Mowing your lawn during the dry summer months can be a challenging decision. On one hand, maintaining a neat and tidy lawn is essential for curb appeal and the overall health of your grass. On the other, mowing a dry lawn can cause more harm than good if not done correctly. Here’s what you need to consider:
Firstly, if your lawn is experiencing drought stress, mowing can further damage the grass. The blades are already weakened and cutting them can lead to browning and even death of the grass. In these conditions, it’s best to minimize mowing to reduce stress on the plants. If you must mow, make sure to raise the mower blade to the highest setting. This leaves the grass longer, which helps shade the soil, reduces water evaporation, and promotes deeper root growth.
Secondly, it’s crucial to keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, increasing the risk of disease and further stress. Sharpen your blades regularly to ensure a clean cut.
Additionally, avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day. Early morning or late evening mowing is preferable as temperatures are cooler and dew or irrigation can provide some moisture to the grass.
Lastly, consider leaving the grass clippings on the lawn. These clippings can act as a mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and returning valuable nutrients to the soil.
In conclusion, while mowing a dry lawn in summer isn’t ideal, careful practices can mitigate damage. By mowing less frequently, raising the blade height, using sharp blades, and avoiding the hottest times of day, you can help your lawn survive and even thrive through the dry season.
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