At first glance, it may seem like cutting your grass short would be a good way to increase the number of days between mowing. Unfortunately, this common practice is never a good idea. Doing so can cause a range of issues and may disrupt the long-term beauty and health of your lawn. At Arbor-Nomics, we provide high-quality lawn care services for property owners in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area. Our team of Certified Landscape Specialists enjoy helping our local clients find ways to improve the condition of their grass, and we want you to experience the same incredible results. Read below to discover why it is bad to cut your grass too short.
Why Do Some Property Owners Cut Their Grass Short?
One of the most common reasons why property owners choose to cut their grass as low as possible, is because they are attempting to save time and reduce the amount of labor needed for maintaining their lawn. Sadly, this “short cut” can undermine your efforts and cause more problems than it solves. While there is a slim chance that some homeowners will get an extra day or two between mowing sessions, it does not outweigh the negative effects caused by continued use of this technique.
Reasons to Avoid Cutting Grass Too Short
Keeping your grass short can put a lot of stress on your turf. People sometimes forget that grass blades are leaves. A larger surface area is needed for photosynthesis to occur. Limiting the amount of sunlight and air that your grass is exposed to can inhibit successful development and weaken the plant’s roots. This can in turn leave your lawn vulnerable to invading weeds, diseases and pests.
You’ll know if you’ve scalped your lawn as brown and tan patches will emerge since you’ve exposed the grass stem.
What Length Should Grass Be Cut for Optimal Results?
Ideally, during warm weather, grass should be kept as high as possible. For most circumstances, the blades should be kept somewhere around 2 to 2.5 inches in length. It is best to remove only the top 1/3 of the grass blades, so wait until your lawn is slightly over 3 inches before getting your lawn mower out of the garage. Doing so will help support deep root growth. When temperatures begin to dip in the fall, you can lower your mowing height slightly. It is also important to keep in mind that your grass should be mowed in dry weather, since performing this task on a wet lawn can create areas that are not cut evenly.
Do You Need Professional Lawn Care Services in the Atlanta, GA Area? Call Arbor-Nomics Today
Does your Atlanta area lawn need some extra tender love and care? Then get the help you need right away by calling the experts at Arbor-Nomics. Our Certified Landscape Specialists have the training and hands-on experience needed to refresh and revitalize your lawn. Contact our office to learn more about our lawn treatment programs or to schedule an appointment with a specialist in Atlanta, Woodstock, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Brookhaven, Marietta, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Alpharetta, Georgia or a surrounding neighborhood.