Scalping your lawn is the practice of cutting your lawn extremely short during certain times of the year. Scalping removes the standing dead stems and leaves that are left over from the last growing season. This dead material (especially the stems) can contribute to thatch buildup. Too much thatch can: increase fungal infections; harbor overwintering insects that want to attack your lawn; keep wat…Read More
A springtime cut could save you a bundle! Here are seven ways properly scalping can reduce lawn maintenance costs: Green with Envy: Removing old, brown growth will help your lawn be the first to green up this spring. Thatch-versary: Bagging the clippings when you scalp will help slow down thatch accumulation. A thick thatch layer is expensive and time consuming to remove. Prevention is the best me…Read More
Once you start to feel that “Ahhhh... spring is coming” feeling, it is time to start thinking about scalping your lawn. Scalping means cutting your lawn at the lowest possible mower setting. If you scalp too early, you risk damaging roots due to being exposed to the cold. Too late, you may scalp off new growth (which totally defeats the purpose). Ideal times for scalping Bermuda and Zoysia law…Read More
Bermuda: Scalp in early spring. Then gradually work up to 2.5-3.5 inches in the summer. Leave it at that notch or one lower going in to winter. Zoysia: Scalp in early spring. Then gradually work up to 2.5-3 inches in summer. Leave it at that notch for fall or trim 1 notch lower. Fescue: Keep at 3” or higher unless renovating. But remember… never trim more than ⅓ of the leaf blade at a ti…Read More
OK... So what is Scalping? Scalping means cutting your lawn at the lowest possible mower setting. While you lawn may look a little exposed at first, in the end you are getting last year's growth out of the way so the young Spring growth can make a strong début. One Important Note: if your lawn is fescue you should not scalp. Scalping fescue will seriously inhibit the growth and resilienc…Read More
1. Clean Up! As you mow over wet grass, the clippings form a icky, sticky mess. Cleaning the mower deck and wheels (don’t forget those tiny crevices), will reduce rust damage and keep metal from corroding. If the clippings do not wash off easily you can take a putty knife and gently scrape them away. 2. Keep it Short. Mowing more often not only encourages a thick, healthy lawn but will also keep…Read More
Types of mowers: there are three basic mower types; the reel, flail and rotary. Reel mowers are primarily used on professional game fields and golf courses. Reel mowers have horizontal blades attached to a rotating reel. As the reel rotates, the leaves are pulled towards the blades and are cut, which provides a close, consistent cut. Reel mowers cut the leaves cleanly, giving a soft, smooth appea…Read More
