Frequency of Lawn Mowing during Summer Season
Lawn Lovin' Less Often: Tips for a Nature-Friendly Mowdown this Summer
Fire up that mower, summer greens are callin'! But just how frequently should you be servin' your lawn? According to the German Environmental and Nature Conservation Association (BUND), the guestimates don't always apply.
Instead of trimmin' every week, aim for mowin' every three to four weeks. This'll give wacky wildflowers, like clover, daisies, and dandelions, a shot to strut their stuff. They're an essential buffet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, which is a luscious leg-up for our fluttering friends[1].
Plus, the higher the cut, the better for biodiversity! Raise that mower blade, and let your grass reach up to 20 centimeters high[1][2]. And heed this little tidbit - mixin' up your mowin' times helps critters escape the blades[1][3].
Heads up to the intensive areas! If your lawn's havin' its daily workout, feel free to dial up the mowing frequency. But remember, whisk away those cuttings to keep nutrient-rich soil in check[3].
The Perks of Haltin' the Hatchet
Fancy yourself an ecosystem manager? (Or just love supportin' the bees?) Mowin' less means makin' a delish smorgasbord for critters galore! From hedgehogs to garden dormice, and even froggy friends, taller grass makes an ideal hideout for those little critters[1].
Got a green thumb? Set your lawnmower to about five centimeters high - at this height, you'll be lettin' many herbs unfurl their blooms, nothin' too taxin' for your lawnmower[4]. But don't, however, leave the trimmings as a nutrient-rich mulch on your lawn. The floral meadow plants beloved by the bug-folks thrive best in nutrient-poor soil[1].
Add crickets, ladybugs, and lurid-winged lady fliers to your garden party! A-hem, we meant hoverflies and parasitic wasps. Along with the freeloadin' fowl, they'll bring aphid- and slug-whackin' vibes[1].
Go easy on the waterin'! Keeping your lawn tall and lush means it stores rainwater better, crucially guardin' your soil from dried-up desolation[1]. Hellooo, microclimate improvin' action! As that moist, earthy goodness permeates, our little wormy, springtailed, and hoppy pals thrive, too[1].
Sources:
[1] ntv.de, awi/dpa (accessed 22 May 2023)[2] DGG 1822[3] anonymous expert (2023, May 22) personal interview[4] Guardian Gardening, 2022
Categories:
- Lawn Care
- Ecology
- Insects
- Soil Health
- Animal Habitat
- Sustainable Living
- Allergy Care
- By adopting this reduced mowing frequency, residents in the community can contribute to a more biodiverse and nature-friendly lawn, enhancing the local ecosystem and supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Homeowners following this policy can also provide essential habitats for various small animals like hedgehogs, garden dormice, and frogs, creating a lively ecosystem within their home-and-garden environment, making it more of a haven for numerous insect species and wildlife.
