If you're like me, then your lawn is a part of the "lawn care" that you enjoy. We get to have a nice green space to take care of and make sure it's always looking its best. The winter months can be tough for those who live in colder climates because we want our lawns to look good year-round! Here are some tips on how to keep your yard looking great this winter season.
Let's start with the basics: Mowing height should be determined by the type of grass that grows in your yard. For example, Kentucky bluegrass typically requires more frequent cutting than Bermuda grass does because its blades are much finer and will therefore turn brown faster when left too long without being trimmed. So what are the optimal heights for different types of turf? Keep reading to find out!
Kentucky Bluegrass:
As a general rule, never remove or mow more than ⅓ of the total leaf surface at any one mowing. Kentucky Bluegrass or Poa Pratensis, is a perennial, smooth meadow grass that is native to almost all of Europe, Asia and Northern Africa. Although the grass species is spread over all of the cool, humid parts of the United States, such as Kentucky. Ironically known as the “Bluegrass State.” The best height to mow this type of grass is anywhere between 2.5 - 3 inches in the spring and again in the fall. In the summertime it’s best to mow a little higher at 3 - 3.5 inches. Bluegrass should be mowed about two times a week in the Spring and Fall. Summer time you can cut it back to once a week. Having a shallow roots system, watering this type of grass, should be watered often. It’s recommended to water a couple times a week during the summer to keep it green, with watering's at least ½ inch each time.
Bermuda Grass:
Bermuda Grass, also known as Cynodon Dactylon, is a hardy perennial grass that is native to Europe, Africa, Australia and much of Asia. It is found in major tropical and subtropical areas and is highly tolerant to drought. Which is why it grows like crazy in the Southern parts of the United States. This type of grass should be mowed every 5 to 7 days and even less often when your lawn is drought stressed. Bermuda Grass is one of the grasses that can be mowed extremely short. It is best to mow this type of grass between ½ of an inch to 2 ½ inches. Do not mow below that ½ inch mark. If you do, you could damage the grass rhizomes and stolons growing near the surface. Bermuda Grass needs at least 1 - 1 ¼ inch of water on a weekly basis to retain its beautiful color during the summer months.
St. Augustine:
St. Augustine grass, also known as Stenotaphrum secundatum, is a coarse textured, spreading grass. It is a warm-season turfgrass popular throughout the Southern parts of the United States, such as the Carolinas to Florida and westward along the Gulf Coast to Texas. It is a medium to high maintenance grass that forms a thick, carpetlike sod, crowding out most weeds and other grasses. Mowing such grass should be between 2 and 2 ½ inches high. If at all possible, use a mower with a bagger to collect the clippings and remove the dead material left. Make sure you sharpen your mower blades! When watering your St. Augustine grass that is in sandy soil, it approximately needs ½ inch of water twice a week, just enough to keep the ground moist enough for healthy grass growth.
Things You Now Know
With so many options for grasses to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which type is the best. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of some popular types of lawns that will help you make an informed decision when deciding on your next purchase. The article also provides tips and tricks for how short you should mow them and what watering schedule they require as well as other important information about each variety. For more helpful gardening advice or products like our organic fertilizer, visit us at www.covingtonnaturals.com today!
