An Attractive, Healthy Lawn Is More Than Just Pleasing To The Eye
provided by: The Archbold Buckeye

During the summer months, many homeowners spend a few hours each week working in their yards for the benefit of having a finely-groomed plot of grass.

However, a healthy lawn is more than just pleasing to the eye.

Lawns play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and safe environment by cooling our neighborhoods, replenishing our oxygen supply, filtering our air and reducing noise pollution.

Additionally lawns that are free of weeds and mowed regularly protect allergy sufferers from weed pollen, help absorb smog-produced ozone and add to a home's value.

Having a healthy lawn begins with using proper mowing techniques.

• Maintain a regular mowing schedule to keep grass at desired height. Removing more than one-third of the grass' height can weaken its protection against disease and drought.
• Mow when grass is dry for a cleaner cut.
• Alternate mowing patterns to avoid uneven wear on the lawn.
• Keep the lawn mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear grass, leaving it susceptible to disease and drought.
• Leave the grass clippings on the ground. Grass clippings are 85 to 90 percent water, and "grass cycling" returns this water to the soil.
• "Grass cycling" also eliminates yard waste and serves as mulch to keep the ground cooler.
• Consider using a reel, push-type mower for a clean, scissor-cut.

The action of a reel mower sutures grass blades, helping grass retain much-needed moisture, unlike the rotary-action of power mowers, which rips and tears the grass blades, leaving them more vulnerable to disease.

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