Horticulture Principles and Practices

FIGURE 18–10 An edger.
(Source: George Acquaah)
2. A mowing pattern should be developed. Mowing the area in one direction one
time and at right angles the next time reduces compaction of the soil.
3. A mower with sharp blades should be used at each mowing.
4. An overgrown lawn should be mowed at least two times over. The first time, the
mower should be set to mow to a higher height to avoid clogging the machine.
It may be wise to bag at least the first round of clippings.
5. Each pass should slightly overlap the previous one to ensure 100 percent
coverage of the lawn.
6. When mowing a rough lawn with debris and rocks, it is best to remove these
objects before beginning and also to wear goggles.
7. A large lawn may be mowed in a spiral pattern. This method eliminates backtracking
and stops, as well as direction changes. The recommended practice is to mow clockwise
in the first instance and counterclockwise the second time.
558 Chapter 18 Turf Production and Use
18.5.2 WATERING
Watering is another seasonal chore that many homeowners in areas experiencing seasonal
drought feel obligated to perform. Where the drought spell is protracted and occurs
regularly, some homeowners invest in permanent automatic irrigation systems, which are
discussed in detail in Chapter 4. Pipes are buried during the ground preparation for the
installation of the lawn. Pop-up sprinklers, which are located at strategic spots on the
lawn below the mowing height, pop up when irrigation is needed. Lawns can also be
watered with lawn sprinklers that oscillate. Such units are fed by water hoses connected
to the outside taps of homes.
Irrigation, unlike mowing, is not done according to a set schedule but is provided
only when needed. The rule of thumb is to water heavily and infrequently. The lawn
needs watering just before wilting sets in. Watering should be thorough so as to wet at
least the top 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) of soil where most grass roots are found. It is
important that watering be thorough since light sprinkling or partial wetting encourages
roots to grow up (not down) the soil surface in search of water, thereby making plants
more susceptible to drought.
At each watering time, at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of water should be supplied.
It takes about thirty minutes to soak to 1-inch depth in sandy soil, two hours for loam,
and about three and one-half hours for clay loam soil. A homemade rain gauge in the