Many garden owners reach for a mower too early, thinking that a few warmer days in March are a sign that the lawn is ready for the first cut. This is a serious oversight that results in the weakening of the turf and the appearance of thinning difficult to remove. After winter, the grass is weakened, and its root system requires time for reconstruction. Too quickly shortening the blades reduces their ability to regenerate, while increasing the risk of dying of plants. The result is not only a less aesthetic lawn, but also the need for later, more time -consuming repair treatments.
The key factor determining the moment of the first mowing is the height of the blades. The grass should achieve at least 6-8 centimetersbefore it is cut – otherwise the plants will lose their ability to effectively photosynthesis. Too low makes the lawn susceptible to dryness and disease. This is particularly important if the turf suffered winter damage, for example due to snow mold or freezing. Shortening weakened grass is additional stress for plants, which often leads to yellowing and the formation of empty places, requiring subsequent release.
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Atmospheric conditions are also important. Even if the spring days are getting warmer, they can still appear night frostsespecially in March and early April. Low soil temperature makes it difficult for the roots to take nutrients, and cut blades, devoid of natural protection, are more susceptible to damage and fungal infections. The first mowing is only worth carrying out when the temperature at night stops falling below zero, and the grass thickened clearly and reached the appropriate height. The optimal date for most lawns is mid -April, when the conditions are more stable and the plants are fully ready to grow.
The first step to full lawn regeneration after winter should be thorough cleaning of its surface. You need to remove lying leaves, small branches and other organic residues as soon as possible. Although some believe that fallen leaves can fertilize the soil, in fact they limit the access of light and air to the blades, which hinders their growth. In addition, moisture accumulating under such a layer creates ideal conditions for the development of fungal diseases that weaken the turf. Careful care in early spring avoids these problems and limit the need for subsequent repairs.
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When the lawn is cleaned, the next step is Assessment of the condition of the substrate and equalization of the surfaceif unevenness appeared. A common problem after winter are bulges and collapses resulting from the freezing and dreaming of soil, which can lead to damage to the root system. In such cases, it is necessary to rush, which restores an equal structure of the substrate and stabilizes the lawn. After leveling the soil, it is worth carrying out an aeration and – two key treatments to improve the access of oxygen to the roots and remove compact layers of felt. Aeration, consisting in puncturing the soil, helps relax the soil and improves its ability to store water, while Wertykulation eliminates the accumulated dead material, which makes it easier for young shoots Access to nutrients.
When preparing the lawn for the first mowing, one cannot forget about proper moisturizing the soil and fertilization, which it supports regeneration of turns. After winter, the optimal watering strategy is rarer, but more abundant irrigation, which allows moisture to reach the deeper layers of soil, stimulating root development. In terms of fertilization, it is crucial to provide the grass with the right dose of nitrogen, which supports its growth and gives an intense green color. At the same time, moderation should be maintained – too much fertilizer can lead to a mineral balance disorder, which is also A serious problem for plants.
