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Effect of grass mowing height on root development
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Author:  user_48634 [ Wed Mar 17, 2004 9:02 am ]
Post subject:  Effect of grass mowing height on root development

Many times I've mentioned on these forums that tall grass supports deeper roots. A picture is worth a thousand words.
This photo and caption are from How to build new topsoil by Christine Jones. I think the picture speaks for itself.


A photo from a Canadian research station
showing the root growth of bunchgrass plants
that were kept clipped at certain levels.

Image

Bunchgrasses grow in clumps as opposed to sod forming grasses which grow in mats. Turf is usually a sod forming grass but sometimes bunch grasses are sown so close together that they look like sod from up where we look.

Author:  ziggy [ Wed Mar 17, 2004 12:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

I have seen conflicting recommendations on mowing height for bermuda grass. Some say high, and some say really short. Which is it?

Author:  Mr. Clean [ Wed Mar 17, 2004 3:22 pm ]
Post subject: 

Mow your Bermuda grass LOW. Take it from someone who "thought" they could mow it at the same height as St. Augustine and Fescue. Even with an organic program producing healthy soil, the Bermuda suffered considerably and has actually died out in areas. This won't happen overnight, but did occur over 9 growing season.

Author:  user_48634 [ Wed Mar 17, 2004 3:45 pm ]
Post subject: 

There are three exceptions to mowing high: Bermuda, bent, and centipede. These can be mowed VERY low. Some bermudas go as low as 1/16 inch.

Author:  ziggy [ Wed Mar 17, 2004 5:33 pm ]
Post subject: 

Do I need to gradually lower my blade over several mowings or can I just whack it off now?

Author:  user_48634 [ Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:45 am ]
Post subject: 

Ziggy,
Assuming you have bermuda, lower it one notch now and mulch/mow it twice this week. Then lower it another notch next week and mulch/mow twice. Repeat until you are at the lowest setting.

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