Spring is upon homeowners in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Here are some of the key factors and their benefits for maintaining a healthy looking Wisconsin lawn:
- Mowing Frequency: It’s a good habit to match your mowing schedule to the growth rate of your lawn. It may be necessary to mow your grass as much as twice a week during periods of heavy growth, but only 10 to 14 days during periods of excessive drought.
- Mowing Height: The general rule of thumb is to never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade in a single mowing. Mowing too short effects your lawn by causing the grass to use stored food and nutrients to re-grow the food producing leaf blades. During periods of heavy stress, this can result in damaging turf loss. In addition, mowing too low or scalping your lawn can produce overly thinned or bald patches, which make it easier for weeds to become established. Frequent mowing will also keep the length of clipping to a minimum and help eliminate thatch buildup. It is a common misconception that grass clippings cause thatch buildup. Actually mowing only 1/3 of the blade with each mowing produces smaller clippings, which decompose quicker. Small clippings, especially those from mulching type mowers are actually beneficial to your lawn by helping to replace the turfs nitrogen. Grass clippings can contribute as much as 25% of your turfs nitrogen requirements.
- Sharp Mowing Blades: It is important to remember to always keep your mower blades sharp. This may require you to sharpen your mower blades several times during the growing season. Mowing with dull blades is equivalent to having your hair cut with dull clippers. Dull blades tear or rip the blade, which weakens the turf and results in ragged, discolored leaf tips.
