Haircut - an event that is held in order to improve the green lawn and preserve the aesthetics of the infield. To achieve the desired effect, you need to follow the schedule of garden procedures. When compiling it, it is necessary to take into account climatic conditions and varietal features of grass cover. In any case, you will have to spend time and make a lot of physical effort. In addition to haircuts, the list of mandatory procedures includes regular moisturizing and timely application of fertilizers.
Why mow the lawn
The condition of the lawn depends on how this procedure is carried out. A systematic lawn mowing offers the following benefits:
- lack of weeds;
- uniform growth of grass;
- the emergence of new shoots;
- formation of a reliable foundation;
- normal planting density.
Before cutting, you need to determine the level of grass cover.
Cutting off too much, the gardener risks losing all the plantings. This is due to the fact that the aerial part of the plant provides nutrition to the root system. With a lack of green mass, the grass will dry after cutting.
The first sign of a problem will be the appearance of characteristic spots.
If the haircut level is higher than required, the coating will become excessively thick. Because of this, there may be a lack of nutrients in the soil.
At a time, you need to remove no more than 1.5 cm.
Particular attention should be paid to the frequency of the procedure. If meadow crops have been planted on personal territory, the lawn will have to be mowed at least 2 times a month. Otherwise, the greens will have time to grow and complete its life cycle.
A systematic haircut benefits the green lawn. The turf formed as a result of this treatment prevents the germination of weeds and the evaporation of moisture. A lawn that is regularly mowed is more resistant to mechanical stress and sudden temperature changes than a site in a neglected state.
Tools used for mowing the lawn
To save time, gardeners use special units, such as lawn mowers. They vary in functionality, cost, type and engine power.
Gardening equipment from this category is manual (mechanical), electric, gasoline and battery. Tools are equipped with structures for collecting cut grass, aeration and soil loosening. Equipment of this type is most often purchased for processing impressive territories.
The characteristic features of mechanical lawn mowers include the lack of drive and the availability of energy. Electrics are compact and easy to control. Gas models are independent of standard power sources. The disadvantages of this equipment include the noise effect and the need for fuel and lubricants.
A trimmer is a universal tool that is suitable for the care of problem areas. The device is useful to gardeners who diversified the landscape design with flower beds, paths and other elements. The distinctive features of the equipment include budget cost, compactness, ease of use.
Professional lawns are often used for lawn care. This category includes:
- mowing machines. They can be gasoline and battery. The former are suitable for shortening tall grass in areas of impressive area; the latter are best used in small areas. The latter is due to the fact that the devices need regular recharging;
- riders, tractors for lawn. They are equipped with a steering system, cutting elements located frontally, and such useful additions as a trunk for trifles.
If the summer resident has a relatively small area at his disposal, he can do with special scissors. Using a set of different nozzles, you can adjust the lawn cover, give the form of shrubs and trees.
In this case, no special knowledge and skills are required. When selecting equipment, one should focus on personal preferences, financial capabilities, relief, area and shape of the personal plot.
Lawn mowing rules
In order for the haircut to lead to the desired result, the gardener should follow fairly simple rules:
- You need to mow with well sharpened tools.
- Before processing the grass must be “combed”, that is, carried out on a lawn cover with a fan rake.
- There should be no damage to the equipment.
- The procedure is not recommended in wet weather.
- The grass catcher must be regularly freed from collected material.
- The lawn should be cut starting from the edge.
Timing and cutting height
Lawn grass grows actively throughout the growing season, which lasts from April to October.
The first lawn mowing usually occurs at the end of May.
An action plan is drawn up, guided by the recommendations of specialists.
Particular attention should be paid to such a factor as the height of the grass cover.
Start mowing only if the grass after the last mowing has grown by no less than 1.5 cm.
The lawn is mowed 7-10 days after laying.
The ground must be moistened before cutting. Mowing on dry soil can damage the root system of plants.
A running lawn is freed from excess grass in two steps.
At the first stage, the ends are shortened, at the second, swathing is carried out at the desired level. It is determined taking into account the type of lawn.
The grass and ground grass are mowed at a level of 3-4 cm; in landscape gardening areas, the height of the grass should be from 4 to 7 cm.
The uniformity and density of the grass cover depends on the quality of the first haircut. The latter depends on the state of the terrestrial part of the plant. If deformation occurs during cutting, the formation of a green lawn can slow down significantly.
The first mowing is carried out only after the height of the grass reaches 10 cm. The weather on the day of treatment should be dry and moderately warm. Only the tops are removed. Thus ensure uniform growth of green mass. Cut mass must be removed. Watering is carried out in the morning or in the evening.
When cold weather sets in, the lawn should be regularly cleared of fallen leaves.
The last time the lawn mowed in late autumn. The lawn is processed according to the standard algorithm. The lower the temperature, the higher the haircut level. In this case, it should vary within 4-5 cm.
On frosty days, it is not recommended to touch the site. Walking on wet grass is also prohibited. Otherwise, the turf will be restored too long.
With an abundance of precipitation, the green area has to be mowed more often than in dry weather. This is due to a more active growth of greenery.
Work required before, during and after cutting
In order for the haircut to be successful, the gardener must conduct a series of preparatory work. It includes cleaning garbage, stones and fallen leaves, checking equipment, combing the lawn with a broom or fan rake. With a large number of weeds, the plot can be treated with herbicides. Thanks to the last procedure, the grass will rise, which will greatly facilitate the process of cutting.
The quality of care for lawn crops is determined by the presence of special skills. The gardener should consider factors such as:
- specificity and scope of work;
- equipped with tools;
- relief features;
- the composition of the grass mixture used during planting.
Blades must be sharpened before cutting.
It should be noted that the mower should be directed along or across the site.
And you need to do this alternately. Cut and shredded grass is left on the lawn only in dry, warm weather. Otherwise, earthworms and signs of rot will appear.
Timely harvesting of mowed grass will reduce the risk of weeds.
You cannot mulch grass that has grown by more than 8-10 cm. Otherwise, the lawn will take on a sloppy appearance.
A haircut is included in the list of activities that must be carried out during preparation for the winter. Ignoring this item can lead to the death of the lawn.
Lawn - an element of landscape design, for the design of which, in addition to free time and labor, financial investments will be required. If the gardener follows the correct cultivation technology and the advice of professionals, the result will not be long in coming.
