The quality of the turf depends on the mowing of the grass. When the part of the leaf blade is removed during mowing, the leaf surface is reduced. This may affect the process of photosynthesis. In addition, the general rule is that the longer the lawn, the deeper is the root system will develop. This increases the capacity to withstand the drought conditions and severe heat.
If the grass is mowed too low, it develops shallow root system and increases the susceptibility and chance of wilting. It puts unwanted stress on the grass plants and allows other weeds to grow.
The rule for mowing the grass is very simple, only one third of the grass plant should be removed during one mowing. The lawn should be fertilized properly to be mowed once a week.
Steps in mowing Bermuda grass on the turf
- Measure the mowing height by stationing the mower on a flat surface. Note the distance between the blade and ground. Set all the four wheels of the mower to the same height.
- Take care to see that the mower has sharp blades. Blunt blades rip the grass instead of cutting it and cause bigger wounds. These wounds are the sites where pathogens attack the plant. The ripped grass also tends to be yellow and leads to more water use by the grass.
- Bermuda grass needs to be cut at the height of 1 to 1.5 inches. Rotary mowers are very good if the grass is smooth and the blade is sharp. The reel mowers are expensive and are usually needed for mowing. It will help to start at 1 inch height in spring and then gradually raise the height when the weather is hot. The best height for Bermuda grass is 2 inches.
- The grass should be allowed to grow 3 inches tall and then mowed. This way only one third of the grass gets mowed. It is not advisable to allow the grass to grow tall and then mow it as the stems are exposed and the lawn does not look at its best.
- During fall, the grass goes dormant and there is little need of mowing. The color of the grass changes to brown during the winters and the brown blades can be mowed later. The soil gets exposed to the sun and gets warmed and disinfected. Scalping the grass is not recommended and burning it is illegal. You may allow the clippings to fall on the ground. In this way, the nitrogen is returned to the soil and it helps in improving the health of the grass.
- Bermuda grass does not form thatch layer when it is mowed regularly. There is no need to use a de- thatcher as it can hurt the grass instead of helping it. You should never use a de thatcher when the turf seems to be growing from the soil directly and the thatch is less than ½ inch thick.
So, the wise words of wisdom conclude that if proper care is taken while mowing of the Bermuda grass then a beautiful and alluring green carpet is not for from you. Read carefully how the mowing of the Bermuda grass should be done and with the help of the given instructions get one of the perfect lawns which will make a flawless golf course.
