More sustainable lawn care
Mow often enough so that no more than one-third of the leaf blade is removed at each mowing. Cutting the grass high increases the grass leaf surface area for photosynthesis and also encourages a deeper and more extensive root system. Keeping the mower blades sharp and properly balanced is another important part of mowing practices. Grass cut by a sharp blade will heal over more quickly and lose less water than a leaf blade shredded by a dull mower blade.
Grass clippings are a valuable resource that many homeowners throw away. Raking or frequent emptying of mower grass catchers into expensive (nonbiodegradable) plastic bags is hard work. But leaving the clippings on the lawn will reduce the amount of time and money you spend on lawn care. Each bag of grass clippings you throw away contains up to one-fourth of a pound of organic nitrogen that could be reused by your lawn. This is especially important now that we cannot fertilize with nitrogen during the summer in Pinellas County. It's also very important to make sure to sweep those clippings from the sidewalk, drive and road back onto the lawn, never into the gutter or storm drain. The nitrogen from those clippings contributes to the excess nutrient problem in our waterways.
Chinch bugs can cause St. Augustine lawns to look like straw. Damage usually begins near driveways or sidewalks where heat builds up. Neem oil is a less toxic alternative shown to be effective against chinch bugs. Fertilizing with iron sulfate during hot summer months can green up the lawn without producing succulent growth that is so attractive to chinch bugs.
Compiled by Theresa Badurek, urban horticulture extension agent, UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension Service. For additional landscape and garden information, visit pinellascountyextension.org. For regular tips and information about what's growing in Pinellas, go to facebook.com/PinellasExtension.