Landscape professionals and lawn care lovers know the job is a full-year commitment for lawn excellence, whether it’s using the off season to prep for the busy season or full speed ahead in the warmer months of the year. But this month, April is National Lawn Care Month as observed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, and we are grateful to have the spotlight shine on the industry with much deserved recognition.
In honor of National Lawn Care Month, the Kubota turf team shares their tried-and-true tips for lawn care excellence any month of the year. Save this blog, if you’re a newbie here, or if you’ve been on our turf before, revisit these basics with fresh eyes. Here's what you need to know.
Know your grass: From afar, all grass may look the same. But take a walk from lawn to lawn, and you’ll realize that there are nuances galore under foot. Understanding the grass you are about to take to task is crucial to caring for your lawn. Ask and answer these questions: what type of grass grows on this lawn – cool season, transitional or warm season? What growing patterns do I recognize? From here, you’ll be able to devise a smart approach to managing the grass and building a better schedule (more on that below!). Need to know more? Consult your local landscape pro for tips.
Know your equipment: Before you even think about hopping on your machine to mow, make sure you understand your mower and how to operate it safely. Get to know your Kubota equipment through the operator’s manual for maintenance guidance, safety tips and how to operate. Now that you know your grass a bit better, check the size of the property and the time you have available to ensure you have the right equipment. Sit-down mowers, like the Z400 zero turn series, are popular for their comfort on longer, more expansive jobs, while a stand-on mower, such as the Kubota SZ Series, works well in intricate and narrow lawns. Want more? Check out our guide to Kubota’s sit, stand and walk-behind mowers.
Know your schedule : Frequent mowing helps promote improved density in certain turfgrass varieties. Purdue University and University of Illinois confirm you should never mow more than 1/3 of the leaf blade in a single mow. During spring or summer this could mean two to three times per week depending on the turf growth rate. These expert sources also recommend leaving grass clippings in the lawn vs. bagging it to maintain nutrients to the overall turfgrass. You should also stick to a consistent watering schedule. Generally, in most summers, water as soon as the grass shows signs of water stress, which include gray coloring and depressed footprints when walking across the lawn.
Know your mower blades: Speaking of the health of your grass, blade maintenance is crucial to allow your lawn to thrive. A poor cut due to dull blades will increase susceptibility to diseases and insects, which could compromise the turf grass’ response to environmental stresses like drought or heat. Sharpen up with blade maintenance tips here: Start the Mowing Season Right: Machine and Blade Maintenance Guide.
Know your maintenance schedule: Just like the lawn, your machine requires routine care and maintenance for longevity. If you’re just now getting the mower out of the shed, be sure to prep your machine for the season. Consistent checks on your drive and deck belts, air and oil filters and tire pressure will allow you to stay on schedule and on your way to achieving your lawn care goals. To brush up on your equipment’s schedule, be sure to read your Kubota’s operator manual or consult the myKubota app for machine-specific guidance.
With April in full swing, the best way to honor National Lawn Care Month is by putting these tips to practice. If you’re considering expanding your turf lineup, explore all Kubota mowers to find what’s right for you. As always, your local Kubota dealer can be an excellent resource for guidance on mower maintenance and purchases.