5 Quick Tips For A Better Lawn
Posted by Gene Mock at 10/2/2008 9:00 AM 
Categories: Home Maintenance, homeowners tips, Lawn Care, Lawn Maintenance
Categories: Home Maintenance, homeowners tips, Lawn Care, Lawn Maintenance
Don't get me wrong, maintaining a high quality lawn does take some effort, but with a few simple tips on mowing you can have a lawn that will make your neighbors envious.
First, never mow your lawn when it's wet. A wet lawn can allow grass clippings to clump together more easily. This clump of grass can smother the grass beneath it leaving a dead spot or create a spot where weeds can take root. Wait for a day or two after a rain storm and avoid mowing right after you've watered the lawn.
Tip number two is to never cut more than one third (1/3) of your lawns height at any one time. Most well maintained lawns are between 2 to 3 inches in height, so they should be mowed before they reach 4 to 4 1/2 inches in height. How frequently that occurs depends on your climate of course. The reasoning behind never cutting more than 1/3 of your lawns height at once is to avoid stressing the turf.
The third rule of mowing is to keep you lawn mower blades sharp. Most people use a standard gas powered rotary mower that cuts grass like a machette. The sharper the blades, the more even the cut. A dull blade will tear the grass rather than cut it, and this can lead to brown tips at the end of the blade of grass. Lawn mower blade sharping is an easy maintenance task that can be done with a grinder (even a Dremmel will work), or you can have it done by a professional for approximately $20.
Forth, don't mow in the same direction every time. Many people develop a habit when mowing the lawn and they mow exactly the same way every time. This causes the grass to develop a "grain" just like a piece of wood because the grass growing off to the sides does not get cut as evenly as the grass growing upwards. It is best to mow at a right angle to the direction the grass was last cut. So, for example, if you mowed your lawn from east to west last time, try mowing from north to south this time.
Finally, don't bag your clippings. Grass clippings are an easy way to return nutrients to the soil and reduce the need for artificial fertilizers. If you mow your lawn before the grass gets too tall, you won't notice the clippings anyhow. That and the fact that it's less work to ignore the clippings makes this a winner of an idea!
So, now you have five easy tips that don't add any extra work to week and possibly decreased your work load if you've been bagging your clippings. These won't make your yard look as good as a golf course, but they will help ensure that your lawn stays green and lush without any extra maintenance on your part.
I'm happy to share this information. Aiken Market Reports, etc.
Gene Mock ~ Making It Easy!
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Search the entire Aiken MLS right here! Find your Aiken realty today.
Gene Mock, Realtor. Gene is a proud member of The National Association of Realtors, South Carolina Association of Realtors, and Aiken Board of Realtors.
Gene Mock ~ Making It Easy!
First, never mow your lawn when it's wet. A wet lawn can allow grass clippings to clump together more easily. This clump of grass can smother the grass beneath it leaving a dead spot or create a spot where weeds can take root. Wait for a day or two after a rain storm and avoid mowing right after you've watered the lawn.
Tip number two is to never cut more than one third (1/3) of your lawns height at any one time. Most well maintained lawns are between 2 to 3 inches in height, so they should be mowed before they reach 4 to 4 1/2 inches in height. How frequently that occurs depends on your climate of course. The reasoning behind never cutting more than 1/3 of your lawns height at once is to avoid stressing the turf.
The third rule of mowing is to keep you lawn mower blades sharp. Most people use a standard gas powered rotary mower that cuts grass like a machette. The sharper the blades, the more even the cut. A dull blade will tear the grass rather than cut it, and this can lead to brown tips at the end of the blade of grass. Lawn mower blade sharping is an easy maintenance task that can be done with a grinder (even a Dremmel will work), or you can have it done by a professional for approximately $20.
Forth, don't mow in the same direction every time. Many people develop a habit when mowing the lawn and they mow exactly the same way every time. This causes the grass to develop a "grain" just like a piece of wood because the grass growing off to the sides does not get cut as evenly as the grass growing upwards. It is best to mow at a right angle to the direction the grass was last cut. So, for example, if you mowed your lawn from east to west last time, try mowing from north to south this time.
Finally, don't bag your clippings. Grass clippings are an easy way to return nutrients to the soil and reduce the need for artificial fertilizers. If you mow your lawn before the grass gets too tall, you won't notice the clippings anyhow. That and the fact that it's less work to ignore the clippings makes this a winner of an idea!
So, now you have five easy tips that don't add any extra work to week and possibly decreased your work load if you've been bagging your clippings. These won't make your yard look as good as a golf course, but they will help ensure that your lawn stays green and lush without any extra maintenance on your part.
About the Author
About the author: Matt is a lawn care professional who enjoys helping others create the perfect lawn. For more tips on beautifying your yard, visit http://www.mattslawns.info and get the free guide "Top 7 Lawn Care Secrets".
Source: Free Blog ArticlesI'm happy to share this information. Aiken Market Reports, etc.
Gene Mock ~ Making It Easy!
If you are looking for homes for sale in Aiken,
Equestrian, Golf & Gated Communities with houses and building lots for sale, Condos & Townhouses, Patio Homes, Commercial Properties, Development Land, Horse Property, Historic & Luxury Estates, Downtown Cottages, Polo properties....all this and more are for sale in Aiken County, South Carolina.
Have you heard about Woodside Plantation and The Reserve at Woodside? A popular gated community in Aiken. No matter what your dream...homes, condos, town homes, cottages, horse farms, golf property, lots, land, investments.....you can find it right here in Aiken, South Carolina. Start searching for your next
Search the entire Aiken MLS right here! Find your Aiken realty today.
Gene Mock, Realtor. Gene is a proud member of The National Association of Realtors, South Carolina Association of Realtors, and Aiken Board of Realtors.
Gene Mock ~ Making It Easy!
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