TGO_Reborn
11-10-2004, 11:21 PM
1. Grass Clippings
Within 12-24 hours after mowing, grass clippings will have lost nearly 80% of their weight and almost as much of their physical size. The water contained in the grass clippings quickly evaporates, which allows the clippings to drop to the soil level, where the microbial action of breaking them down begins.
2. Make every pass count
The old saying goes, "make every pass cut some grass." If you find yourself going back over areas that you have already mowed to get to areas you´re trying to mow, you´re not mowing efficiently and you need to develop a pattern. Sketch a rough layout of your lawn. Include corner spots and hard to reach areas. Make a plan for getting to those areas first and getting them out of the way. You should end up with one or more rectangular, triangular or oval shaped areas that are easier to cut.
3. grass clippings and thatch
There is a wide spread belief that leaving the grass clippings on your lawn contributes to thatch - dead or dying grass parts that prevent moisture and oxygen from reaching plant roots. But the truth is that the just opposite is true. Fresh clippings stimulate earthworm activity which breaks down the thatch.
4. Leave the clippings
Leaving your grass clippings on the lawn is actually a good thing. As the grass clippings decompose they add valuable nitrogen to the soil - almost 2 pounds per 1000 square feet each season. As well they add organic matter and other benefits to the soil that will actually make your lawn healthier. Make sure you mow frequently, and remove no more than 1/3rd of the leaf blade with each mowing. LUCKIE
5. The Rumble
Most properly designed mulching mowers make a rumbling sound as they move over new grass. This is completely normal and is no cause for alarm. By all means, inspect your equipment if you hear something funny--but if you recently purchased a mulching mower and the only thing you´ve heard that worries you is the rumble, relax with the knowledge that the equipment is working exactly as it was designed.
6. Wear your safety gear
You don´t look stupid when you wear safety glasses and sturdy, non-slip shoes. You look like a professional, and a smart one at that.
7. Mow at the right pace
I know the ball game starts in 30 minutes, but you can´t run through the yard with the lawn mower. Take your time and do it right--let the mower do the job you bought it to do. Not only is rushing it going to give you an ugly cut, you could seriously injure yourself.
8. Mow at full throttle
Your mower´s engine drives the blade with the right amount of energy when it is used at full throttle. You do not save gas by slowing the engine down. In fact, the bogging and slowing down this causes probably uses more gas than if you ran the engine efficiently.
Within 12-24 hours after mowing, grass clippings will have lost nearly 80% of their weight and almost as much of their physical size. The water contained in the grass clippings quickly evaporates, which allows the clippings to drop to the soil level, where the microbial action of breaking them down begins.
2. Make every pass count
The old saying goes, "make every pass cut some grass." If you find yourself going back over areas that you have already mowed to get to areas you´re trying to mow, you´re not mowing efficiently and you need to develop a pattern. Sketch a rough layout of your lawn. Include corner spots and hard to reach areas. Make a plan for getting to those areas first and getting them out of the way. You should end up with one or more rectangular, triangular or oval shaped areas that are easier to cut.
3. grass clippings and thatch
There is a wide spread belief that leaving the grass clippings on your lawn contributes to thatch - dead or dying grass parts that prevent moisture and oxygen from reaching plant roots. But the truth is that the just opposite is true. Fresh clippings stimulate earthworm activity which breaks down the thatch.
4. Leave the clippings
Leaving your grass clippings on the lawn is actually a good thing. As the grass clippings decompose they add valuable nitrogen to the soil - almost 2 pounds per 1000 square feet each season. As well they add organic matter and other benefits to the soil that will actually make your lawn healthier. Make sure you mow frequently, and remove no more than 1/3rd of the leaf blade with each mowing. LUCKIE
5. The Rumble
Most properly designed mulching mowers make a rumbling sound as they move over new grass. This is completely normal and is no cause for alarm. By all means, inspect your equipment if you hear something funny--but if you recently purchased a mulching mower and the only thing you´ve heard that worries you is the rumble, relax with the knowledge that the equipment is working exactly as it was designed.
6. Wear your safety gear
You don´t look stupid when you wear safety glasses and sturdy, non-slip shoes. You look like a professional, and a smart one at that.
7. Mow at the right pace
I know the ball game starts in 30 minutes, but you can´t run through the yard with the lawn mower. Take your time and do it right--let the mower do the job you bought it to do. Not only is rushing it going to give you an ugly cut, you could seriously injure yourself.
8. Mow at full throttle
Your mower´s engine drives the blade with the right amount of energy when it is used at full throttle. You do not save gas by slowing the engine down. In fact, the bogging and slowing down this causes probably uses more gas than if you ran the engine efficiently.