Maintaining a lush and healthy lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood requires careful attention and good mowing habits. Unfortunately, not everyone knows the do's and don'ts of lawn mowing, including what type of grass to consider, how often to mow, or even when it's acceptable to bag clippings. Put your green thumb to work and learn how to take care of your lawn by following this guide.

Do:

Choose the right grass.

Identify what type of grass you have or are considering planting, as different types require specific care, including mowing height. For example, if you have St. Augustinegrass in your lawn, it should be kept relatively short, around 2 to 3 inches, while Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue should be kept a bit higher, around 3 to 4 inches.

Raise the blades.

Do this in hot or dry weather. During these types of conditions, it’s best to raise the mowing height by a couple of notches to help protect the roots from stress and sunburn. This will also help retain moisture in the soil and reduce water usage. If you want a shorter cut, wait until cooler temperatures return.

Don’t:

Cut the lawn too short.

The same holds true for lawn mowing too often. Mowing shorter or more often than recommended can cause scalping, which makes the grass more prone to disease and weeds. It’s also important not to cut the grass too frequently as this puts stress on the plant and can weaken it over time. Aim for mowing every 7 to 10 days, based on the growth rate of your grass.

Bag clippings.

Only bag them when absolutely necessary. Grass clippings are an excellent source of fertilizer, as they break down quickly and return nutrients back into the soil. If you have patchy areas that need extra attention, then bagging may be necessary – otherwise, leave them behind. They will act as a natural mulch and help keep your lawn lush and green.

When you want to avoid the chore of lawn mowing and leave it to the experts, seek out the help of YardWorks. This family-owned and -operated company in Brockway, PA, can provide an array of personalized landscaping services that includes lawn mowing, shrub and tree trimming, and fertilizer application. Find out more about their array of financing options online, and call (814) 265-1391 to schedule an appointment.