Cutting the lawn
How Often Should I Cut?
The obvious answer here is "as often as you like", however it's usually as often as we need to! You can't really damage your lawn by cutting the grass frequently, however, by allowing a little growth between cuts helps the grass to develop a strong root system - which means it will prosper in tough times as well.
Length Of Cut
Cutting the grass too short usually results in a "browning off" effect - due to the exposure of the whiter part of the lower grass being exposed to the sunlight. Cut the grass no lower than 20mm to ensure there is enough length left in the blades of the grass to exhibit a green healthy lawn.
Mulching
When you mulch the grass, you're automatically recycling the nutrients of the cut grass back into your lawn. The grass is cut and cut again into fine particles and then blown into the roots of the grass. Here it decomposes quickly and acts as a natural fertiliser to the lawn, giving back valuable nitrogen while providing a "blanket" cover to hold water in the soil. Hence you need less fertiliser and less water to keep your lawn looking greener and healthier.
Catching
While mulching is the best way to mow your lawn, there are times when you need to catch. Long grass is not suitable to mulch, so catching it the first time to get it under control is recommended. Around the pool, near the back step, catching is a great option to prevent any clippings being trodden to places they don't belong. Don't throw the caught grass away, start a compost heap and use it to fertilise under trees or around plant beds etc.
Blade Replacement
Whether catching or mulching, blades that are in good condition are essential. Before every spring inspect the blades, following the instructions in your owner's manual, and replace when necessary to ensure optimum performance of your mower.
Watering...
Grass needs water to survive. However, everyday watering is not necessary to keep a really lush, healthy lawn. Watering your lawn extensively once or twice a week will strengthen the root system and make the lawn much more resilient to dry, hot conditions. Water at night also benefits the environment as the water will be absorbed into the soil and not evaporate away under the heat of a sunny summer day.
Environmentally aware
Being green is also being healthy. The average lawn in household suburbia converts carbon dioxide into oxygen, providing enough for a family of four. Add to this the sound-deadening effect of grass, reducing noise pollution effects, and the fact that grass is far safer than concrete or paving for kids to play on, and you'll soon understand why more people than ever are going back to grass yards!
Safe mowing
* Know how to operate the equipment
* Clear the area of objects such as rocks, twigs, toys and anything that could be thrown by the blade
* Wear appropriate clothing and shoes
* Mow in sufficient daylight, when the grass is dry
* Never leave a power mower unattended
* Make sure children and pets are away from the area
* Do not attempt to repair mowing equipment while engine is running
