Positive Effects Mowing Heights Have on Weed Control and Irrigation

We are always on the lookout for creative ways to improve the lawn health of our clients. There are the typical ways offered by every landscaping company from fertilization to aeration, but we like to get more specific. We take the generalized lawn maintenance services that must be performed and break them down in order to achieve optimal lawn performance. The nuance and science behind each service can be optimized, leading to the best results for your property. In this case, mowing is the current topic of discussion. This is a great example because mowing seems like such a straightforward aspect of lawn maintenance. However, there are some best practices that you can utilize to improve lawn health. These should not be overlooked, as in combination with watering, proper mowing techniques are vital to maintaining a great lawn. These are the positive effects that mowing heights can have on weed control and irrigation on your Texas property.

Turf Height: Increase Height for Improved Irrigation

One common mistake homeowners make is mowing their grass too short. Whether it be the young son of a neighbor or a first-time homeowner, we have all seen a lawn cut too short and turn brown. This is the opposite of what we hope to achieve by raising mowing heights. The higher you cut your turf the deeper root systems will grow which leads to more retention and a lessened need for water. Increased drought tolerance means less worry for the health of your lawn in relation to irrigation. While the higher the cut the better, 3 inches is still low enough to produce an aesthetically pleasing look for your lawn.

Less Sunlight: Might Not Be too Bad

Yes, sunlight is a necessary nutrient for both your turf and soil, but it is also a key part of the germination process for many of the weeds that you find on your lawn. Weeds are invasive plant species, but still, utilize all the same processes to grow and spread. The higher you cut your turf, the more blockage of sunlight there is for those weed seeds attempting to germinate. Cutting off access means fewer weeds in your lawn, a great way to promote natural weed control. Don’t worry, there will still be plenty of sunlight for your turf to grow just fine.

Avoid Scalping: Damage From Cutting too Low

As we mentioned before, we have all seen a lawn suffer from being cut too short. This is referred to as lawn scalping, which can be completely avoided when setting mowing heights to 3 inches. Cutting off too much turf at one time puts stress on your turf as it attempts to grow back much too quickly, with less support to do so. Increasing height gives your turf a steadier time period to regrow, healthy as ever. It is also important to mention to keep your blades sharp to get a clean cut and avoid tearing, which can stress your turf and invite disease.

Pro Tip: Leave Dry Lawn Clippings atop Lawn

Although it might not be directly related to the height of your lawn, if you’re cutting off less turf there will not be as significant an amount of lawn clippings left over. As these clippings are just organic matter, if left on top of your soil they can provide additional nutrients. Rather than throwing them out, let them sit on top of your lawn and add some inexpensive nutrients to the mix. However, if the grass is wet, do not do this as wet grass clippings can be an avenue for pests and disease on your lawn.

Higher Ground Lawn Care and Lighting is ready to take your property to a higher level. Experience why your neighbors and businesses in University Park, TX & surrounding areas choose Higher Ground Lawn Care & Lighting to bring their property to the next level. Give us a call at (682) 206-3596 or check out our website today.