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Miscellaneous Lawn Questions

Q&A About Mowing and Watering

Common Consumer Questions About Mowing and Watering

Is watering the lawn important? Your grass plant is composed of 90% water, therefore any minor change in water availability places the plant under stress. Proper watering means applying enough water to soak the soil several inches in depth. Soil that is moist to a depth of 6 inches will encourage deep root growth.

How much water should I apply? Use a spade to check the water depth of the soil. Monitor the length of time it is necessary to run the sprinkler to soak the soil to a depth of 6 inches.

The frequency of watering must be determined by the weather. Generally, 3-4 days of temperature over 60º without a good rain will induce drought stress. The first sign of stress is a slight change in color of the plant from green to bluish-green. Both manual and automatic systems should be manually turned on at this time. Do not water again until these conditions become present again.

Do you water differently for sandy soils or slopes? Because these conditions present poor water retention you may need to increase the frequency.

Should I water in the fall? Most people inappropriately stop watering in the fall months. Since September and October are the most productive months for root development, continue with the proper watering procedures until the end of October.

Is there a right way to mow the lawn? Improper mowing can create severe lawn problems. The most common mistakes are mowing too short or not mowing often enough. These errors create a weaker plant and root system.

How high should I mow the lawn? Never mow shorter than 2.5 to 3 inches in height. Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. This means scheduling your mowing based on the lawn's growth rate. For grass taller than 4 inches, reset your mower to it's highest setting and mow again in two days.

Is it important to sharpen your blades? You should sharpen your mower blades often. Dull blades shred the grass tips, creating openings for disease organisms to enter. Watch for shredded, whitish grass tips as a sign of dull blades.

Should I catch the clippings? Clippings should not be removed, but returned to the lawn to recycle nutrients. Clippings do not contribute to thatch buildup, as many people believe. However, clippings should be removed if they are excessive in length and smothering the lawn.

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