Sound mowing practices are necessary to obtain a good quality lawn. This is especially true during the summer months. Improper mowing practices during periods of drought and high temperatures may seriously damage turfgrass.

Kentucky bluegrass lawns should be mowed at a height of 3-3 1/2 inches during the summer months. Bluegrass lawns should be mowed at a height of 2-2 1/2 inches in the spring and fall. The additional leaf area during summer shades and cools the crowns of the turfgrass plants. During hot weather, the temperature near the crown area of short-mowed turfgrass may be 20 degrees F or more above the air temperature. Extremely high temperatures at their crowns can kill turfgrass plants. The higher mowing height also provides more food-producing foliage and promotes deeper root growth.

When mowing the lawn, never remove more than 1/3 of the total leaf area at any one time. Removing more than 1/3 of the leaf area severely injures the turfgrass plants and reduces their ability to withstand additional environmental stresses. If possible, mow in the cool of the morning or evening. Mowing at midday places additional stress on the turf and may also cause heat stress related problems for the individual mowing the lawn.

Another important key to proper mowing during the summer months is a sharp blade. Dull blades tear and bruise the leaf tips. The damaged tissue dries out giving the turf surface a whitish appearance. The damaged leaf tissue also suffers greater water loss. The mower blade doesn’t have to be razor sharp. A properly sharpened blade has no nicks and is smooth on the bottom with a 30 to 45 degree bevel towards the top of the blade. Change the mowing direction or pattern each time the lawn is mowed. Different mowing patterns reduce soil compaction and turf wear from the mower wheels. Wear damage is most likely in thin or shady areas. Also, mowing the lawn repeatedly in the same direction pushes the grass over rather than cutting it cleanly.

Dormant lawns (those that have turned brown) should not be mowed. Pedestrian and mower traffic could damage the turf. Grass that is still growing should be properly mowed following recommended practices.

Blossom end rot- Sunken brown or black lesions on the blossom end of developing cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, eggplant or peppers are caused by a calcium deficiency due to inadequate watering during early fruit development. It occurs under conditions of high plant water stress and heavy fruit load. The first sign is a small, water-soaked area around the blossom end of the fruit that rapidly darkens and enlarges. As this lesion enlarges, it shrinks and the area becomes sunken and leather-like. This depressed area may become infected with secondary pathogens. Early fruits on the plant may have blossom end rot, while those that develop later are normal. Keep plants evenly moist, avoid root injury when weeding, and apply organic mulch. Do not allow plants to wilt between waterings. Remove affected fruits.

Soybean cooperators needed

A team of UNL Soils Specialists lead by Charles Wortmann is planning a R3 nitrogen application study. They’re looking for 6-7 soybean fields with high yield potential to conduct the trials. The plots will be 32 rows long x 90 feet and they will make the applications and harvest the plots. We have a couple of sites located, but could use 4 or 5 more. If you would like to participate, please contact me at 402-694-6174 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .