Proper Mowing
Improper mowing can create severe lawn problems. The most common mistakes are mowing too short or not mowing often enough. These errors create a weaker plant and root system.

How High and How Often
Never mow shorter than two and one-half to three inches in height. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This means scheduling your mowing based on your lawn's growth rate.

Keep Mower Blades Sharp
You should sharpen your mower blade often. Dull blades shred the grass tips creating openings for disease organisms to enter. Watch for shredded whitish grass tips as a sign of dull blades.

Recycle Clippings
Clippings should not be removed but returned to the lawn to recycle nutrients. Clippings do not contribute to thatch buildup as many people believe; however, clippings should be removed if they are excessive in length and are smothering the lawn.