You were out of town. When you came home, you found really tall grass that is more jungle than a lawn. If you are here to learn how to cut high grass, then you are in the right place!
Here are some tips to help you get your grass back to a manageable length without damaging it.
How often should you mow?
Once a week is the general rule of thumb when it comes to mowing grass. However, some varieties need to be cut twice a week, and some only every 10-14 days. It all depends on the environment and grass variety. Let the length of your grass be your guide when it comes to mowing, not the calendar.
Let your grass grow to 2 ½ -3 inches before cutting it. By allowing the grass blades to get longer, you are also allowing for more root growth. Longer roots equal healthier grass.
Longer grass blades have more surface area exposed to the sun and allow for more photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make energy from the sun.
Letting your grass get up to 3 inches tall may also help prevent weeds. The longer grass blades create more shade and not allow the sun to reach any weed seeds on the surface of the soil.
What is the best way to cut grass?
Always mow your lawn with sharp mower blades! Dull blades will tear the grass blades instead of making a clean cut. Torn or damaged grass blades are less healthy than blades that have been cut neatly.
Mow when your grass is dry. Wet grass will not trim evenly, causing damage to the grass blades. You also run the risk of leaving ruts in your yard.
If you have a healthy yard without any thatch, it is fine to leave your grass clippings. Grass clippings will eventually break down and add a healthy dose of nitrogen to your soil. Mulching your grass clippings is another good option.
Switch directions and mowing patterns each time you cut the grass. This will eliminate any flattened or leggy grass. If you have flattened areas of grass, gently rake them up, then mow the grass in the opposite direction.
How do you cut long grass without killing it?
First, measure the grass. You don’t want to trim off more than a third of the blade at a time, or it will cause stress to your grass. Once you’ve determined the grass height, adjust the blade of your push mower or riding mower accordingly.
Mow the grass, then, no matter how long it is, give it 2-3 days to rest. Repeat this process until your grass is back to your preferred height.
If your grass is too long for the highest setting on your mower, use a string trimmer or scythe to take off the top layer of grass. A commercial mowing company will have a mower that can be used for a very tall lawn.
Every couple of days, take off a little more of the grass until you can use a lawn mower at its highest setting.
If you have overgrown grass and hack down all the length at once, you could damage or even kill the grass. Remember that grass uses its blades to perform photosynthesis and create energy.
Cutting off too much length will send the grass into shock. It’s best to follow the method above and cut it down little by little, giving it time to recover in between mowing sessions.
What happens if grass grows too long?
It may be tempting to cut your grass extra short before you leave on vacation. Cutting your grass extra short may make it grow faster, and it isn’t healthy for your grass to be too short, especially during hot weather.
Extremely long grass may eventually flop over. This will make your job even more difficult. Try to rake the grass so that it is standing up straight before you cut it.
The grass also may eventually go to seed. This also makes it difficult to cut. Longer grass is considered unappealing in neighborhoods, and it will be difficult and time-consuming to cut!
How do I create a healthy lawn?
Keep your lawn healthy with frequent watering! Apply a lawn care product yourself, or hire a yard service to fertilize regularly. Maintain the proper grass height with regular mowing.
Dethatch and aerate the lawn every one to two years. Remove weeds regularly, either by pulling them or applying a grass-friendly weed killer. Reseed any thin patches.
Keep up with regular lawn maintenance! This will minimize your work and maximize your enjoyment of your beautiful grass!