By Katie Lamar Jackson | March 2009

• Introduction
• Mowing
• Cutting height, fertilizing and types of grass
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Cutting height, fertilizing and types of grass

Once you have figured out how you’re going to cut your grass, keep in mind the importance of cutting height. Turf-grasses each have ideal cutting heights that are individual to their variety, recommendations for which are available from turf producers and your local Extension office or other landscape professional. Find out the proper height for your type of grass and stick to that height each time you mow. Try to mow often enough so that you are never removing more than one-third of the turf-grass height at any one time. This will keep the lawn healthy and also reduce the volume of grass clippings on your lawn.

Proper fertilization is yet another component of sustainable lawn care. Test your soil to see what nutrients it needs before you apply any fertilizer, use only the amount of fertilizer called for—too much costs you money and may damage the environment; too little will not optimize your lawn’s potential. Slow-release fertilizers also tend to be less harmful to the environment, and will not send your grass into a growth surge.

Finally, think about the type of grass you have in your lawn and if it is really well suited for your environment and management situation. New turf-grass varieties and cultivars are constantly being released that may prove to be better options than what is in your yard now. Also, think about something besides traditional turf-grass for at least part of your lawn area. Other options include ornamental grasses, clovers, wildflowers and mosses and other groundcovers.

Katie Lamar Jackson is a writer, editor and photographer for the Alabama Agricultural Experimental State and Auburn University school of agriculture.