How does your grass look this May? We hope it as green and healthy as its ever been. The best way to get it in tip-top shape isn’t an insider tip that we keep secret; it’s simple, mow it correctly. We want to share a few things that we keep in mind every time we pull up to one of the properties that we take care of.

The two most essential factors in mowing are height and frequency. Keeping your lawn at the proper height promotes root growth and increases its density. Check out the chart below to determine the best mow height for what is in your yard.

Ideal Mow Height In Inches
Bahia 3 – 4
Bermuda .5 – 1.5
Centipede 1.5 – 2
St. Augustine 3 – 4
Zoysia 2 – 2.5

How often you mow depends on the time of year. For example, the grass is growing faster now than it did in the fall. The golden rule for all types of grass is never to cut more than 1/3 of the blade. All species need as much leaf surface as possible to encourage photosynthesis and grow.

One question that comes up when mowing is ‘what to do with the clippings?’ The answer is a simple one, leave them. The tiny pieces of grass recycle nutrients and organic material into the soil. There are exceptions. Don’t let the clippings pile up. This usually happens if you’re letting the grass get too long.

Here are a few more things to keep in mind before you fire up the mower:
• Look for sticks and rocks hidden in the grass; they turn into flying projectiles when run over.
• Never cut wet grass.
• Don’t mow in the same direction every time; it causes wear patterns.
• Never put gas in the mower while the engine is hot.

Please keep these things in mind the next time you mow the lawn. If you’re tired of doing it yourself, remember ELT Landscape is Central Florida’s premier landscape company. Hundreds of homeowners and businesses trust us with their lawns and landscapes. We follow all these rules and even more every time we get in our trucks. Give us a call for a free estimate.