last mow, low or high?

Bird · Oct 23, 2011

bobmisi said:
I've researched this several times and last mow of the season should be short. Less chance of developing diseases, fungus, etc. as well as not getting matted over the winter. Also will start growing quicker in the spring. If you leave it long it will not start new growth until after you mow it in the spring. Basically quicker green-up in the spring. All in all diseases and fungus should be the main reason though. I mow lawns for a living and it works far better for me. You should always fertilize in fall also. That is the most important application you can do, as it will get to the roots and stimulate growth without making the grass grow above ground that much.

Well, you convinced me to at least try it. Most of my neighbors mow their lawns very short year round. As I said, I've been going to 3.5" and even to 4" for awhile. And my yard was in dire need of mowing; something I've been putting off because the doctor who did my cataract surgery on the 13th of this month said no bending over, no lifting, and no rubbing the eye.

Yesterday morning, I first used the string trimmer, then I set my mower for 2" height and put the bagger on. I've got 10 contractor bags (42 gallon, 3 mil) packed so full I can hardly lift them. My garbage men may be a little unhappy with me tomorrow.

Then I applied Scotts Winterizer fertilizer and watered the yard. Then with another .46" of rain last night, it should be good.

And after doing practically nothing for 9 or 10 days, I was one worn out old man last night.:laughing:

Bird · Oct 24, 2011

I went for a 3:30 p.m. appointment with my ophthalmologist this afternoon. He said I should NOT have done that yard work with the bending and lifting.

But he said it looks like I got away with it and everything seems to be OK.

And while I'm typing this, our garbage truck showed up. The poor guy usually grabs a bag in each hand, but he quickly found that he had to use both hands on one bag at a time to lift them high enough to put in the packer truck.

So the ophthalmologist made an appointment for me on the 14th of next month, and assuming all will be well with the left eye, I'm already scheduled to do the right eye the next morning, the 15th, and see him early the next morning for him to check it AND NO BENDING OVER OR LIFTING until he checks it again after about 10 days.:laughing:

exNCite · Oct 27, 2011

I like short if for no other reason than once spring hits and the grass takes off, it does so quickly. Many times, the ground is really wet from spring thaw and rain and it's sometimes not that easy to get out and cut the heavy wet stuff. Other than that, I bow to those who have researched the issue based on the health of the grass.