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Watering

A square meter of lawn will lose approximately 3.8 gallons (0.017 m3) of water or 1 square yard will lose 4.5 gallons of water per week! 

 

Watering is simple. The general rule is to water heavily, when the lawn really needs it, rather than watering lightly more frequently. If you water lightly, the water won't make it down into the soil so it won't do much good. You should water enough to soak 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) deep, encouraging the roots to grow deep into the ground. Watering recommendations vary between different soil types, but as a general rule, water until there is about an inch of water (2.5 cm) over the ground surface.

 

One idea is to put 5 or 6 jam jars spread out over the width of the sprinkler's spray and time how long it takes to fill between 1.27 cm (½ inch) and 2.54 cm (1 inch) deep. This will give you an idea of how long the sprinkler is required to be left in that area.

 

Water as soon as the grass starts to dry out. Its colour will change from green to bluish grey, and it will lose some of its bounce. If the grass doesn't spring back a few seconds after you step on it, it needs water. The best time to water is in the early morning; the water won't evaporate as easily as in the afternoon, and it will cool the lawn down as temperatures start to climb.

Mowing

Mowing reduces the workload on a grass plant's root system. A large culm above-ground requires more water and nutrients from underground. It's easier for the roots to provide for the plant if the culm is smaller. Mowing also encourages the grass plant to expand. When the blades cut down the leaves, the plant has to grow new leaves to absorb sunlight. This helps build a thicker, heavier lawn, which is more resistant to weeds and disease.

 

It's best to mow frequently during the growing season (see Mowing under Services). The rule of thumb is to never cut off more than a third of the grass plant at once -- it's bad for the plant to lose a lot of its photosynthesizing ability suddenly. One common mowing mistake is cutting the grass too short. Depending on the type of grass you have you will need varying heights. For luxury lawn grass it is recommended by some experts to cut 1.25cm (½ inch) in summer and 2cm (¾ inch) in spring, autumn or in a period of drought. A utility grass (which most will be) It is recommended through the summer no shorter than 2.5cm (1 inch) and 3cm (1¼ inch) during spring, autumn or in a period of drought.

 

My experience has found however it's best about 2 inches (5 cm) high in the warm periods. You may want to vary the mowing height throughout the year. In autumn, winter and spring, you can mow closer because temperatures are cool and water is more abundant. In the summer, let the grass grow longer. The shade will help cool the soil.

 

It is recommend changing your mowing pattern. That is, push the mower north and south one week and east and west the next week.

 

Sharpen your mower blades a couple of times a year to ensure a healthy, clean cut. 

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