Mowing Bermuda grass is often the most difficult grass to mow.  The reason is because more often than not the wrong lawn mower is used.  Bermuda grass needs to be cut to a height of 1 - 1.5 inches.  Most rotary lawn mowers aren't capable of mowing that low without scalping the lawn.

Scalping is what happens when a wheel on your rotary mower drops into a small rut and causes the blade to dip down and scalp the grass.  When your bermuda is scalped a half moon shape appears where the blade has torn into the lower section of grass which is quite unsightly not to mention very stressful on your lawn.

To keep your bermuda from getting scalped a reel mower is about the only real option.  If you're stuck with a rotary mower your only option is to raise the blade.  This will keep your lawn from being scalped but won't allow you to get the nice low even cut like we enjoy on the golf course.   While reel mowers are more expensive they do provide a much more even cut, lower to the ground (in the sweet spot for bermuda), and will never scalp your grass.

In either case, reel or rotary mower, keep your blades sharp.  You should sharpen your mower blade at least once per year.  This will keep the blades from being ripped which will in turn keep your lawn disease free and use less water.   A dull blade can also cause your lawn to look a bit yellow where the blades have been torn.  What are you waiting for?  Get that blade sharpened!

Mowing Heights Throughout the Year

For the first cut of the year you'll want to cut off the tips of the grass before its completely out of dormancy.  This will expose the ground to the sun and begin warming the soil.  Scalping the grass to the ground is not recommended nor is burning the dead grass.

A good starting point in the early spring is the 1" range.  As the summer wears on your may consider raising the blade up to 2".  It's critical that you never remove more that 1/3 of the blade of grass, so if you miss a week you'll need to raise your blade to keep from really stressing out your lawn.  In the fall you'll want to let your bermuda go dormant without excessive mowing.

Bagging Bermuda Grass

A lot of research has been conducted on whether bagging bermuda grass is beneficial.  It has been shown that leaving the clippings on the lawn will return nitrogen to the soil and eventually save you money on fertilizer.  It has also been shown that your lawn is not any more likely to be disease prone or thatch problems.  Let the clipping naturally decompose.

There is a wide selection of lawn mowers to chose from for residential use. Gas powered and electric models in a wide variety of types are available. For those that wish to combine exercise with their chores there are people powered reel-type push mowers.

Determining exactly what type of lawn mower to use is dependent on a variety of circumstances. The size of the lawn, the topography of the land (flat, rolling or somewhat hilly) and the number of obstacles to cut around (trees or flower/garden beds) are some of the considerations. The physical ability of the individual mowing must also be considered. An older individual with a rather large lawn may want a self-propelled or riding lawnmower – on the other hand even an older individual who is interested in maintaining their health and vigor may look forward to a bit of a workout when mowing with a push type mower. Price is also a consideration and prices range from about $75 to several thousand dollars depending on the particular model and the attachments that can be used. Another consideration, particularly for smaller yards may be environmental friendliness. Electric models or people powered mowers are non-polluting whereas the gas models do emit green-house gases. Finally, a lawn mower needs to be stored to avoid exposure to the corrosive effects of weather. Obviously the larger the mower and the greater the number of attachments, the larger the space for storage will need to be.

Large or small wheels, with or without grass catchers, mulching blades, width of cut, reliability and dependability of a particular manufacturer and the personal desires of the individual who is actually doing the lawn mowing are among the other variables.

Perhaps the best way to determine the type of lawn mower to be used is to listen and observe what is occurring in your own neighborhood. Talk to neighbors about their particular likes and dislikes with the mower they are using. They will likely have advice about different models and manufacturers as well as information about efficiency. Once information is gathered, it might be prudent to consult a buyer or consumer guide and read about the different models being considered.

One thing is certain, lawn mowing will be among the many home owner chores that will have to accomplished at very regular intervals. Selecting the right product to meet your needs is an essential element of possessing an eye-pleasing lawn.

Mowing lawns for some may be drudgery, but it is a labor of love for those that wish to maintain a healthy and well manicured lawn. Regular mowing insures healthy turf and mowing at the appropriate intervals will not only insure a beautiful lawn, but will provide sustenance for the root systems.

Most grasses should be maintained at a height of about 2 inches during the spring and fall and at 2½ -3 ½ inches during the hot summer months. The reason for the higher height during the summer insures that shade is provided for the underlying growth and higher growth enhances the retention of moisture in the soil, thereby reducing requirements for watering. Higher blades of grass also serve as a natural barrier to weed growth. The higher the grass is allowed to grow in the summer (without reaching excessive heights) the better it is.

The most critical rule for determining the best time to mow is to insure that no more than 1/3 of the grass blades are cut at any one time. Cutting more than this length will damage the grass. First, it will deposit more thatch in the form of cuttings on your lawn than is healthy and second, the root system and small shoots of growth will be quickly exposed to the harsh summer sun which causes stress on the plants.

The 1/3 rule means that grass will likely require more frequent mowing in the spring and fall when the grass has just been fertilized and is growing rapidly and less often during the hot summer months when growth is slower.

The best time of the day to mow is late in the day or during the evening. The fact is that mowing damages the plant and it will take a day or two for the grass to fully recover. Mowing in the evening provides about 12 hours of respite for the grass from the sun. Mowing in the morning means that the stressed grass will be subjected to the sun much quicker and if there is morning dew on the lawn the grass will be cheated from the rejuvenating effects of the moisture because mowing will hasten evaporation.

In short, the best time to mow the grass is when it needs it – keeping in mind the 1/3 rule and one should mow in the evenings to reduce stress on the grass.

Sharpen Your Blade

Imagine for a minute you've just woken up from a good nights sleep. You walk to the bathroom to take care of the three 'S's. After a nice hardy #2, and a nice hot shower, you hop out to shave your face. To your chagrin you have to use a year old shaver. Well, now you know how your lawn feels when you don't sharpen your lawn mower blade. Using a dull blade to mow your grass could rip any new growth out by the roots and will certainly leave your grass with jagged edges. Do yourself and your lawn a favor and sharpen the mower blade at least once a year.

Mower Blade Height

Rule #1: Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade in any one mowing. If your wife, kids, work, rain, or your general laziness keep you from staying on top of your lawn mowing schedule, raise up the cutting height so you only remove 1/3 of the blade. A couple of days later, lower the blade and remove another 1/3 until you've got your lawn back to its normal length. That'll teach you to procrastinate. It's either that or break rule #1. If you break rule #1 then your grass will probably lose to much moisture and the sun will burn it up the next day.

If you're not sure how long your grass should be simply reference the table below. These are only ideal lengths for your grass as each lawn is different. Use these as a guideline on where to start. If in doubt raise up your blade a 1/2" just to be safe.

Generally speaking its probably sufficient to mow your grass once a week. On occasion it may be necessary to mow your grass after about 4-5 days especially after heavy rains and application of lawn fertilizer.

Mowing Patterns

The most simple pattern to mow your grass is in straight rows, starting with the longest side of your yard. This will help keep your rows nice a straight and give your lawn a tidy look. As time progresses you should consider a hefty upgrade to the diagonal pattern. This gives your lawn a very professional look and many of your neighbors may just think you've hired a lawn service.

One other important note about mowing patterns. From week to week you should try to cut your rows or diagonals in different directions. This keeps your grass growing in an upright fashion. This also keeps you from forming grooves or ruts in your lawn. Another ofter forgotten benefit is your sanity. Mowing your grass in the same direction keeps your brain from having to learn new tricks.

Bagging vs. Mulching

By following Rule #1 and not bagging your lawn, you'll save you a lot of time and reduce the amount of fertilizer your lawn needs by up to 25%. A mulching lawn mower is also a great investment as it will finely chop your grass clips and allow then to fall down between the blades of grass. If you've got kids or pets you may have to bag your clippings in order to keep them from tracking grass back into the house. If bagging your grass is a necessity, remember to check your bag often to keep grass from clumping when the bag gets full. Also ensure you dispose of your clippings properly. It is illegal in many places to send your clippings to the dump. A compost pit is a great alternative if you have the space.