34 SportsTurf | April 2014 www.sportsturfonline.com
GOOD MOWING PRACTICES
Follow these best practices for safe mowing:
• Pick up all stones, sticks and other debris before mowing to avoid
damaging the mower or injuring someone with flying objects.
• Never mow wet turf with a rotary mower because clippings can
clog the machine. Mow only when the turf is dry.
Sharpen the mower blade frequently enough to prevent tearing of
leaf blades.
• Mow in a different direction every time the lawn is cut. This helps
prevent wear patterns, reduces the grain (grass lying over in the same di-
rection), and reduces the possibility of scalping.
• Leave clippings on the ground. If clumping occurs, rake or use a
leaf blower to distribute them.
• Check your mower every time it is used. Follow manufacturer's rec-
ommendations for service and adjustments.
• Adjust cutting height by setting the mower on a driveway or side-
walk and using a ruler to measure the distance between the ground and
the blade.
• Never fill a mower engine with gasoline when the mower is hot.
• Always wear durable closed shoes when mowing the lawn – no san-
dals or flip flops.
• Sweep up any clippings left on paved surfaces to avoid potential
water pollution. n
Laurie E. Trenholm, PhD, is professor and graduate coordinator, Envi-
ronmental Horticulture Dept–Turfgrass Science Program, at the University
of Florida.
Field
Science
Turfgrass Species Optimal Mowing Height (inches)
Warm Season Grasses
Bahiagrass 3.0 - 4.0
Bermudagrass
(Use Dependent) 0.5 - 1.5
Centipedegrass 1.5 - 2.0
St.
Augustinegrass 2.5 - 4.0
Zoysiagrass (Coarse types) 2.0-2.5
Cool Season Grasses
Creeping Bentgrass 0.2-0.5
Kentucky Bluegrass
(Cultivar Dependent) 0.75-2.5
Perennial Ryegrass 1.5-2.0
Tall Fescue 1.5-3.5
Table 1. Suggested mowing heights
for warm and cool season grass species.
