When you cut your grass, do you scalp the lawn down to putting green standards? If you do, then you should considering raising the lawnmower blade to 3-4″. Grass that has been cut down to only 1-2″ is actually less healthy and more prone to allowing in weeds and pests.
Grass that’s a little longer discourages weeds and pest insects, which means you are under less pressure to apply toxic pesticides and herbicides. Longer grass also shades the roots more and helps prevent the soil from drying out. This tends to lead to healthier roots, so your green carpet will be hardier, and should require less water in the long run. Experts agree that it’s better to mow regularly, and to remove no more than one-third of the blade length at a time. That way, stress on the grass will be minimized. Don’t forget to keep cutting blades sharp, as that prevents the tearing that is hard on plant tissue.
Doug and I are ALWAYS fighting about this. He likes short lawns. Me? I’m with you 100%–and I’ve shown him articles by landscapers and all kinds of experts. But tell a man he’s not an expert, right? Grrrr.
Leave it long – it’s much cushier on the toes too! : )