A sharp mowing or some lawn and hedge care tips

How to mow your lawn: 10 golden rules

If you don’t take these nuances into account, the grass can turn brown or dry out, moss can appear on the lawn, diseases can infect the grass – in short, there are problems that could have been avoided.

Rule 1: The first time you mow your lawn

The beauty and longevity of a lawn depend on the care that is given to it. And here, especially in the first few years after a lawn is planted, care is important: cleaning, watering, fertilizing, and mowing weeds.

The grass will tell you when to mow your lawn for the first time after planting. When it reaches a height of 8-10 cm, it’s time to meet the lawnmower. However, at this point it is important not to overdo it, as experts recommend cutting no more than 1.5 cm at the first cut, that is, cut only the tips of the grass. As a result of this procedure the grass begins to grow better, it becomes thicker and lush, and the root system of the plants is strengthened. After work, do not forget to remove the mowed grass and water the lawn.

Further mowing depends on the type of lawn. In the first 2 years, if it is not yet fully trained, the height of the grass should be 1-2 cm higher than it should be.

It is recommended to mow the turf 1-1.5 weeks after the first mowing.

Thereafter, start the first mowing in spring when the grass reaches a height of at least 8 cm, usually this occurs in the middle lane around the middle of May.

Rule 2: How to prepare for lawn mowing

Mowing the lawn should be preceded by a preparation phase:

1. Walk around the lawn and remove any objects that may interfere with the work: toys, furniture, garden sculptures, etc.
2. To avoid injury, clear the area of small debris, branches and rocks. Remember that the lawnmower knew that high-speed turns turn every branch or pebble into a weapon that can have bad consequences.
3. Weed by hand or, if there are many, remove with herbicides.
4. “Comb” the lawn surface with a fan or stiff broom. This process should be done before the first mowing of the season and before the last wintering. Combing removes dry grass and moss. In addition, the dense earth blanket is destroyed, making it impossible for oxygen to penetrate to the roots. This improves ventilation and the grass begins to grow better.
5. Check the tool, and sharpen the lawn mower blades if necessary.
6. Use lawn scissors and cut grass in hard-to-reach areas: near beds, trees, curbs, fences, etc. Scissors will also help clean the edges of the lawn.

Rule 3. What to do with the grass clippings after mowing the lawn?

The first question that arises after mowing the lawn is whether grass cuttings should be cleared. There is no simple answer. To leave or remove the grass – it depends on the situation.

During dry and hot summers, it is best not to remove the lawn after mowing. It acts as a mulch, holds moisture in the ground and protects it from overheating. A layer of mulch helps the grass tolerate adverse weather conditions more easily.

But during a normal summer, especially in rainy weather, it is advisable to remove the grass from the lawn immediately after mowing. Otherwise, it prevents moisture from evaporating, which leads to moss and contributes to the formation of mildew.

• Rules of care for Scrooge grass lawns in the cottage – laying the grass after mowing is a serious problem.

Rule 4. How often to mow your lawn

The frequency of mowing depends on many factors:

• Variety of grass;
• Time of year;
• Weather conditions;
• Climate zone;
• Soil fertility;
• Site location, etc.

The following lawn mowing frequency is recommended:

• In the spring, during active grass growth, mow the lawn 1-2 times per week.
• In summer, the frequency is reduced every 1.5 weeks.
• In the fall, when grass growth slows down, every 2 weeks.

If the grass has managed to grow taller than 10 cm between mowings, it should be mowed more often. But you should not do it, as removing the heads too often disturbs their vital functions: they get stressed, lose a lot of moisture and have to work hard to regenerate. You should only mow when the grass is 1.5 to 2 cm longer than is necessary for the type of lawn.

• Lawn drying out: Why does the lawn turn yellow on the site, what are the causes of lawn drying out and simple remedies 12.

Rule 5 How high should I cut the lawn?

The height at which you cut the grass depends on the type of lawn:

• The classic steppable (parade) lawn, which decorates open areas of the territory, should have a height of 1 to 2 cm. But at our latitudes, grass of this length will quickly dry out and become tough. So for natural turf we recommend a grass height of 3 – 4 cm.
• Gartenpark lawns are the most common types of lawn cut to a height of 4 to 7 cm.
• Functional lawn (it is used for children’s games, picnic, recreation, etc.) has the same height-4-7 cm.
• Sports lawns are used for sports games, so they contain grass, resistant to trampling. The height of grass on such a lawn is 3-4 cm.

In dry periods, the height of the lawn should be increased by a few centimetres to prevent it from drying out.

• Summer lawn care – Discover the secrets of a beautiful lawn and how to fertilize and mow your lawn in the summer to help keep it looking its best for years to come.

Rule 6. What time of day is best to mow your lawn

• Choose a cloudy, dry day to work on. Under these conditions, the grass takes the stress of mowing easier and recovers faster.
• It is best to start mowing in the morning or evening. In the heat of the day, it is harder to work and not as useful: the cut ends dry out and quickly turn yellow.
• It is desirable to cut the lawn on a quiet day. It is very difficult to mow grass that burns evenly from the wind. Therefore, it is better to participate in mowing when the grass is upright.

Rule 7. Can I mow my lawn after rain?

Can I mow my lawn after rain? This is a question many gardeners are asking. The answer is simply: Don’t do it. There are several reasons for this:

• Rods on different parts of the lawnmower make it difficult to move the blade and can even lead to a breakdown of the equipment. In addition, you’ll have to constantly clean vegetation off the equipment, and that slows things down.
• Moisture on the grass puts the blades at a standstill. As a result, instead of an even cut, the edges remain marked and the lawn gets a sloppy look. In addition, wet plants often pull out of the ground with root rods in the lawn, which has to be reseeded.
• Mowing wet grass is dangerous to your health. It’s easy to hatch on it, and this can have unpredictable and fatal consequences if your lawn mower is in good working order.
• If you have electrical appliances, mowing during or immediately after rain is strictly prohibited, as there is a high chance of electrocution at this time.

Rule 8: How to mow your lawn properly

To enjoy your lawn for years to come, you need to follow a few rules each time you mow it:

1. The lawn should be mowed only with a sharp tool. Otherwise, the ends of the grass must not be cut – they crumple, making the lawn look untidy. In addition, using a blurred tool results in brown tips.
2. Change the direction of the mower each time you mow: mow along or over the lawn. This will help you achieve a flat area.
3. When mowing, do not remove more than 1/3 of the grass height or it will be difficult to regrow after mowing. If you miss the time and the grass has grown back, mow the lawn in several stages and remove no more than a third of the height each time.

Rule 9. What’s the best way to mow your lawn

The list of devices with which to mow the lawn is quite large. Which one do you prefer? It depends on many factors:

• The size of the lawn;
• financial capabilities;
• Health, etc.

Let’s list the main devices and their advantages:

1. Trimmer – suitable for work in areas with difficult terrain; You can also remove grass from hard-to-reach places; Low price. However, it is almost impossible to achieve a perfect lawn with all the grass in the same amount.
2. Lawn mower is easy to use; Does not require a lot of physical strength; Suitable for creating a “lawn of coverage”.
3. Rider or mini-rider is ideal for working on large areas; You can remove not only hard outer grass.

• Choosing a trimmer and lawnmower for women – 10 comfortable and inexpensive options Trimmer is too heavy, its cord lends itself to your feet, but doesn’t want to go? Perhaps you just picked the wrong model.

Rule 10. When is the last time you should mow your lawn?

How do you prepare your lawn for winter? Mowing your lawn is on the list of preventative measures required in lawn care. If the grass is left over the winter, it is a field and disrupts the growth of young vegetation in the spring. In addition, the resulting cover increases the risk of disease.

The final time to mow your lawn in the fall depends on the air temperature. If the fall is early and cold, it should be done in mid-September. If the temperature does not drop below 10 ° C, and the grass continues to grow, then the last mowing is postponed to a later date – about mid-October.

The work should be done on a warm, quiet day. If the cuts are small, you can leave the grass on the lawn after mowing: it protects the floor from freezing in winter. The height of the grass for the winter remains 1-2 cm above the lawn laid for this type.

• Preparing the lawn for winter: what you need to do in the fall to make the lawn extensive Tips for preparing the lawn for winter.

One of the main prerequisites for an emerald green lawn is proper mowing. We hope that our tips will help you with this issue.

How and when to cut your hedge: Advice from specialists

Cutting a hedge is a regular procedure that allows you to maintain the beauty and original appearance of trees, shrubs, which are used as a fence. Carrying out such a procedure is an enjoyable and creative activity, but it requires certain skills. In this article, we will understand the subtleties of pruning fences.

What is the need and frequency of pruning

For hedge trimming to be as effective as possible, it is recommended that it be done at the right time. For preventive pruning it is necessary to choose the spring and summer season. Such a culture contains thinning of the crown and removal of old and broken branches. Mandatory condition after the procedure is the disposal or discarding of old branches, as they can serve as a breeding ground for the reproduction of diseases and pests. Sanitizing is most relevant for flowering plants.

If we talk about coniferous trees and shrubs, which are used for green hedges, the procedure is best carried out in spring or late autumn.

Usually the process is carried out once a year, but sometimes carry out the procedure and up to three times in one year. Repeat the pruning process in late summer, when the new shoots have grown and are beyond the growth lines of the green hedge.

Cutting shrubs and hedges is carried out not only for aesthetic purposes. It primarily keeps shrubs in proper and healthy shape.

• Free nests of wild birds, as you can damage shrubs and trees, pamper the landscaping.
• Prevent clogging of walkways and paths;
• Reduce thick foliage and long branches from entering the hedge.

Remember that a hedge without pruning does not have a beautiful appearance, branches stick out and leaves fall off.

What tools are used to trim hedges

In order to make the procedure as easy and simple as possible, without causing any harm, it is necessary to choose the right tool for the work. In most cases, a tire plate is used for such purposes. There are the following types:

• Gas (or gasoline-powered) garden hedge trimmer. They have powerful engines that quickly and cleanly cut even the thickest branches. You have no attachment to extension cords, so you can work with such trimmers anywhere. The engines in gas trimmers are two-stroke, so you need a thorough mixture of oil and gas to do the necessary action.
• WIRED EENCRYPTION TRIMMERS. These are electric trimmers, they are as convenient as possible, they do not need special maintenance. They have no traction cable, no gas, no exhaust. The use of electric devices is relevant for people who have small live fences, and there are electric socks nearby.
• Battery-powered hedge trimmer. This option of devices has recently gained popularity because their properties are much better than other devices. These devices allow you to navigate the site without problems, and the sound is much quieter than electric devices. When buying batteries, it is recommended to check the package, so that the package contains both the charger and the battery.
• Garden shears. The simplest and most necessary tool in every gardener. An excellent option for trimming small branches, small shrubs and hedges.

The hedge trimmer is also used. Such brushcutters are usually based on chain saws. They are equipped with a power unit with a two-stroke engine. The cutting part looks like a double-sided trimmer up to 1 m long. Such devices cope even with branches that are more than 2 centimeters thick. Up to 50 metres of hedge can be cut in one hour.

Technology for cutting hedges of different types of plants

The technique described below will work for most shrubs and trees, regardless of which hedge trimmer is used. The cutting of the plants starts at the bottom, after which it should gradually ascend to the top. The cutting bar rotates slowly but steadily. Do not let the cutter bar cut deep into the bushes on the first pass, as this can result in a large number of branches being removed at once.

It is best to make several small passes, removing only a few mm at a time.

It is very important to cut the sides of the hedge at a certain angle. This will make the hedge wider at the bottom and slightly narrower at the top. This will allow sunlight to reach the root system and lower branches. As a result, the greenery will become lush and vibrant.

To trim the top of a hedge, the trimmer’s cutting bar is held straight and smooth and moved slowly from left to right.

When removing shrubs and trees which are already fairly mature, remember to remove the cut leaves and branches in good time. This is done by hand or with a rake.

Pruning a hedge with a Thuja

The Thuja variety was bred specifically for beautiful hedges and therefore does not need particularly thorough pruning. Thuas need their first year to get established, so you don’t start cutting them until the 2nd or 3rd year. To do this, use secateurs, remove only the upper shoots, as well as lateral branches that disturb the shape.

Thuya are characterized by year-round growth, so they can be pruned at any time of the year.

After a coniferous hedge is formed, all that remains is to maintain its shape. For this purpose, electric or gasoline scissors, gasoline saws are used. In the absence of such devices, you can use ordinary pruning shears. It is better not to use secateurs, as they do not give beautiful and clear lines.

Pruning spruce for hedges

For spruce, sanitary and shaping pruning is used. The first consists in the removal of all dead, sick and weak shoots. The second is carried out 1 time per season for normal varieties, as well as 2-3 times for fast-growing ones. Algorithm of performance of all actions:

1. Stretch a twine along the length of the fence to determine the width and length of the frame.
2. Trim the tree at the top of the fence and on the sides.
3. To do everything as correctly and beautifully as possible, use a hedge trimmer, garden shears and a hacksaw.
4. It is best not to touch the tops, or if you do remove them, only half the length.

To make sure that the hedge develops densely and compactly, be sure to prune the side shoots.

Cutting a hedge of buckthorn

The first pruning of a hedge of vesicular is formed, it is carried out immediately after planting on the plot. Branches up to 15 cm in height are left, the rest are removed. After a year, it is necessary to remove half of the shoots to strengthen the root system and stimulate plant growth. Branches are shortened by about 6 cm.

Further measures are to maintain the desired shape of the rosette on a regular basis. The best time to do this is in the autumn after the end of the growing season. First, the upper shoots are removed, and the side shoots are not touched.

Some useful tips for pruning hedges

Some of the most important nuances to follow when pruning green hedges include:

• Use only sharp, clean blades. Always keep the hedge clippers sharp. Otherwise you may damage the plant and cut the branches. Cleanliness of tools is also important. Germs and bacteria can stick to dirty tools and then get into open wounds on the branches. To prevent this, it is recommended that you clean your instruments regularly.
• Choose the right time for the procedure. Consider periods with slower growth and cooler temperatures. The intervention is best done in the evening if there is no direct ultraviolet light.
• Make a framework to give the hedge the perfect shape. Such a frame forms a tension with which you can remove any branches that extend beyond the created shape.
• Spreading or moldy branches are best removed. They do not regenerate, affect the aesthetic appearance, and can lead to the development of diseases and pests.

Also remember that the more frequent and moderate the trimming, the thicker and more compact your green hedge will begin to develop.