The how, where, when and why of mowing

Grass mowing is without doubt one of the most popular services for Landscape Services, with over 85% of contracted customers choosing us for their grass maintenance. As a result we have developed an incredible fleet of machinery plus fully trained operatives to assist us in fulfilling the contracts we have.

With over 80 years of insider knowledge under our belts, we thought we’d share some of that industry know-how to help you get the most out of your gardens and green spaces, with or without our help!

Why do we mow?

Or more importantly, why should you mow. Regular mowing not only enhances the aesthetics of open spaces; it also acts as a barrier against weeds, debris and pests. Having a poorly kept lawn can encourage vermin and insects such as voles, moles and fleas to move in and make your grass unsightly and hazardous – not to mention itchy!

By keeping to a consistent mowing schedule, and keeping your grass neat and short, you're helping to create an environment where strong grass flourishes and unwanted weeds and pests are kept at bay.

Tell me more about what the benefits of mowing are

• With regular seasonal mowing you give healthy grass shoots the chance to thrive, resulting in open spaces which are greener, lusher, and more robust.
• Over time, mowing can create more uniform growth, and evenly mowed grass means even nutrient absorption, resulting in more consistent growth throughout and less patchy spots.
• With your grass in top condition, it will be better protected against unwanted challenges, such as pests, unpredictable weather, or disease. A well-maintained turf will also bounce back faster if damaged (after a sports match, for example).
• Regular, shorter cuttings can serve as a natural, nutrient-rich mulch without suffocating your grass.
  
  

How often should our green spaces be mowed?

In order for your green spaces to thrive it is important to mow regularly, particularly within the peak season ordinarily between March to October – weather dependent.

In season it’s usually recommended that grass is cut every two weeks to keep it looking uniform and tidy, but may require more or less depending on seasonal challenges, such as sporadic weather or water restrictions.

An out of season grass trim every now and then can help tidy up any debris like fallen leaves and small twigs, giving your green space a neat appearance year-round and the grass beneath a chance to ‘breathe’.

Can you mow wet grass?

Whilst it's possible to mow wet grass it's a practice that comes with risks. Wet grass tends to stick together, creating clumps as opposed to single blades. This issue can quickly lead to an uneven cut and potentially damage the overall health of the grass.

Here at Landscape Services, we're no stranger to the challenges of mowing wet grass – nor that infamous English weather - but even our experienced teams always approach wet grass with caution, and only cut under the right conditions.

Before firing up your mower on a drizzly morning it would be wise to seek the advice of a professional to ensure you are making the right decision for a well maintained, healthy lawn.

Why do some grass types stripe better than others?

The secret isn’t really a secret at all, but it does rely on several key factors;

• Certain grasses have bendy blades which refract light uniquely, crafting those stripes we love and offering a cleaner pattern. Fine grass options, like Ryegrass, are great for stripes due to their durability, whilst thicker varieties can bring better line definition – but keep it bendy. We’ve worked with customers who have many different grass states, and the majority can still achieve some great results once we know what we’re working with.
• When it comes to achieving that eye-catching, striped look, there's also a bit of science and art involved. The taller the grass, the more opportunity there is for those blades to bend and reflect sunlight, creating those satisfying patterns.
• Unsurprisingly, the direction of the sun is another important factor. To achieve the best striping effect, we assess where the sun shines in your open space. This will help determine the optimal starting direction for mowing. Getting this right from the get-go sets the stage for optimum results.
• We've found that double cutting the grass can work wonders in refining those lines, too. This technique not only sharpens the pattern but also trains the grass to bend in a specific direction over time, enhancing the overall, stripey appeal of your lawn.
  
  

Whilst the concept of grass striping might seem straightforward, mastering the equipment and techniques involved does take practice. Our skilled operatives have spent years developing their ability, which is why they approach mowing with confidence (and some top tech). With a bit of practice, you too can transform your green space into perfectly striped lawn.

Why invest in professional mowing services?

When you call for professionals like us to take care of your mowing for you, you need to feel assured that expertise and experience is factored into the service.

Commercial grass mowing is just one of the many services Landscape Services specialise in, and a key part of our success lies in the impressive array of equipment at our disposal. We own or lease over 1000 pieces of high-quality, top-of-the-range machinery, including a robust fleet of New Holland Tractors, a fantastic remote-control mower-mulcher and plenty of ride-on units. We're also one of the select few grounds maintenance companies that provide gang mowing and verti-draining, utilising cutting-edge equipment that's maintained by our in-house maintenance team.

So, while you’re certain to develop your own mowing ability over time, don’t forget you can always reach out to a professional for a hand - read more about our professional mowing services or give us a call!