Need some lawn mowing advice? Here's an expert view

Lisa Slattery, Linn County Master Gardener, offers the following on lawn advice:

What's with all the rain? It's been terrific for my flower beds (since I haven't had to water much this year) but it's making the grass grow like crazy!  I can't tell you how many times I've heard friends complain that they have to mow their lawns…again!  However with a lawn “bumper crop” it's important to keep in mind mowing guidelines and safety.

Yes – there is a proper way to mow a lawn.  Mowing height is important to the health of your lawn and how it'll handle hot summer weather.  Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season grasses (common in our landscapes) thrive in the cooler spring and fall weather.  Typical hot and dry summer conditions stress out these grasses.  Since we haven't had dry hot conditions our lawns are lush and growing well.  But it's still important to mow your lawn at a height of 3 to 3 ½ inches during the summer months and a height of 2 ½ to 3 inches in spring and fall.  The higher mowing height provides more food-producing foliage and promotes root growth.  You will mow more but have very healthy turf grass.

Mowing more often means paying more attention to mower safety.  Unfortunately accidents happen and often they involve children.  Make sure children understand that when parents are mowing, it's tough to hear them and see them.  It's best not to have young children in the area when mowing.  If your children are old enough to mow the lawn make sure you teach them how to mow safely.  A lawnmower is a cutting machine with sharp blades that can reach speeds of up to 200 mph.  Anything that a mower blade strikes can become a projectile, so it's a good idea to protect vision with eyewear and hearing with earplugs.

Before mowing make sure sticks, dog toys and other objects are removed.  Also note any items like buried rocks or tree roots that can't be moved and mow around them.  These can shatter a mower blade causing serious injury.  Never allow extra riders on rider mowers – particularly toddlers.

Mowing can be relaxing and considered time outside – even though it's an ongoing job – so enjoy the task at hand but be aware of your surroundings and any people or pets that could get in the way.