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Table 1. Recommended
Turfgrass Mowing Heights
|
| Turfgrass
Type |
Mower Setting
(inches)
|
Mow When
Grass
Reaches This Height(inches)
|
| Bermudagrass (common) |
1 to 1-1/2 |
1-1/2
to 2-1/4 |
| Bermudagrass (hybrid) |
1/2 to 1 inch |
3/4
to 1-1/2 |
| Buffalograss |
1 to 2 |
1-1/2
to 3 |
| Kentucky Bluegrass |
1-1/2 to 2-1/2 |
2-1/4
to 3-3/4 |
| Kikuyugrass |
1 to 1-1/2 |
1-1/2
to 2-1/4 |
| Perennial Ryegrass |
1-1/2 to 2-1/2 |
2-1/4
to 3-3/4 |
| St. Augustinegrass |
1 to 2 |
1-1/2
to 3 |
| Tall Fescue |
1-1/2 to 3 |
2-1/4
to 4-1/2 |
| Zoysiagrass |
1/2 to 1-1/2 |
3/4
to 2-1/4 |
|
Mower Options
Many types of mowers adapt to grasscycling.
Mowers with a safety flap covering the opening where the
bag fits into the chute offer the option of simply removing
the bag. Mowers without a flap, or a plug for the chute,
may be adapted to retrofitting. Contact a reputable dealer
to inquire about the availability of purchasing a retrofit
kit
Major lawnmower manufacturers now offer mulching or
recycling mowers which cut grass blades into small pieces
before reapplying them to the turfgrass. Horsepower rating
is very important when purchasing a mulching mower; a
model supplying at least 4 or 5-hp is recommended. Convertible
mulching mowers should have blades that can conveniently
be changed. Otherwise, they may end up being used for
only one purpose, defeating its intended dual use. Studies
indicate that seasonal mowing time can be reduced by 50
percent or more when mulching or recycling mowers are
used compared to conventional bagging and disposal operations.
Additionally, the potential for back strains and injuries
is reduced, which can equate to significant savings on
health care costs and workers compensation.
In some cases, grasscycling is not appropriate. Examples
are instances when the grass is too wet or when it has
not been regularly mowed and is too tall. Options such
as composting and mulching are viable alternatives to
grasscycling in these cases.
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Thatch
Thatch is comprised of lignin-containing
roots, stems, rhizomes, crowns and stolons, and decomposes
relatively slowly. Since turfgrass clippings are approximately
80 percent water and contain only small amounts of lignin,
they decompose rapidly. Research conducted in California
indicates that grasscycling may slightly increase the amount
of thatch buildup, but the benefits outweigh the disadvantages
in most situations. Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass and
kikuygrass produce more thatch than most other turfgrasses,
and require regular dethatching whether the site is grasscycled
or not. A ½-inch layer of thatch provides insulation to
roots, reduces soil water evaporation, cushions playing
surfaces, and may prevent soil compaction.
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