For many people, mowing the lawn is a boring chore that they would rather put off for as long as possible. However, infrequent mowing of the grass can lead to problems such as an invasion of weeds and poor root development. Too-frequent mowing can lead to thatch buildup, fungal diseases and an invasion of pests. Here are some tips on getting the frequency of mowing just right based on the type of grass, the season of the year and the growing conditions.

General Tips for the Mowing of All Grasses

No matter what type of grass grows in your lawn, you should allow newly planted grass seed to mature before you mow it. This practice affords ideal growth for the root system. Strong roots give the grass better resistance against drought and pests. Good development of grass roots also reduces the ability of weeds and pests to invade the lawn. Be sure to maintain the blades of your lawnmower. A clean, even cut reduces damage to the blades of grass. Cell wall damage of the grass could allow fungal and other diseases to affect the lawn's vigor.

Cool-Season Grasses

If your home is located in a place with cool-to-moderate summers, it is best to grow cool-season grasses. These grasses include ryegrass, rough bluegrass and tall fescue. For the best growth, these should be planted in the spring. These grasses grow quickly in cool to moderate weather. The plants mature by five to eight weeks after seeding, according to Bob Vila. Once the blades reach at least 4 inches in height, it is time for their first mowing. Cut no more than one-half of an inch off the height. During optimal growing conditions, the grass may need to be mowed once or twice per week.

Warm-Season Grasses

Warm-season grasses include Bermuda grass, buffalo grass and centipede grass. They germinate after about two weeks and reach maturity about six to 11 weeks after seeding. These grasses have the fastest rate of growth in warm climates and in warm weather. The warm-season grasses can be mowed more frequently than cool-season grasses because they have an overall faster rate of growth during the summertime. Once the blades are about 3.5-inches tall, you can mow the lawn. Take no more than one-half inch off their height. In warm, humid locations, you may need to mow the lawn twice per week.

Mowing During Slower Growth Periods

Most locations will have a period of time during the autumn months of the year when the rate of grass growth decreases. For most places, this happens when the daytime temperatures drop to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When this happens, allow the grass to get taller between mowing. You can allow cool-season grass to reach 4.5 inches and warm-season grass to reach 4 inches before mowing in cool weather. This time of the year is also ideal for adding a long-acting fertilizer.

As with many aspects of your lawn, seeding is important to grow healthy green grass that makes your home more attractive. There is a science behind seeding, and when you lay down grass seed, it affects the end result.

Why Timing Matters for Seeding Your Lawn

You may not see grass sprout from the soil for up to three weeks, but there is plenty happening that will make or break the final result. A beautiful lawn starts with proper germination of the seeds underground. The seeds need water, nutrients, proper temperatures, and other conditions to develop a root system that allows them to thrive, to burst through the seed shell, and to erupt through the soil as vibrant grass blades.

The Best Time to Lay Grass Seed

Spring is the best time to plant your grass seed, and earlier in the season is better. Planting grass seed early in spring after the last frost and freeze gives the seeds time to develop roots. You want the seeds to germinate and to develop roots earlier in spring because the slightly warmer temperatures of late spring and early summer are ideal for grass growth above the soil. Plant too early, and the seeds won’t survive or will have weak root systems. Plant too late, and the blades of grass are exposed to high temperatures.

The Best Way to Plant Grass Seed

Choose a warm-season grass seed for planting in the spring. Prepare the area of your yard by removing about 3 inches of soil from the surface. You should break down any clumps and remove rocks, weeds, twigs, tree roots, and debris. As you even out the surface, make sure to create places for drainage and proper irrigation. Next, add your nutrients, such as fertilizer and topsoil. Mix these in with the existing soil, being sure not to gouge any areas. Be gentle.

The packaging for your grass seed details the rate at which to distribute the seeds. Use this to set the spray rate of your seeder. When you are seeding your lawn, spread about half the seed in one direction following straight lines. Then use the other half to spread the seeds using perpendicular lines. Gently rake the area to mix the seed into the soil. Water the seed bed often, but you don’t want it to be saturated. Only use enough water as the amount that can soak into the ground. Once the grass blades reach about 1 inch above ground, reduce the frequency of watering.

Other Tips for Seeding Your Lawn

Here are some other tips that will help you grow a healthy lawn:

• Eliminate weeds as soon as they start to grow.
• Use pesticides and weed killers sparingly in areas with grass seeds until the grass is fully developed.
• Wait to mow the lawn until the grass blades are between 2 and 3 inches tall.
• Avoid walking on the seed bed because this can damage the grass and can make it harder for the seeds to germinate and grow.

Having a beautiful lawn requires good timing, and following these steps ensures that you have healthy, thriving grass.