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Let Summer Grass Grow

by KYW's Phran Novelli

Have you raised the blade on your lawnmower yet? In the summer, it's much better to let your grass grow a bit higher. Taller grass grows deeper roots, protects it from burning, crowds out weeds and keeps their seeds from germinating, and shades the soil so you don't have to water so often. Since grass grows much more slowly in the heat of summer, even at a higher height, you can mow much less often than twice a month or so - even less if it doesn't rain.

The best summer height for your lawn depends on exactly the kind of grass you grow. But the rule to remember is: never cut off more than 1/3 of the grass length at one time. That way, you'll never scalp your lawn, which could leave it scorched and brown. Best of all, when you only cut off 1/3 at a time, you can leave those short clippings on your lawn – which is not only easier for you, it's also fabulous food for your grass.

(Photo: by Phran Novelli)

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