Mowing a lawn seems deceptively simple. Even professional lawn mowing companies can make mistakes and get complacent. If they’re mowing in the same direction each time, your grass can start to develop a grain and begin to lean in that direction. Mowing at the same height no matter the turf type can be detrimental as each grass is different and needs to be treated as such for optimum health. In Alberta, we commonly see Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and ryegrass, which all have different strengths, weaknesses, and needs that should be considered. You’ll also want to make sure that your lawn mowing company performs proper equipment upkeep – mowing with dull blades creates ragged cuts more likely to fall victim to disease and pests. Any reputable lawn mowing company will have these bases covered, but it’s always good to keep an eye on it, especially when your lawn’s health is on the line!
1. Mowing in the Same Direction Each Time
If your lawn is mowed repeatedly in the same direction each time, your grass will develop a grain and will be trained to lean in that direction. Additionally, if your lawn mowing company is following a uniform pattern each time they mow, the weight of the mower going over the same tracks again and again could cause rutting and soil compaction. To achieve grass blades that stand straight and tall, changing mowing direction each time is the best path to success.
2. Mowing at the Same Height No Matter the Turf
It may be easy to believe that grasses all have the same optimum height, but that is not the case. Different turf types will benefit from varying mow heights – for example, typically zoysiagrass will be mowed at 1 to 1.5 inches or 2.5 to 3.81 cm, whereas Kentucky bluegrass will be mowed at 2 to 3 inches or 5 to 7.62 cm. If turf is mowed too short, it will develop a shallow root system, poor density, and require more pest and disease control maintenance than a lawn mowed at a healthy height. Turf that has grown too long can look unkempt and suffer from density issues as well. It’s best to mow at a height specific to the turf type on the lawn!
Even in an overgrown lawn, it’s best to stick to the 1/3 rule and not mow more than the top 1/3 off of the grass blade in a single mow to prevent stress.
3. Mowing With Dull Blades
Not only does turf cut with sharp blades look better, but it’s also healthier for the grass itself. Mowing with a dull blade can create a myriad of issues that stem from the ragged cut on the grass blade. It’ll look more unkempt and can also have increased turf water loss and incidents of turf disease. A quality lawn mowing company will prevent this issue by performing proper upkeep on their equipment and keeping their blades nice and sharp!
The first and last mow of the season can sometimes be handled differently than other mowings to prepare your lawn for the seasons to come.
Hire a lawn mowing company you can trust. Call us today to schedule!
With so many options out there, it can be difficult to find a lawn care company you trust to care for your lawn and landscape properly. Your search can end here – Prestige Outdoor Services is a company that believes in treating each landscape with the same care and attention when hired as we show our own, never getting complacent! We’re dedicated to providing the best lawn and landscape services to homes and businesses in Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, and nearby cities in Alberta. We pay rigorous attention to the turf types we’re caring for to ensure that we follow all proper mowing protocols for optimum results. If you’re ready to see what your lawn can become, call us today at (403) 800-0373 to schedule your next lawn mowing service!
