The first cut of the season: ready for Spring!
Roll out the green carpet for your mower’s annual debut!
The days grow longer, the birds chirp a little louder, and a vibrant green shoots up from the earth – spring has sprung! For lawn enthusiasts, this signals a long-awaited ritual – the first cut of the season. But before you fire up the mower and unleash it on your eager lawn, a little preparation can make all the difference.
Assessing Your Lawn’s Winter Slumber
Every winter is different, and its impact on your lawn will vary. After a particularly harsh season, your grass might be slow to emerge from its slumber. In this case, resist the urge to mow too early. Give your lawn a few extra weeks to green up and establish some growth before giving it its first trim. However, if your lawn is already bursting with life and reaching for the sun, it’s time to roll out the green carpet – or rather, prepare your mower for its seasonal debut.
Height Matters: Encouraging Healthy Growth
The first cut of the season is all about setting your lawn up for success. That means keeping things on the higher side. By setting your mower to its highest setting, you allow the grass to grow a bit longer. This promotes a stronger root system, which is essential for a healthy lawn. A longer blade also helps to shade the soil, retaining moisture and preventing that dreaded “scalping” effect. Scalping weakens the grass and makes it more susceptible to disease, so a higher initial cut is your friend. As the season progresses and your lawn matures, you can gradually lower the mowing height throughout the summer. Ideally, you should never be cutting off more than a third of the total length of the grass.
Sharpness is Key: A Clean Cut for a Healthy Lawn
A dull mower blade can tear and damage the grass, leaving ragged edges that become susceptible to disease. To ensure a clean, even cut and promote healthy growth, equip your mower with a sharp blade for the first cut. If you’re unsure about the sharpness, consider getting it professionally sharpened or replaced. A sharp blade is a wise investment in the long-term health of your lawn.
Beyond the First Cut: Spring Lawn TLC
The first mow of the season is a fantastic opportunity to pamper your lawn with some TLC. Consider aerating the soil to improve drainage and allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. Take some time to remove any weeds that might have popped up during the winter. Finally, you can give your grass a boost with a well-balanced fertiliser. These spring cleaning tasks will set your lawn on the path to lush green glory throughout the season.
So, with a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your first cut of the season is a success. By waiting for the right time, mowing at the proper height, using a sharp blade, and giving your lawn some extra care, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy, beautiful lawn all summer long.
