Concerns:

• Watch for Turf Mites and Possibly Treat

• Supplemental watering may be required for trees and turf at this time of year if little to no snowfall occurs.

Mower Height:

• Early Spring: The grass should be cut at 2" high for the first two mowing.

• Late Spring/Summer/Early Fall: The lawn needs to be mowed at 2 ½" to 3", remember not to remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at one time. Cutting more applies stress to the turf and removes the greenest part of the blade. Low mowing also increases the plants susceptibility to insect and disease damage. Maintained at a height of 2 ½" or 3" inches a lawn has the ability to cool itself by 7-10 degrees.

• Late Fall: Final mowing should be left at 2" to leave the lawn with a clean appearance for winter.

Mowing Frequency:

• Your lawn should be mowed every 5-6 days all season long.

Mower Blades:

• The mower blades should be sharpened every 4-6 mowing. Dull blades rip the ends of the grass blades. The tips will break open allowing rapid water loss and increased susceptibility to disease. Frayed grass tips will also give your lawn a brownish appearance. Wet grass will also cause the same problems as the dull mower blade.

Technical Tips for your Mower:

• At the beginning of the season, change oil in the mower and check the spark plugs, air filter, and general running condition. In the fall, add a gasoline additive to gas tank to prevent gas from going foul.