Cutting the Grass
Q: I have a rabbit fence around a big portion of my yard, and I never got around to trimming it. It is very long and it is now early December. Will it damage the grass in any way if I mow it now, it's supposed to be in the 40s this week in Illinois.
A: The usual recommendation when mowing grass is never to remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade during any one mowing. However, in this case, I think you're well past this point. I really don't believe you'll do any irreparable harm to the grass, so I would just go for it and mow it down. I've mown extra-high grass down at home and removed more than 1/3 of the blade at one time, and so far my lawn has survived the rough treatment just fine. I wouldn't do this on a regular basis, but once in a while you can escape the consequences.
If you have a mower that can handle the grass's height and thickness as it is, give it a go. Set the mower's height as high as it'll go, then gradually reduce it to the final desired height. This will make it easier on the mower to cut through the tall grass, and it'll tear the grass up less, too.
The grass will probably be yellow underneath, but this is due to being shaded out. The green color should return in spring, when the grass begins to grow again.
If you run out of good weather to do this now, you can always do this in early spring. The grass won't know the difference.
Ask our Arborist a question. E-Mail us at: question@ClevelandSeniors.Com
Top of Page
Back to Lawn & Yard Tips & Advice
|