Mowing height is the key to keeping grass uniform and attractive. Most lawns are a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and fine leaved-fescue. You should mow this type of lawn two and one-half to three inches above the soil line. Grass cut to this height shades the soil, and helps keep weeds from establishing themselves. This shade also keeps the soil temperature cooler. The higher you mow your lawn, the less frequently you need to do it.

Mowing the grass shorter may make it more susceptible to injury from drought and disease. Shorter grass has a smaller, shallower root system. Thus, during dry spells, with a restricted root system, the grass may not have access to enough soil water to sustain growth and function.

Remove no more than 40 percent of the total plant height in one mowing. For example, mow the lawn back to two and one-half inches when it is four inches high. You can grow grass longer in stress areas, such as shade and dry, sunny slopes.

MOWER CARE FOR BETTER LOOKING LAWNS

Usually, the mower height settings are adjusted by raising or lowering the wheel height. Most mowers have a gauge to get this right next to the wheel.

It is important to have a sharp mower. Dull blades fray the leaf tips, turning them brown. Dull mowers also take more power and fuel to operate.

When you cut grass at the proper height, return the clippings to the lawn. Clippings help return nutrients. Also, clippings returned to the lawn will recycle the fertilizer you may have applied.

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