RADIO TRANSCRIPT
Matt Rodriguez
Date: May 10th, 2024

Hello, this is Matt Rodriguez, horticulture agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center.

Wow! How fast a year goes! It’s time to get back on the mower again.  The abundant rainfall has been wonderful for our thirsty lawns, but remember not to mow the lawn when wet. You will bog down the mower and make uneven cuts.

To keep that lawn growing vigorously, there are some good management practices that must be followed.  Never allow the grass to get more than five inches tall before mowing.  Cut fescue lawns to a height of three inches now and in July start cutting at a height of three and a half inches. It’s important to let your clippings fall back on the lawn and provide good organic material for the lawn.

Never let tall grass stay on the lawn.  This opens up your lawn to disease as well as smothers the existing grass. Repeat mowing may be needed to even the lawn up.  Do not fertilize in hot weather.  If the lawn has not been fertilized before March 1st, wait until the fall to fertilize.

Make sure mower blades are sharp.  Winter is an excellent time to have this done.  Mowing with dull blades gives the lawn a ragged appearance.

A vigorously growing, green and healthy lawn is not impossible.  Proper mowing and fertilizing techniques take care of most problems and the end result is well worth the effort and remember Mow Frequently-Mow high

This is Matt Rodriguez with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center.  If you would like more information on this program you can call us at 828-764-9480.