1) Proper Mowing

• • The 1/3 Rule: The typical rule of thumb for mowing is you never want to cut more than 1/3 of the blade of grass at once.  Cutting more than 1/3 of the blade could weaken the grass causing the lawn to become more susceptible to heat stress, disease and weeds.
  • Mowing Frequency: It is much more important to cut your lawn based on shoot growth; rather than schedule dates. In the cooler spring months Fescue lawns may need to be cut 2 times a week compared to dry summer months when the grass grows at a much slower rate. Bermuda lawns may need to be cut two times a month during the heat of the summer when the grass is its most active.
  • Mowing Height: Fescue Lawns should be mowed at a height of 3-4 inches, 4 inches is recommended in the summer months. Bermuda Lawns should be mowed at a height of .75 in – 2 inches.
  • Mowing Patterns: The direction you mow your grass should be changed every time you mow the lawn. This helps ensure the grass doesn’t get matted down in one direction.

2) Proper Watering

• • Shorter more frequent watering is much more beneficial to the overall health of the lawn.  It is scientifically proven to reduce disease.  If your goal is to water an area of your lawn for a total of 105 minutes per week, break it up to 15 minutes per day.
  • Not all areas of properties receive the same amount of sunlight per day. If some areas seem to be looking drier than others, the drier areas may require additional watering time.
  • Lawns typically require different amounts of water depending on the temperature, season and the amount of recent rainfall the lawn has received.

3) Ensuring your lawn has the proper nutrients.

• • A healthy lawn needs fertilizer with a higher amount of nitrogen than other nutrients like potassium and phosphorus. Nitrogen is the nutrient responsible for shoot growth, around 4 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft.  is sufficient for a mature lawn. We recommend having lawn care professionals apply fertilizers to ensure the lawn is getting the correct amount of nutrients.

Give Dorsey Lawn & Landscape a call or visit us online to discuss lawn care service in Raleigh and we will create a comprehensive programs tailored for your lawn.