Choosing the Best Lawnmower Height Setting?

Deanj

May 18, 20110 found this helpful

It is best to use a high setting.

cereza

May 19, 20110 found this helpful

There are two factors you should keep in mind. One, the type of grass and two, the shape of your yard.
You are trying not to kill the grass or create bald spots. The highest setting will prevent both of these things from happening. I think it is safe to say that you did not kill any of the grass with your current setting. I would go with it.

Frugal Sunnie
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May 23, 20110 found this helpful

It depends on your grass type, and the water available-a lot of people like to keep their grass a little longer to encourage strong, drought resistant roots-a grass root is only as long as it's blade.

Some grasses are more drought resistant than others, and some have cultural requirements that dictate the height-the best thing is to know what grass you have.

If it's a mix of different grasses, just mow it to a height slightly higher than your neighbours, lol-your lawn will retain colour better but won't attract disapproving looks or a letter from the HOA.

By the way, using a mulching blade, and cutting in the old 'checkerboard' pattern will scatter your clippings evenly across your lawn and save you the need for high nitrogen feeding. As the clippings break down they add nitrogen to the soil, and the green is absolutely beautiful! A little bit of extra work in the checkerboard cutting pattern, but well worth it for beauty and savings on expensive feeds. You can keep a bahia grass lawn looking stunning that way, and I can't think of a cheaper, more drought resistant lawn than one made of bahia. Watch that your neighbours or HOA aren't upset if you do have it, though, especially if they have the hugely pricey St Augustine or Bermuda grass lawns-if you're not careful, bahia will erm, migrate. :)