil types. Here's an easy way to test if your soil is compacted:

• The Screwdriver Test: After a moderate watering, take a standard 6-inch screwdriver and try to insert it into the soil. If you can easily push it in, your soil is likely healthy. However, if you find it difficult to push the screwdriver into the ground, it indicates compaction.
• The Impact on Roots: If it’s tough for a screwdriver to penetrate the soil, imagine how challenging it will be for grass roots to grow and expand. Compacted soil stifles root development, leading to weak, unhealthy grass that’s more vulnerable to stress, disease, and drought.
• Why Healthy Roots Matter: Without deep, healthy roots, your lawn won't be able to absorb the nutrients and water it needs to stay green and resilient. Aerating compacted soil allows the roots to spread, promoting a healthier, more robust lawn.

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While mowing high is a key practice, keeping your lawn healthy through the growing season also involves:

• Fertilization: Apply an organic-based fertilizer periodically throughout the season to provide essential nutrients.
• Aeration: Relieve soil compaction and improve water and nutrient absorption with periodic aeration, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Watering: Water deeply but infrequently to promote deeper root growth and a more drought-resistant lawn. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.

Overseeding: If your lawn has thin or bare spots, overseed with a region-appropriate grass seed to encourage thicker growth and fill in gaps.

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1. Regular Mowing at Proper Height: Mow consistently at 3.5 to 4.5 inches to promote healthy growth and reduce weed invasion.
2. Consistent Fertilization: Apply a slow-release organic fertilizer to maintain lawn health throughout the season every 6 – 8 weeks.
3. Water Wisely: Water deeply once or twice a week only if needed to encourage deep roots. Avoid shallow, frequent watering.
4. Aeration: Aerate the lawn once or twice during the growing season to relieve soil compaction and improve nutrient uptake, alternating microbial and mechanical as needed.
5. Overseed Bare Spots: Fill in thin areas with grass seed to keep your lawn thick and resistant to weeds.
6. Weed Control: Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring if no seeding is planned to prevent weeds like crabgrass from taking hold.
7. Check Mower Blades: Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts that promote lawn health.
8. Inspect for Insects and Diseases in Lawns, Trees and Gardens: Check for signs of diseases or pests all around the landscape, especially during wet, humid periods.
9. Rake-Over or Pick-Up Clippings as Needed: Prevent "haystacks" and clumps of grass from smothering your lawn by evenly distributing clippings after mowing tall grass – when needed.
10. Monitor for Thatch: Regular mowing at the right height helps reduce thatch buildup, but if it appears to be building, more microbial action is needed.  Healthy soil should break down thatch on it’s own.  More organic fertilizer, compost or microbial aeration will build soil and break down the thatch.
11. Prepare for Seasonal Changes: Adjust your mowing, watering, and fertilizing practices as temperatures cool in fall to support your lawn's transition into dormancy.
12. Ask Questions:  If you have a problem – seek answers from a professional partner.  Communicate often and build a relationship that benefits your landscape and your life!

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Mowing at the right height, using sharp blades, and maintaining a regular schedule throughout the growing season is essential for lawn health. When you combine proper mowing with consistent care practices like watering, fertilization, and aeration, you’ll enjoy a lush, green lawn that stays strong and vibrant all season long.

At Be Green Pro, we offer organic-based solutions and expert advice to help you maintain a healthy, sustainable lawn. Whether you need guidance on mowing, fertilization, or pest management, we’re here to support your lawn care needs. Contact us today to schedule a service or learn more about our eco-friendly lawn care programs!

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