| Turf Species |
Mowing Height (in inches) |
| fine-leaf fescues |
2 to 3 |
| tall fescue |
2 to 3 |
| perennial ryegrass |
2 to 3 |
MINIMUM HOUSE CALL IS $50
MOW RATE IS $50 PER MACHINE PER HOUR
11,000 SQFT $54
12,000 SQFT $58
13,000 SQFT $64
14,000 SQFT $68
15,000 SQFT $72
16,000 SQFT $76
17,000 SQFT $80
18,000 SQFT $84
19,000 SQFT $88
MOWING RATES ARE BASED ON SQUARE FOOTAGE AND TIME
INCLUDES STRING TRIMMING - BLOWING OF DRIVE AND
WALKS - BAGGING MAY BE EXTRA
REMOVAL OF DEBRIS MAY BE AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE
WE OFFER
SEASONAL - ONE TIME, MULTI TIME AND EMERGENCY SERVICE
Mowing height Mowing turf at the appropriate height
is important to turf health and appearance. Turf cut too short
usually has a shallow root system, lacks density, and often requires
pesticide applications to stave off weed and pest infestations that
commonly occur in stressed lawns. Conversely, tall turf is often
considered to be unattractive because of wide leaf blades, low
density, and a clumpy, unkempt appearance. In addition, tall turf
may not be satisfactory for some sports applications.
Mow turfgrasses according to the heights presented in Table 1. Note
that a range is listed for each species. When healthy and actively
growing, turf can be mowed at the lower heights; raise mowing
heights within the desired range during warm-hot periods or when
turf is stressed due to drought, disease, shade, insects, or
traffic. The heights listed in this table provide a balance
between turf appearance and health.
Mowing frequency Turf should be mowed as necessary,
not according to a preset schedule. Turfgrasses grow at different
rates depending on weather, management, and species. A basic
recommendation is to remove no more than one-third of the grass
blade at any one mowing. For example, Kentucky bluegrass being
maintained at a two-inch height should be mowed when it reaches
three inches. This "one-third rule" will help maintain
maximum turf root growth. Removing more than one-third of the grass
blades may cause root growth to cease while the leaves and shoots
are regrowing. This practice can be especially destructive if
practiced continuously over a period of successive mowings. Roots
may not have a chance to fully develop and the plants will thus be
more susceptible to environmental and management stresses.
Maintenance of healthy, growing turf root systems should be a
primary consideration of any turf management program.
Other mowing recommendations Occasionally, personal
schedules or weather conditions prevent turf mowing when it is
needed. If this occurs, attempt to mow using the one-third rule. If
turf is six inches tall, and the desired height is two inches, the
first mowing should be at four inches, or at the highest setting
nearest to four inches . Several days later, mow again by reducing
the mowing height using the one-third rule. This mowing should be
lower than four inches in height. Continue this pattern until turf
is adjusted to the proper height.
Two other basic mowing recommendations are to maintain mower blade
sharpness, and to mow when grass is dry. Dull blades tear turf
leaving a ragged appearance. In addition, turf water loss and the
incidence of turf diseases can be greater from ragged leaf edges
than from cleanly cut grass leaves. Thus, cleanly cut turf generally
looks better and is often healthier than turf with torn leaves.
Also, mow when turf is dry. Wet turf may clog the mower or form
clumpy masses on the turf's surface.
Scalping When turf is cut excessively short, scalping
can occur. Scalping can occur as the result of irregular land
contours, excessive thatch. infrequent mowing, or poor mower
adjustment. Scalped turf usually appears brown and stubbly due to
the removal of healthy leaves and exposure of turf crowns, dead
leaves, or even the bare soil. Avoid scalping turf as it can result
in unattractive appearance, and in some cases, severely scalped turf
may not recover.
Mowing pattern Frequent and close mowing in the same
direction or pattern can cause the turf shoots to lean in the
direction of cut causing grain to develop. On closely clipped turf,
such as a golf course putting green, grain is undesirable because it
can alter the path of a putted ball. By altering the mowing pattern
with each mowing, the turf shoots tend to grow more upright which
reduces grain. In addition, altering the mowing pattern changes the
position of the mower wheels or rollers at each mowing which can
reduce excessive wear in the same location.
On taller turf, such as parks or home lawns, cutting in the same
direction at each mowing is usually not a problem. Taller turfs are
less prone to develop grain than are short mowed turfs and the turf
use is generally not affected. If it is convenient, alter the mowing
pattern in these areas at each mowing. In other areas (e.g., small
gardens or sloping areas) use the most convenient or safest mowing
pattern at each mowing.
Athletic turf managers sometimes use mowing patterns to provide
visual interest for their fields. On these fields, the turf is mowed
frequently in the same direction using reel mowers to provide
striped or checked patterns. Football and baseball fields are often
cut in this fashion.
First and last mowing of the growing season The first
and last mowing of the year are sometimes handled differently than
other mowings. Before the grass begins to grow, in spring mow the
turf slightly shorter than normal to remove dead blades and other
debris. Be careful not to scalp turf during this initial mowing.
Once turf begins active growth, mow at the proper height and
frequency. The last mowing of the year should be at the normal
mowing height. Turf should neither be cut excessively short nor
allowed to become excessively long going into winter.
AMERICAN LAWN CARE - 167 WASHINGTON ST
- PEMBROKE, MA 02359
PHONE 781-826-1118 FAX 781-826-1118 EMAIL
SERVICE1@AMERICANLAWNCARE.COM
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