Tips for maintaining healthy lawn

Warm weather coupled with several showers has had many of us out working in our lawns and gardens getting ready for summer. It may not be realized, but mowing habits affect the density, vigor, water usage, weed invasion and stress of turf grasses.

The correct mowing height and frequency play a major role in having a healthy, beautiful lawn. Optimal mowing height depends on your type of grass and the time of year. Nonetheless, only one-third of the grass leaf should be cut a one time. Cutting off more, will result in stress and possible heat or cold injury.

Mowing frequency depends on the height. The shorter the grass is mowed, the more often in needs cut. Rate of growth varies with season and type of grass. Cool-season turf grows fast in the spring, slow in the summer and intermediate in the fall. While warm-season grasses grow fastest in the summer. As a result, it is important not to mow at the same frequency all year.

A dull blade will tear and chew the grass, resulting in a whitish cast to the lawn within a day or two of mowing. A sharp blade will also increase the mower efficiency and require less power.

A safe mower speed would be between 3 and 5 miles per hour. Excessive speed will cause the mower to bounce and mow unevenly. Wide, gradual turns are recommended, but slowing down when making sharp turns will help prevent damage to the lawn.

Mowing direction and pattern is important because the grass blades tend to lean in the direction of the mowing. Patterns should form different angles for each mowing as it reduces soil compaction and turf wear from the wheels.

If you follow the one-third rule, there is no need to remove clippings. Clippings are 85 to 90 percent water and therefore shrink and decompose rapidly. Contrary to popular belief, they do not contribute to thatch. They are actually a source of nutrients to the lawn. Where clippings are routinely removed, annual nitrogen fertilizer applications must be increased by about 25 percent to provide the same amount of nutrients.

Bumping young and thin barked trees with a lawnmower can cause serious injury, reducing growth and plant health and vigor. What can be just a minor bruise now can result into a deep wound destroying the cambium (growth) tissue under the bark. Maintaining a cultivated or mulched area one to one and a half feet from the truck can help prevent unnecessary bruising.

Not only should one think of the effects of mowing on the grass and landscaping, but also safety of the operator and by-standers. It is estimated that 60,000 visits to the emergency room each year are caused by lawnmowers. As many as one-fourth are expected to be serious to the hands and feet. Here are a few safety tips to reduce risks:

* Make arrangements for children and pets to remain indoors or well away from the area that is to be mowed.

* Pick up and dispose of debris before mowing.

* Wear good, sturdy shoes with non-slip soles.

* Turn off the mower and allow the blade to completely stop before trying to remove clogged grass or other debris.

* Use extra caution when mowing hilly or uneven areas.

* Keep mower in tip-top shape.

* Store gas, oil and other supplies in appropriate, labeled containers and away from children and pets. Storing supplies in a shed or garage, away from the house, can prevent the risk of fire damage to a home.

* Always say 'No' to requests for rides.

Mowing season is upon us, so be cautious and safe.

_

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.