It seems like all it would take is pushing or riding the
lawnmower over the grass. But there's more to it than that
if you want a beautiful and healthy lawn. The first step
to overcome is deciding on the proper length. This depends
on several things, such as the type of grass, how much sun
the grass gets each day, how much it rains, and so on. Here
are some of the benefits of mowing less often and letting
the grass grow longer.
Saves Time
Keeping most grass a little longer saves effort cutting.
Allowing the lawn to grow an extra week between cuttings,
mowing every two or three weeks instead of every week,
reduces the effort by up to a third. That saved hour or two
can be well used on other activities - fertilizing, weeding
and other needed tasks.
Grows Slower
The grass grows faster when it is short and slows down as
it gets longer. So since the length increases at a higher
rate at first and then decreases as the blade grows to be a
couple of inches or more, remember this: The longer the
blade, the slower the growth.
Grow Deeper Roots
Deeper roots are encouraged by longer grass. Grass and
weeds compete for the same nutrients and space in the soil.
With longer roots, the grass takes up more of the space and
gets more of the nutrients, leaving less for the weeds.
Another benefit of longer roots is it the grass reach
moisture deeper down, making the grass better fed and
stronger.
Needs Less Water
Here's another interesting fact: Longer grass can keep in
moisture better. So not only do you save time by mowing
less frequently, but you save money on water as well. This
is really important in some areas that often experience
drought.
Gets More Sunlight
It's healthier for grass to grow a little longer for
several reasons. For instance, longer grass has more
surface area for photosynthesis, the biochemical process
that turns sunlight and compounds into energy used for
reproduction and growth.
Reduces Weeds
Allowing the grass to grow longer actually reduces weeds
and the time needed for weed maintenance. Since weeds need
sunlight and warmth in order to grow, just like nearly
every plant, longer grass blades prevent weeds from getting
started.
Problems with Long Grass
There are problems that can increase if the grass grows too
long. Not only do you have to put up with a shaggy lawn,
but grass that is too short encourages lawn bugs and
mosquitoes. The latter prefer cool temperatures, and the
longer grass gives them a place to enjoy the shade. So
keeping your lawn down to a moderate length will reduce the
number of bugs.
Don't Cut it Too Short
Cutting grass does not hurt it in any way as long as it
isn't cut too short. Grass grows from the base (called the
crown), not from the top. If you are careful not to damage
the crown with the lawnmower, the grass will do fine. Be
careful of bumps in the yard that can cause the lawnmower
to dip too deep into the grass and dig into a crown.
In summary, if you keep the grass a little longer in hot
weather and a little shorter in cool weather you will
achieve the perfect balance.
----------------------------------------------------
Grab plenty of tips and tricks for making your yard and
garden healthier and more beautiful. Carol Stack and her
family live on a large piece of property where they enjoy
trying out new gardening ideas. Carol's website,
http://www.freegardentips.info covers lawn care, organic
gardening, landscaping and more.
lawnmower over the grass. But there's more to it than that
if you want a beautiful and healthy lawn. The first step
to overcome is deciding on the proper length. This depends
on several things, such as the type of grass, how much sun
the grass gets each day, how much it rains, and so on. Here
are some of the benefits of mowing less often and letting
the grass grow longer.
Saves Time
Keeping most grass a little longer saves effort cutting.
Allowing the lawn to grow an extra week between cuttings,
mowing every two or three weeks instead of every week,
reduces the effort by up to a third. That saved hour or two
can be well used on other activities - fertilizing, weeding
and other needed tasks.
Grows Slower
The grass grows faster when it is short and slows down as
it gets longer. So since the length increases at a higher
rate at first and then decreases as the blade grows to be a
couple of inches or more, remember this: The longer the
blade, the slower the growth.
Grow Deeper Roots
Deeper roots are encouraged by longer grass. Grass and
weeds compete for the same nutrients and space in the soil.
With longer roots, the grass takes up more of the space and
gets more of the nutrients, leaving less for the weeds.
Another benefit of longer roots is it the grass reach
moisture deeper down, making the grass better fed and
stronger.
Needs Less Water
Here's another interesting fact: Longer grass can keep in
moisture better. So not only do you save time by mowing
less frequently, but you save money on water as well. This
is really important in some areas that often experience
drought.
Gets More Sunlight
It's healthier for grass to grow a little longer for
several reasons. For instance, longer grass has more
surface area for photosynthesis, the biochemical process
that turns sunlight and compounds into energy used for
reproduction and growth.
Reduces Weeds
Allowing the grass to grow longer actually reduces weeds
and the time needed for weed maintenance. Since weeds need
sunlight and warmth in order to grow, just like nearly
every plant, longer grass blades prevent weeds from getting
started.
Problems with Long Grass
There are problems that can increase if the grass grows too
long. Not only do you have to put up with a shaggy lawn,
but grass that is too short encourages lawn bugs and
mosquitoes. The latter prefer cool temperatures, and the
longer grass gives them a place to enjoy the shade. So
keeping your lawn down to a moderate length will reduce the
number of bugs.
Don't Cut it Too Short
Cutting grass does not hurt it in any way as long as it
isn't cut too short. Grass grows from the base (called the
crown), not from the top. If you are careful not to damage
the crown with the lawnmower, the grass will do fine. Be
careful of bumps in the yard that can cause the lawnmower
to dip too deep into the grass and dig into a crown.
In summary, if you keep the grass a little longer in hot
weather and a little shorter in cool weather you will
achieve the perfect balance.
----------------------------------------------------
Grab plenty of tips and tricks for making your yard and
garden healthier and more beautiful. Carol Stack and her
family live on a large piece of property where they enjoy
trying out new gardening ideas. Carol's website,
http://www.freegardentips.info covers lawn care, organic
gardening, landscaping and more.
