www.stma.org
To
avoid pollution of water bodies, it is extremely important to
blow any grass clippings left on sidewalks, driveways, or other
hard surfaces back onto the grass. These clippings contain nutri-
ents that could contribute to water pollution if they go down a
storm drain or blow into a water body, so be sure to not leave
them on these surfaces.
MOWING EQUIPMENT
Mowers are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles with
many features. The two basic types are reel and rotary mowers, with
variations of these available for specialized or utility uses. Reel mow-
ers use a scissors-like action to cut the leaf blades and are used on
grasses that require a low height of cut. They are suited for use on
high maintenance, fine-bladed grasses such as those found on golf
courses and athletic fields where a precise clean cut is desirable. Reel
mowers require higher main-
tenance than other mowers.
Lawns can be mowed
with either reel or rotary
mowers, depending on grass
species and recommended
height of cut (Figure 4). Ro-
tary mowers can be obtained
as push or self-propelled
models. Front, side, and
rear-clipping discharge mod-
els are also available. A gaso-
line or electric engine is used
to turn the horizontally-
mounted mower blade. The
grass blade is cut on impact
with the mower blade. Most
rotary mowers cannot mow
lower than 1 inch and are
best used for mowing
heights above 2 inches.
Mulching mowers are modifications of rotary mowers (Figure
5). These are designed to cut leaf blades into very small pieces that
decompose more quickly than leaf blades cut by conventional mow-
ers, providing nutrition and organic matter to the soil environment.
The mower blades are designed to create a mild vacuum under the
mower deck until the leaf blades are cut into small pieces. Mulching
mowers do not have the traditional discharge chute like most rotary
mowers.
Electric mowers are another option that some prefer for reduc-
tion of noise and CO
2
losses. Improvements in recent years in these
mowers have increased their power and durability. They come in
cordless and with cord models.
Regardless of what type mower is used, keeping blades sharp is
very important for the health of the turf. Ragged, torn leaf blades
are not only unsightly but also contribute to poor growth and fur-
ther injury.
Figure 4. Reel mower
Figure 5. Rotary mower
