 
Mowing Practices
Proper mowing practices are essential for good quality
and drought-tolerant turf. Every time a lawn is mowed, the
metabolic activities of the grass are stressed, which reduces
root growth. Mowing frequency and cutting height need to
be carefully considered for a healthy lawn. Using the highest
cutting height on the mower will facilitate turfgrass drought
conditioning. This will increase the grass leaf area, allowing
for more photosynthesis. This results in more carbohydrates,
which are then available for use in recovery from stresses
such as drought. The higher the mowing height, the deeper
and more extensive the root system will be. Although transpiration
(water loss through leaves) will be slightly greater with
higher mown turf, the expanded root system proves more advantageous.
Mowing should be done often enough to minimize the shock
of cutting. Never mow off more than one-third the height
of the leaf blade at any one time. Adjust the frequency
of mowing to the growth of the turf. In the summer, it may
be necessary to mow more than once a week, but in the winter,
once a month or less may be enough. Keeping the mower blades
sharp and properly balanced is also important.
A leaf cut by a sharp blade will heal over more quickly
and lose less water than a leaf blade shredded by a dull
mower blade. Changing the direction of which you mow is
also a beneficial practice. When St. Augustine grass is
mown in the same direction for an extended period of time
it begins to develop ruts where the wheels travel caused
by the weight of the mower. As a result you will begin to
scalp the lawn or cut at a lower height than desired.
Proper mowing heights for St. Augustine
grass
Floratam (full sun) - 3 1/2 to 4 inches • Pursley
Seville (shade) - 3 inches
Mowing too short is the #1 cause of turf
decline to Florida Lawns according to the University of
Florida.
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