During the summer, lawns may experience drought stress and heat stress. Mow tall fescue grass higher during the summer - about 3.5 inches or even a little higher - the roots will grow more deeply into the soil, resulting in better growth and protection from those stressors. Shading from taller grass also prevents crabgrass and other weed encroachment. In addition, make sure that your mower blade is sharp. A dull blade causes the leaf blades to become frayed, which gives an unthrifty appearance to the lawn and can allow disease pathogens to enter the leaves. A clean cut heals more quickly. Sharpen or replace your mower blade at least once per year. - Presented by Geoffrey Rinehart, Senior Lecturer, University of Maryland Institute of Applied Agriculture (June 2023) --- The University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center's mission is to develop and deliver science-based, sustainable gardening information and solutions through outreach education for better human and environmental health.
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