Do you like the golf course look, a more natural look, or maybe even a pasture?
The 2024 Lawn of the Year contest is here! You have until September 30th to submit your lawn for consideration.
Most people probably prefer it short, especially for getting nice stripes with longer grass. But longer grass is definitely healthier, especially in the summer heat. I always mow on the highest setting until late September when I start lowering it before winter.
@Rowan
Why is longer grass better in summer heat?
Frey said:
@Rowan
Why is longer grass better in summer heat?
Longer blades can hold more moisture and provide shade for themselves, keeping the soil cooler and moister longer. Longer blades also mean more energy goes into root production instead of just regrowing blades, which helps with water retention and stronger turf, reducing the need for watering. Plus, it makes it less likely for summer weeds to germinate, among other benefits.
@Rowan
You covered all the bases. Just one addition:
Not only does more energy go to root production and spreading, there’s more energy overall. Longer leaves mean more surface area to soak up sunlight, resulting in more photosynthesis, which leads to more energy for growing roots and spare carbs for times of stress. Plus, longer grass is more shade tolerant.
@Oak
But keeping it too long can be bad. I tried keeping my lawn too high and got a terrible fungus infection.
Zev said:
@Oak
But keeping it too long can be bad. I tried keeping my lawn too high and got a terrible fungus infection.
That’s a common myth. Disease is less likely when grass is cut tall, unless you water every day, which you shouldn’t. It’s also much less likely for disease to actually kill grass that’s cut high.
@Oak
Thanks! I’m changing how I take care of my lawn because of you. I overseeded this year and didn’t use peat moss. The results are great!
Any idea why I seem to get fungus infections every year around late June/early July? I cut at 4-5 inches, mostly KBG with some TF from TCS, and the sodded area always gets affected. I water once a week, deeply (1 inch), in zone 5A.
Every year, the fungus infection happens around the same time.
@Zev
Unless it’s specifically pythium blight or necrotic ring spot, that indicates a deeper issue. Diseases are sporadic, but certain factors are consistent. Grass types can react predictably based on the calendar. As summer goes on, grass roots shrink as they use up carb stores to stay green. Short roots make disease more likely because the grass can’t get the nutrients it needs to be strong and disease-resistant. For example, poa trivialis can start strong but gets weaker and more disease-prone as summer progresses. Being in 5A, that would be my first guess.
My second guess would be fine fescues in full sun that aren’t allowed to go dormant.
Also, check for even sprinkler coverage and differences in soil texture.
@Rowan
What are the pros of shorter lawns?
Kellen said:
@Rowan
What are the pros of shorter lawns?
You get to experience the joys of reseeding every year!
Kellen said:
@Rowan
What are the pros of shorter lawns?
It’s more comfortable to walk on, especially with morning dew, fewer spots for snakes and frogs to hide if that bothers you, and you send more money to the local water company.
@Rowan
True for cool season grass. Bermuda doesn’t care.
@Rowan
I’ve heard longer grass gives better stripes, but I mow lawns for a living, and shorter grass always gives better stripes. Honestly, what am I missing?
Reagan said:
@Rowan
I’ve heard longer grass gives better stripes, but I mow lawns for a living, and shorter grass always gives better stripes. Honestly, what am I missing?
Could be your mower or the type of grass. I’m not sure? For me, the more the grass can bend in one direction, the more pronounced the stripe looks. Different shades of green might also play a role. In my experience, the longer the grass, the darker green it appears, making the stripes darker, while shorter grass is lighter.
@Rowan
What zone are you in?
6A, but this likely applies to all cool-season grasses. For warm-season grasses, this isn’t really a question.
6A, but this likely applies to all cool-season grasses. For warm-season grasses, this isn’t really a question.
3 inches for my fine-bladed zoysia. I prefer it like a thick carpet that has actually choked out the old common Bermuda yard.
I also have a lot of shade in areas, so more blade means better shade tolerance.
6A, but this likely applies to all cool-season grasses. For warm-season grasses, this isn’t really a question.
Correct. I live in transition zone 8b and have dwarf Bermuda. It’s cut to 0.25 inches and seems happiest during heat waves.