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Should I Water My Lawn After Mowing?
Many people assume that they should water their lawn immediately after mowing to help the grass recover more quickly – and in some cases, it can be beneficial. However, if your grass doesn’t need the extra moisture, watering after mowing could do more harm than good. That’s why we recommend assessing your lawn’s watering requirement separately from your mowing routine.
When to Water After Mowing
After mowing, your cut grass is more vulnerable to stress and damage. However, adding water isn’t always the best option. You should only water your lawn after mowing if your grass is due for routine irrigation or if it’s showing signs of dehydration, such as:
- Yellowish or brown in color
- Long-lasting footprints
- Dry and crispy grass blades
- Cracking soil
- Wilting
These symptoms can all indicate that your lawn would benefit from an extra watering, especially after mowing. If you choose to water after mowing, however, it’s best to wait until the afternoon when the sun isn’t at full strength. Watering in the middle of the day could cause the grass blades to burn, which will eventually cause more health problems down the line.
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Why Is My Grass Wilting After Mowing?
Too much or too little water aren’t the only problems that can cause your grass to look lackluster after mowing. The problem could be with how you’re mowing in the first place. Some factors that can cause your lawn to wilt after mowing include:
- Dull lawn mower blades: Sharp blades slice right through the grass, while dull ones tear and rip the grass apartIf your mower’s blades haven’t been replaced at least once in the last year, try changing them out to see if that helps your lawn recover faster.
- Mowing too frequently: A lot of people get into the habit of mowing once per week, but if your grass is growing slowly, that could be overkill. Since mowing places some stress on the lawn, you should only cut it when it’s getting too long.
- Cutting the grass too short: Very short grass blades will dry out faster and struggle to regrow after each mowing session. They may also have trouble photosynthesizing, making your turf much weaker. Try to keep at least 2 ½ or 3 inches of length each time you mow.
- Using too high of a setting: A powerful mower may seem more efficient, but it could be too harsh for your turf. Some settings can evel “scalp” your lawn, leaving behind lots of bald spots that take time to regrow.
- Mowing wet grass: Wet grass is heavier and more likely to bend or flatten beneath your mower. You’re more likely to accidentally tear grass blades when mowing on wet grass, making it more challenging for the turf to recover.
Caring for your lawn takes a lot of effort. Whether you need some help figuring out why your grass isn’t thriving or you want a gorgeous landscape without the stress, Arrow Exterminators, Inc. can help. Our lawn care experts have years of experience serving Broken Arrow OK, so we can help take your lawn to the next level. Contact us today to learn more or get started!