Grass too long?

wonderlyeric – posted 27 May 2007 22:59

I put in new sod last sept, and have never mowed it very short. I have been keeping it pretty tall, (probably cause i’m scared to cut it too short). But now I’ve noticed that below the green part of the grass stem, all the grass is brown and thin. Is this because i’ve kept it too tall. It seems that my whole yard is getting thin and brown down low. If I start cutting it shorter will it get green down there?

tommy – posted 28 May 2007 20:55

What kinda grass is it?

wonderlyeric – posted 29 May 2007 14:14

This is straight fromt the company I got the sod from.

What type of grass is JB sod?JB sod is a 3-way blend of perennial ryegrasses that are recommended for the Northwest of the U.S. West of the Cascades. It is a versatile, all-purpose grass that outperforms in the cool, damp Northwest Pacific climate. It produces a fine, dense turf that is very resistant to wear.

cohiba – posted 29 May 2007 18:42

Perennial Ryegrass will take a shorter Hieght of cut (HOC). I would recommend you lower it gradually. I mow fairways at 1/2″. However I would not want it that short on a home lawn. Why not move down gradually until you feel comfortable.The issue with the taller HOC is lack of light and air movement in the turf canopy. a shorter HOC will help with both of these issues.

Lets us know how you make out……

wonderlyeric – posted 29 May 2007 23:24

If I start mowing it shorter then won’t the grass blades be brown cause i’m cutting most of the green blade off? Or does the thatch turn green because it’s getting more sun?

cohiba – posted 30 May 2007 14:26

Thats why I said go slowly on lowering the HOC. If you are at three inches go down to 2 1/2″ then wait a few days and mow down to the 2″ mark. 1 1/2″ -2″ range would be OK. You will be mowing green off but remember: all the growth is from the crown just like hair.

Water usage will increase slightly at lower hieghts.

wonderlyeric – posted 04 June 2007 14:50

OK so I’ve been mowing shorter, and the grass doesn’t look very good, I think it’s because the thatch is long. I know I need to dethatch in some areas. Is it OK to dethatch, aerate, and overseed right now, or should I wait till fall.