When should I mow my grass in the spring?

ASK THE HORT AGENT

Question When should I mow my grass in the spring?

Answer Some people think it is best to wait until a certain time to mow your lawn in the spring. I have heard people say, “It is too early to mow your grass. Wait a few more weeks.”

This train of thought partly developed from laziness. Some folks think their grass will not grow as fast if they do not mow it. This is basically the same as the beard shaving theory (young men are probably familiar with this theory). While young men may rush to shave hoping this process will encourage facial hair growth, older men delay mowing the grass with the hope that this delayed action will slow the growth of their grass. Unfortunately, this is purely a case of wishful thinking for both the young and old. If you don't like to mow the grass, then either eliminate or reduce the size of your lawn.

The time at which you begin mowing your lawn is not really important. On the other hand, mowing height is vastly important. Centipede should be maintained at one inch in height and hybrid Bermuda at three quarters of an inch. Most warm season grasses should be cut low. The exception is St. Augustine, which needs to be kept between two and three inches. Tall fescue (a cool season grass) should be maintained at 3 to 4 inches.

Incorrect mowing height can reduce the competitiveness and vigor of your grass. Correct mowing height reduces the weed population, disease pressure and general stress on your lawn. Remember to never cut off more than 50% of the leaf blade when mowing. In other words, don't let it get tall and then scalp it back to the right height.

While I'm busting myths, let me also pop the wild onion myth. It has been said that mowing wild onions (actually garlic) in the spring at the “correct” time will cause them to die out. This myth is just like the one about catching a leprechaun and getting a pot of gold. There is no harm in believing either myth. Realistically, you won't ever be able to catch a leprechaun or find that “correct” time to mow and get rid of wild onions.

However, you should always mow the weeds in your lawn when they grow past the correct height of your grass. Keeping the weeds cut will reduce their ability to produce seeds and compete with your grass. It may keep them in check, but won't make them magically disappear.

Keep in mind that if you are too lazy to mow your lawn, then you certainly won't be able to catch a crafty little leprechaun. For more turf info visit http://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/pubs/extension/CarolinaLawnsAccessible.pdf If you don’t have internet access, call me at 910-893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org

Young men may be anxious about growing a beard, but few of them keep a beard as an adult. This is puzzling since many role models had beards – Jesus, Santa Clause, General Lee and yours truly.

Gary L. Pierce

Horticulture Extension Agent

Harnett County