Mower height

[clones26]

mulch

 

[ruxCYtable]

On my Toro I have it right on the middle setting which is 2 3/4 but it seems like all my neighbors mow a lot shorter which looks a lot better. I've always been told that it's better to cut high and cut often. What's the best setting?

There are some turf experts on here but this non-expert (who also has a Toro) cuts one notch up from yours, which I believe is 3-1/4". I've heard you should not cut lower than 3" for optimal health of the grass, especially during the hot, dry season.

 

[dmclone]

Rubber mulch

 

[3TrueFans]

I'd like to have a better yard, but I know nothing about yard maintenance, when to do what etc. Anyone know of a good source to read about that kind of stuff?

 

[DaddyMac]

I'd like to have a better yard, but I know nothing about yard maintenance, when to do what etc. Anyone know of a good source to read about that kind of stuff?

Scotts.com has a lot of info.

You can sign up for an account for free, plug in your location, types of grass and plants, and get email reminders and tips for care.

If I have a question, first place I go.

 

[VeloClone]

Scotts.com has a lot of info.

You can sign up for an account for free, plug in your location, types of grass and plants, and get email reminders and tips for care.

If I have a question, first place I go.

Aren't you the least bit worried that you are going to get advice that is in their (Scotts') best interest rather than yours?

 

[DaddyMac]

Aren't you the least bit worried that you are going to get advice that is in their (Scotts') best interest rather than yours?

Absolutely. But no more than any place else you'd go (home center, Earl May). I don't know any free botanists. :wink:

But I'm talking about how to's, weed identification and the variety of products. Not like I've commited to a service or anything.

Of course they're pushing their products - but they have alot of good info on there as well.

 

[capitalcityguy]

Aren't you the least bit worried that you are going to get advice that is in their (Scotts') best interest rather than yours?

Isn't it in Scott's best interest for you tohave a nice lawn??? How long will you buy their stuff if that doesn't happen per their recommendations? Odd comment IMO.

How do your goals and Scott's contradict each other? I'll tell you...they don't.
(granted...it isn't in Scott's best interest for you to achieve the results without their products)..but that wasn't what you were challenging.

 

[3TrueFans]

Scotts.com has a lot of info.

You can sign up for an account for free, plug in your location, types of grass and plants, and get email reminders and tips for care.

If I have a question, first place I go.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[brianhos]

Or...

You could keep it low like your wife wants, then show her the $250 water bill it'll take to keep it alive..

I suppose I'm a lucky one. My wife is vaguely aware that we have a lawn. :wink:

Or just get your wife to mow the lawn like I do. That way she does not complain if it is not watered because it grows slower.

 

[capitalcityguy]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Earl May tends to provide similar information/products. Not sure if it is cheaper or not.

 

[3TrueFans]

Earl May tends to provide similar information/products. Not sure if it is cheaper or not.

As far as for information, the price I'm looking for is free.

 

[capitalcityguy]

As far as for information, the price I'm looking for is free.

easy...google...your local library...

 

[CloneLawman]

if you have a honda, then you own a mower that is great at mulching. don't bag, especially since you are mowing high.

i haven't bagged with this mower since i purchased it, which is at least 12 years ago.

i never see a blad of grass on my lawn after it gets mowed, that is how great a job this thing does.

AMEN BROTHER!! What is this ridiculous infatuation people have with bagging. Mulching is generally much better for the lawn.

 

[3TrueFans]

easy...google...your local library...

I was looking for specific sources that people knew/liked.

 

[DaddyMac]

Or just get your wife to mow the lawn like I do. That way she does not complain if it is not watered because it grows slower.

Ahhh Brian....

There aren't enough :biglaugh: to put on here to give that a proper reply :wink:

 

[PGreen ISU '92]

If somebody would have told me how hard it was to maintain a deck I never would have bought a house with a deck. I stain mine every two years which ends up being a horrible, miserable experience. Then every spring after the snow melts the deck looks horrible again. I tell my wife constantly that my next house will not have a deck. I HATE MY DECK!!! Go patio!!! Why are decks so popular in the Midwest?

 

[DaddyMac]

I was looking for specific sources that people knew/liked.

ISU extension generally have alot of good info. And they do soil testing which is key to start.

 

[isufbcurt]

Again...why live somewhere with a lawn then????
Now all you are doing is annoying your neighbors and making them think you don't have the good sense God gave you to be able to keep up a nice lawn…or you're lazy.

Neither particularly a badge of honor.

I live in Iowa and most places in Iowa have lawns, I wasn't going to move to AZ just because I'm not into yardscaping. Actually my neighbors don't mind, they are like me and aren't petty about something so trivial. Definatley not lazy just have better things to do with my time and money than waste it on a lawn.

 

[cyfreddy]

Absolutely. But no more than any place else you'd go (home center, Earl May). I don't know any free botanists. :wink:

But I'm talking about how to's, weed identification and the variety of products. Not like I've commited to a service or anything.

Of course they're pushing their products - but they have alot of good info on there as well.

Or if you live in the Urbandale area you can go to Hyvee and get your information from Jerry Kluver.