A gardening expert has explained a crucial lawn mowing error that can starve grass of essential nutrients.
Longer and brighter days mean more time outside, with the good weather inspiring gardeners to work on their outdoor spaces. But unless you have green fingers and know the ins and outs of every plant, most people tend to wing it when completing gardening tasks - and this is especially true when cutting the grass.
After trimming the grass, it's understandable that some excess cuttings get left behind. But letting this debris build up over time could "destroy" a pristine lawn, according to Joe Handley, outdoor product marketing manager at Black & Decker.
The specialist has explained how leaving grass deposits on your lawn can contribute to thatch build up, when the excess layer of material accumulates between the soil. As these clippings increase and decompose, this can stop water, air and essential nutrients from being absorbed.
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic material that accumulates between the soil which can prevent water, air and important nutrients from reaching the soil, potentially ruining its green lush vibrancy. However, Joe says that with the proper mowing technique, this error can be avoided.
He explained: “To avoid thatch build up you must mow the lawn regularly particularly when the grass isn’t super long as this produces shorter clippings that decompose much quicker. For home gardens it’s better to have a mower that will catch and collect the trimmings, so as not to leave them behind.
"Don’t leave large clumps of grass cut offs on the lawn either, these should be raked or spread out evenly.”
Joe previously revealed another common mowing mistake that can leave lawns "open to disease". While cutting the grass to a short length makes it look more uniform and lengthens time between cuttings, it can also sap your lawn of important nutrients.
He also explained the proper mowing length to ensure a vibrant, green lawn all summer.
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