What You Do Matters
Mowing
In your program, proper mowing heights can and do have a significant impact on the likely success of the program. Higher mowing heights contribute to shading the soil which directly affects soil temperature and blocking sunlight to the soil surface. Both, cooler soil temperature and lack of sunlight discourage weed seed germination.
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When mowing, cut no more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. Grass should ideally be maintained between 3 ½ - 4” during the majority of the season.
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Sharpen blades every 8 hours of mowing.
Irrigation
Watering should be deep, infrequent and in the morning. Established grass should receive ¾” – 1” of water a week through natural rain fall or irrigation. If irrigating this may mean that each zone is in operation for 50 minutes to an hour depending on flow rate. To test how much water is being delivered, use a small can and measure the water collected. During extreme heat the grass should be watered more frequently for shorter periods. Over watering can lead to soil compaction and disease.
Aeration
Aeration is most beneficial in the fall followed by overseeding. This gives grass seed time to geminate without the intense heat of the summer. Core aeration improves growth by allowing for grass to establish a deeper, strong root system.
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Other benefits of aeration include oxygen delivery to the root zone, allowing grass roots to spread out and grow, relieving soil compaction, and preventing disease.
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Grass Recovery and Results
How well grass can recover from damage will all depend on the grass species, growth rate, past mowing techniques, and age of the grass.
When mowing and irrigating your own lawn be sure to follow the cultural practices above.​
Information Sourced and Backed by the Purdue Turf Weed Management Education Courses and Licensing