Mellor's Mowing Tips

The first key to a successful mowing pattern is a healthy, green lawn. Patterns are most effective on symmetrical or rectangular lawns.

The patterns also stand out better on lawns without a lot of rolling terrain, trees or shrubs that might interrupt the "flow."

Grasses that are best for patterns are Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryes. Bermudas are not very effective.

Be patient, take your time, have fun and be creative.

• Cut grass at least once a week, trying not to remove more than one third of the blade in any cutting. If you let clippings fall, it's an excellent way of returning nutrients to the soil.
• Keep mower blades sharp to ensure a crisp cut and prevent disease.
• Do a soil test. It will help you determine what kind and how much fertilizer to use. County co-operative extension agents can help you with soil test information for your area.
• Read fertilizer instructions carefully. Don't assume that if a little is good a lot must be better. Slow fertilizers last longer and don't promote a "flush" of growth.

A good resource book is Lawn Care for Dummies, available at most bookstores. You can find more tips on dummies.com or email David Mellor at dmellor@execpc.com.

• Maintain patterns by going back over lines, or every other line, to etch them in.
• Change mowing pattern and direction every third week so the grass doesn't get stressed or weak.
• To make straight lines, don't look down! Pick a point in the distance and mow straight to it. Go slowly. (Tip: If you have an upstairs window, a bird's eye view can help you spot-check your progress.)
• Make turns off the lawn, if possible. It will not only mean cleaner lines but will decrease stress at the turn points. Otherwise, make "Y" turns and lift the blades off the ground as you turn.
• A mower with blades that turn in an upright position (as opposed to most horizontal rotary mowers) will help promote patterns because it naturally lays down the blades.
• Use a roller with water added for weight. Some garden centers sell rollers or they can be rented.
• Also, check to see if your dealer or landscape center can outfit rollers on the back of your mower. Be careful when using weighted rollers that they are not too heavy. You only want to bend the grass blades, not compact the soil.

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