EDDIE SEAGLE: Lawns are like peanut butter and jelly

“There are no days in the whole round year more delicious than those which often come to us in the latter half of April… The sun trembles in his own soft rays. … The grass in the meadow seems all to have grown green since yesterday … though there is warmth enough for a sense of luxury, there is coolness enough for exertion.”

— Thomas Wentworth Higginson

Lawns are as much a part of our home landscape as peanut butter and jelly in a good ol’ Southern sandwich. Innovations and creativity have brought us many lawn substitutes such as new introductions in hardscapes and softscapes, new low maintenance landscape schemes, xeriscape programs and ideas, among others. However, nothing will ever take the place of a parcel of green, living, mowed lawn as long as we keep it at a manageable size and shape. Lawns also offer safe and comfortable areas for our children to play; alternate choices don’t! No covering or paving material challenges and rewards the green-thumb instinct in us to the same degree as the green, plush lawn — no matter how much we despise mowing. Thus, springtime brings mowing time!

Mowing has a major impact on lawn appearance and health, yet is often overlooked in terms of importance. One very common mistake is mowing lawns too short. For most of our south Georgia centipedegrass lawns, a mowing height between one and one-half to two inches is suggested; the upper range is best for summer. Lawns mowed at higher heights tend to have deeper roots, less weed problems, and look much better once we become accustomed to the appearance. Mowing too closely invites weed invasions and scalping problems (damage to the crown or growing point).

Simply raising the mowing height can have a major impact on the quality of many home lawns. A height of one and one-half inches is fine when grasses are rapidly growing, but the height should be raised as growth slows, stress increases, and when the lawn is subjected to any degree of shade. Lawns should be mowed according to the rate of grass growth and never remove more than one-third of the grass leaf in any one cutting. Mowing as the lawn needs it is essential and must be done on a timely schedule. In the spring, this will likely mean every 7 to 10 days building up to the almost weekly schedule of summer. It is never advisable to mow when the grass is wet.

Another issue related to mowing is in clipping removal — catch or not catch. As long as the lawn is mowed on a regular basis and the one-third rule (mow 1/3 and leave 2/3 intact) is followed, clippings will readily filter down into the lawn, thus collection is not necessary. The clippings (containing 75-80 percent water) readily decompose and do not cause thatch. Clippings also recycle nutrients (in particular nitrogen) so less fertilizer is needed (a sustainability practice).

Mulching mowers create even finer clippings which decompose faster. However, mulching mowers do not perform at peak efficiency if the lawn is too tall (removing more than one-third of the grass blade) or when the lawn is wet. Rotary mowers are the most widely used units on home lawns and bagging clippings is acceptable if aesthetics is the dominant factor.

A critical issue often overlooked by homeowners is maintaining a sharp mower blade which will cut the grass leaf cleanly and give the lawn an even appearance. Dull mower blades damage by fraying the ends of the grass blades which results in unsightly and unhealthy brown tips and increase the potential for disease incidence. Have mower blades sharpened prior to the heavy mowing season. Mow in the direction that is safest to the operator (usually in forward direction). The first and last mowing of the season can be slightly shorter without scalping the lawn. Scalping in spring and allowing the grass to remain excessively high at the end of fall encourages many weed and disease problems.

With these issues in mind, here are a few summary tips about the equipment to help you address such challenges and save you money by extending the life of your equipment.

Always use fresh fuel. Change oil at beginning and at end of season under normal use. Clean air filter regularly. Change or clean spark plug each spring. Start each season with sharp blades and repair or change blade if an object is hit that dulls or bends the blade. Wear protective clothing during operation (proper shoes and no loose clothing). Store in dry shelter. Adjust wheels for height of cut before cranking. Keep hands and feet away from blades. Clean after each use. Scout lawn before mowing and pickup any debris, pine cones, rocks, toys, etc.

Mow at a normal speed. Operate push mowers in forward direction. Do not operate around pets or children. Do not allow children to operate unless they are of age, trustworthy and properly trained. Fuel-up before starting engine. Never refuel while engine is hot or on the lawn. Mow when the grass is dry. Mow when the grass reaches 1/3 growth beyond recommended cutting height. Do not bump trees during mowing. Do not mow as frequently when in drought stress. Do not discharge clippings toward cars and windows, into the street or traffic, or toward other people.

Always keep mowing equipment in good working condition. Have mower serviced prior to the heavy spring mowing period. Mower blades should be sharped each spring and as needed throughout the season. At season’s end, prepare mower for off-season storage and keep covered in dry, ventilated room.

Also, continue to think in terms of native and sustainable plants in the landscape rather than those with invasive characteristics. Remember to feed and water the songbirds, and give your pets the care they need. Do not leave them unattended in a hot car or tied to a tree all day long. Be on lookout for children playing and bicyclists riding along the streets and roadways throughout our communities and don’t run them over. Don’t drive distracted or impaired, and don’t text while driving. Let’s keep everyone safe!

Many thanks to all who read this column which is an effort to provide each reader with timely and useful information. It is a small contribution on my part in “paying it forward” to my readers. In keeping with this thought, many of you know that we are planning a mission trip to the Peru this summer. We are currently raising funds to help finance this discipleship journey. If you feel led to do so and would like to donate to this cause, please make a check payable to Heritage Church and mail to Eddie Seagle, Peru Mission Team, 108 Tallokas Circle, Moultrie, GA 31788. We would appreciate your prayers for a safe journey as well, and many thanks to each of you.

“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18.

Eddie Seagle is a sustainability associate, Golf Environment Organization (Scotland); agronomist and horticulturalist, CSI: Seagle (Consulting Services International); professor emeritus and honorary alumnus, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and associate editor of The Golf Course, International Journal of Golf Science. Direct inquiries to [email protected].