Lawn Mowing Tip’s for the Do-It-Yourselver

Don’t forget to leave any leftover Clippings

Clippings that are left after cutting the lawn can act as a fertilizer for the soil. A lot of people think that clippings left over from mowing will contribute to the growth of thatch however this isn’t the situation. If there are a lot of clippings at one time you can move them back and forth to create an equal layer. The process of bagging clippings could result in an excessive quantity of the garbage that could end up in the landfill.

Mow after it has dried

In the case of Florida homeowners, mowing the lawn when it’s dry can be difficult. But, mowing while the grass is wet could create indentations on the lawn, which can damage the grass. Mowing when the lawn is damp can result in an excessive amount of thatch accumulation and cause the overall appearance of the lawn unclean. A good rule of thumb is that if your feet sink into the ground, it’s damp to mow. If it was an hour-long shower, it will be okay to mow.

Common Lawn Diseases

Large Patch

Large patches are a fungal lawn disease that is a problem for Zoysia as well as St.Augustine grass. It is an orange-brownish circle that appears like it is concave toward the center. The spot continues to expand as time passes if not addressed. The condition is most prevalent in the springtime when conditions are more humid.

When this fungus is present, it will be difficult to bring your lawn back to health. The best method to prevent the fungus from destroying your lawn is to take care of it in a timely manner prior to. The wrong lawn care or excessive watering can make your lawn more vulnerable to illness.

Fairy Ring

Fairy Ring is far from the magic of gold dust. The condition manifests as a hollow ring and will recur in the exact same location. The death rings can extend as high as 20 feet. The majority of diseases that occur in Florida are caused by heavy rain. Be aware of how much the lawn receives from rain as well as irrigation systems. Fairy Ring, like other diseases, can be harmful to the lawn after it has a chance to infect. It is best to be on top of routine lawn maintenance.

Common Weeds

Yellow Woodsorrel

Yellow Woodsorrel is a weed with tiny yellow flowers. Its surrounding foliage looks like a clover. Although it isn’t difficult on the eyes, however, it could ruin an entire yard or garden. This weed is likely to start growing in patches or in barren areas on lawns. The maintenance of a lush turf will keep weeds off the lawn. If they do appear in the yard, they could be picked and edible. The foliage and leaves are the appearances of a dinner.

Crabgrass

Crabgrass appears like a dense area of grass that ranges from colored from green to yellow. It is an annual weed and emerges in early summer. The most effective preventative measure you can use against this tough plant is to use the use of a pre-emergence herbicide. Application of the herbicide must be done in the summer months in the time you apply the lawn’s first fertilizer after your second mower of the year. The “when” is important to make sure Crabgrass doesn’t grow over your lawn.

Dollarweed

Dollar weed looks like the lily pad with its long stalks. It is common for them to appear after the lawn has lots of water. The weed can be removed by hand, but due to its rapid growth, it could turn out to be a tiring job. To keep the weed from entering the lawn, ensure the lawn is irrigated with a drainage system and that there is no standing water.

Quack Grass

Quack Grass is often mistaken for crabgrass due to being remarkably alike in appearance. Yet, Quack Grass can be much more difficult to eliminate than crabgrass. It is a perennial weed which thrives in almost all climates. The most effective method to eliminate it is to overseed it by incorporating permanent grass into the lawn. This will permit the grass to compete with the weed.

The Most grass Types for Florida

Learn more about our guides on lawn maintenance within Orlando, Tampa as well as Jacksonville.

St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass is one of the warmer-season Floridian homeowner’s choices and is the most frequently planted grass across the entire state. It’s medium-dark green and provides the ability to withstand light traffic with its rapid growth. It has a very high tolerance to shade and comes with the competitiveness that wards against the majority of plants.

St.Augustine requires soil that is fertile and more water than other warm-season grasses. The grass isn’t very well in dry or cold weather. Florida is the humid and hot climate that is a perfect place to live for St.Augustine.

Mowing heights recommended: 3.5-4 in.

Bahia Grass

Bahia Grass is recognized for its superior resistance to heat and drought. This grass is thriving in areas that have complete sun exposure. It also grows exceptionally well near the coastline. The grass is low in need for fertilizer and is not afflicted with any diseases or insects. If the conditions are to be suitable for Bahia grass, it can provide a good yard.

This type of grass is not intolerant of traffic and as with most grasses that are warm-season in cold weather.

Be sure to not cut the lawn too short or its natural ability to withstand drought could be hampered.

Mowing height recommended: 2-4 in.

Zoysia Turf

Zoysia turfgrass is among the most attractive grasses that are grown in Florida. The grass is soft and comfortable to feel and provides the cushion you need to walk around barefoot. The fullness of this lawn is a vivid green.

The disadvantage of this grass is that it needs more maintenance than most of the grasses that grow in warmer weather. It is required to be cut every two weeks as well as fertilizers and has higher water needs than other warmer-season grasses.

Mowing heights recommended: 1.5-3 in.

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass can be described as grass with low maintenance which requires minimal water and is able to withstand extreme temperatures as well as drought. It is also able to withstand high traffic levels, which means it’s a good choice for both children and pets. As with St. Augustine, Bermuda is a robust grass that thrives in Florida.

Some of the drawbacks of Bermuda include the fact that it has a poor shade tolerance and a weak cold tolerance. The grass grows extremely quickly, which means that it requires that it will require more cutting.

Recommended height of mowing: 1-1.5 in.