The first secret is the mowing height, if one wants a healthy and vigorous lawn, respecting the environment more. Basic rules are emitted by the Interdisciplinary Federation of Ornamental Horticulture in Quebec (FIHOQ) / la Fédération interdisciplinaire de l’horticulture ornementale du Québec. .
It seems that the first, and most crucial stage, consists in determining the most adequate height of the mowing for the development of our lawn. It is not necessary to have a lawn that is too short and green like a golf course. “As the composition of your lawn (a mixture of graminae) is not the same as that of a golf course, the mowing height must thus be different, that is to say between 8 to 10 cm at the end of spring and during the summer”, the Federation specifies.
The use of this technique proves to be advantageous for several reasons: it supports an in-depth development of the roots; it increases the resistance of the lawn to dryness and heat; it maintains the humidity of the soil and the green coloration of the lawn; it reduces the problem of harmful organisms (unwanted plants, insects and diseases).
One advises not to mow the lawn every week, because it is necessary to adapt to the periods of heat or rain. Respecting a mowing height of 8 to 10 cm makes it possible to set our mowing frequencies.
It is advised to leave the residues (clippings) of the mowing on the grass, which makes it possible to preserve a healthier lawn all the while respecting the environment. It is also important to mow our lawn when it is dry.
The sharpening of the blades is also important to obtain a clear cut. It is even recommended to sharpen the blades once or twice each season.
Here are a few more recommendations from the Federation:
1- Avoid mowing when the grass on the lawn is humid or wet following a dew, rainfall or watering.
The distribution of the mowing residues is much more uniform when the lawn is dry.
2- Avoid mowing when the soil is very humid in order to minimize the compaction of it.
3- Do not mow in periods of hydrous stress (water shortage) or of heat waves.
4- When too abundant, do uniformly disperse the clusters of mowing residues on the lawn.
5- Choose a more ecological type of mower (electric, manual or less pollutant engine).
6- Choose reasonable hours to mow your lawn; your neighbours will be grateful to you for it.