What could be easier than pushing a lawn mower over the grass? Would someone really need advice on that? Well, with anything, there is more to it than seems at first glance.
Leaving the grass to grow a little longer will save effort in cutting. By allowing the lawn to grow an additional week or two between trimmings, for example mow every third week instead of each week, will reduce any effort by a third. That saved time will allow you to concentrate on other duties - weeding, fertilizing and other important tasks.
Longer grass will often grow much slower, as the length increases at a rapid rate to begin with, and then slows down as the blade extends upwards of a few inches or above. The taller the blade of grass is, the slower the rate of growth.
Allowing the grass to grow longer, will other help too in many cases. The long grass is more able to retain moisture, making for less effort in watering and improved growing rates. Longer blades also have increase surface are for photosynthesis, that will turn sunlight into energy used for reproduction and growth.
Maintaining longer grass will also help in reducing weeds and time spent on weed control. Weeds will need to germinate in order to develop, in a similar to nearly any plant. Taller grass stems will rob weeds of the necessary warmth and sunlight that will stimulate that process.
Longer grass is able to establish deeper roots. This is a further way that grass will out-compete weeds, as the nutrient level and space under the surface is limited. Once it's become more occupied by grass roots, there's less available for weeds. Lengthy roots can allow grass to reach moisture lower down, meaning that the plant will be stronger and fed better.
However, there are limitations. Apart from having a rather shabby looking lawn, grass that's allowed to grow too long is likely to encourage the growth of mosquitoes and lawn bugs. The former prefer cooler weather, and the tall grass can give a place to hide in the shade. Maintaining the grass at an acceptable level will ensure that any bugs at kept at bay.
Also, when the grass is left to grow more than a few inches, it will bud at the end, dropping off new seeds. This will complete the natural lifecycle and that blade then dies off. Different to some organisms, cutting them will actually help them remain healthy.
Cutting the grass will not harm it in any way, as long as it's not been cut too short. Grass sprouts from the crown (or base), not from the tip. So, as long as the base hasn't been nicked or damaged with a mower blade, it will be okay.
Although the base is far down and with the blades on lawn mowers being set at 1 to 3 inches, it the garden is uneven it's possible for the blade to dip. At a sufficient angle, the tip of large blade could dig into a crown.
Allow the grass to grow little longer during the warmer weather, a touch shorter in cooler weather and you should reach the ideal balance.
About the Author
Darren Lintern writes extensively for www.andallgardening.com, a popular informational website that provides helpful tips, advice, and resources on many gardening topics including Landscape Planning
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