The final lawn mowing and basic rules

To keep your lawn looking beautiful and neat, it needs to be mowed regularly. The first spring and last fall mowings are crucial. Following basic mowing guidelines, you need to choose the optimal grass height, the correct direction, and a sharp tool for the job. Choose the optimal time to mow the grass so it's green, not yellow or dry. To keep your lawn looking fresh for as long as possible in the fall, it needs to be mowed and prepared for the cold weather.

When is the last time the lawn should be mowed?

In summer, the grass near the house is mown every 7-10 days, as it grows quickly and vigorously. In the fall, the procedure is done less frequently. The last mown is done in October, before the first night frosts. The air temperature should remain between 10-12°C (50-55°F). If the grass is not mown before winter, it will fall over with the first frosts, begin to rot, and hinder the growth of new plants in the spring.

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You may need to mow your lawn more than once before the cold weather sets in. When September is warm and rainy, the grass grows back quickly. If you don't mow before the frost hits in October, the frost can catch the uncut grass, causing it to fall over and rot.

Each region has its own deadline for the last lawn mowing:

• north of the country – September 15-25;
• central part of the Russian Federation – October 1-10;
• Southern regions of Russia – October 15-25.

Basic rules of haircutting

The basic rules for autumn mowing include determining the time of mowing, the height of the grass, mulching and lawn careIt is recommended to leave the grass slightly taller than usual during the final mowing. The length of the grass depends on the lawn's intended use and the type of plants planted.

Grass height after cutting:

• parterre lawn – 2-4 cm;
• sports lawn – 3-4 cm;
• decorative lawn – 7-9 cm;
• recreation and play area – 4-6 cm.

September sees frequent rainfall, so watering is reduced to a minimum. In October, lawn watering is stopped completely. Excess moisture will lead to fungal infections.

Basic rules for mowing the lawn in autumn:

1. Before trimming, all debris is removed from the area: stones, sticks, plastic utensils and other objects.
2. To determine the height of the grass, it is combed with a rare rake.
3. Aerate the soil. Use a pitchfork to poke holes in the soil to a depth of 30 cm, slightly lifting the soil layer. Punctures are made every 30 cm to improve air exchange and drainage.
4. The lawn mower is adjusted correctly so that both wheels are level. The tool must be sharp; poorly sharpened blades will damage the plants.
5. In a small area with benches and flower beds, use pruning shears or a trimmer. This tool is used in hard-to-reach areas and along the edges of the lawn.
6. To ensure an even cut, it is recommended to change the direction of movement with each cut.
7. Pruning is done in the morning or evening before watering, when there is no scorching sun.
8. The grass should be dry; after rain or dew, it should be allowed to dry. Wet grass is more difficult to mow.
9. It is better to mow in calm weather, as the wind can cause the grass to change its slope, resulting in an uneven cut.
10. In autumn, plants are trimmed 1-2 times a month when the air temperature does not fall below 10*C; frequent mowing damages the greenery.
11. Don't cut more than 1/3 of the stem. If the lawn hasn't been mown for a long time and the plants have grown to 15 cm, mow in 2-3 stages. This stress helps the grass recover quickly.
12. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn is unacceptable. They are only left behind when mulching is necessary. Cut grass can infect plants with fungi or pests.
13. In winter, the lawn is covered with mulch: dry grass, peat, sand, hay, pine needles, dry compost, to protect plants from freezing.

Possible errors

Mowing grass at the root on a hilly surface will create a bald spot. It's best to level the area, and when mowing, avoid applying too much pressure on the lawn mower handle, increasing the cutting height. Do not move the mower forward or backward.

When mowing in rainy weather or after watering, or when mowing with a blunt tool, the tips of the leaves on plants turn brown, which detracts from the appearance of the lawn. If the grass is left at a height of 7-10 cm over the winter, the frost-damaged plants will cool the soil. A tall lawn is susceptible to mold.

When the mower's blades rotate slowly or are obstructed, a ribbed lawn results. A washboard effect occurs if the lawnmower's direction is not changed. The soil becomes undulating. Mulch should be added to level the soil.

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Always remember safety precautions. Children should be kept away from a running lawn mower. Any small stone can fly off and seriously injure a child while mowing. When mowing on a slope, mow crosswise; if the mower is not held properly, it could injure the operator. Cleaning should only be done after the blades have come to a complete stop.

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Avoid piling up snow on your lawn in winter. The extra moisture will damage the greenery. Ice should not form on the lawn, as it can kill plants due to lack of air.

To ensure a decorative lawn next year, fertilize it with mineral and nitrogen additives throughout the summer. Nitrogen helps the grass stay green longer in the fall. Complex fertilizers ensure the lawn remains attractive, complementing the yellow foliage of the trees. In dry weather, aerate the soil and lift the turf with a pitchfork. Then let the soil rest for 2-3 days; it's best not to walk on the lawn during this time. If something goes wrong while mowing, don't worry; the green cover will quickly recover in the spring, and the plants will grow vigorously again, beautifying the area around the house.