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The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns

Mowing practices


Avoid damage by following proper mowing practices.

  • Make sure that you are mowing at the proper height for your turf species, and mow frequently enough that only one-third of the leaf blade is removed at any one time.
  • Make sure your mower blade is sharp.
Scalping
  
Dull mower blades

A scalped lawn

   Ragged grass blades Discolored lawn
Mowing too low or not often enough can cause scalping damage.   Dull mower blades can fray grass blades, causing them to discolor and making the lawn more susceptible to diseases or insects.
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Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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