Scalping Lawn Leads To Weeds

By Ron Dieter, Sunnyfield Greenhouse & Gardens

April 8, 1998

Weeds in the lawn can be a constant problem and many homeowners make matters even worse for themselves by using poor cultural practices. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is mowing too short. Weed seeds need light to germinate. Mowing the grass too short allows light to reach the surface of the soil giving weed seeds the signal to start growing. Short turf also means weed seedlings have a much better chance to establish themselves and survive.

A newly mowed lawn looks good not because it is cut short but because it is even and trim. To check the cutting height of your mower, park it on the sidewalk or driveway and measure the distance between the blade and the concrete. Set your mower to cut no shorter than two and a half inches. Three inches is even better. You won't have to mow any more often, your lawn will look thick and lush, and the weeds will stay in the dark where they belong.