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Lawn Care
Mowing Tips
Before mowing, be sure deck is leveled and mower wheels are in the proper position.
When you mow an area for the first time, travel SLOW and cut HIGH so you can:
ˇ Learn the best mowing pattern.
ˇ Help prevent hitting objects hidden in the grass.
Mow grass only when it is dry: Wet grass may plug mower and leave a trail of grass clumps.
Mow grass often: Short grass clippings will decay quickly.
Mow at full throttle for best performance.
Use travel speed that fits conditions:
ˇ Travel SLOW when you mow thick, tall grass.
ˇ FAST travel or sharp turns may produce stripes or uneven cut: slow down.
ˇ Travel at MODERATE speed when you mow a thin stand of grass.
Mow often enough so you cut only 1/3 of grass blade in one mowing. Cutting grass too short may kill grass and let weeds grow easily.
See your John Deere dealer for blades that will best fit your mowing conditions.
Aerate lawn to help stimulate soil organisms and root growth.
Trimming Tips
ˇ Turn to left around trees, bushes, etc.
ˇ Drive slowly. Avoid hitting trees, bushes, etc.
ˇ If ground slopes up to a tree or bush, you may have to approach the tree or bush straight-on to avoid scalping.
To Avoid Scalping
ˇ Pay attention to the way you drive: you can eliminate scalping.
ˇ If mower scalps easily, cutting height may be too low for ground conditions-especially on lawns with many small mounds and ridges.
ˇ Rear gauge wheels must be adjusted correctly.
ˇ Drive over ridges and through shallow ditches straight-on, not at an angle.
Keep blades sharp: Dull blades will tear grass; tips of grass will then turn brown.
Check lawn regularly for uneven cut. If cut is uneven:
ˇ LOOK: Mower may not be level.
ˇ Slow down before you make a turn.
Use thatcher (available from John Deere dealer) in late spring or summer to pull up dead grass and aerate ground.
For bagging information, see your Bagger Operator's Manual.
After Mowing
ˇ Let engine cool-to prevent fire when you store mower.
ˇ Clean top of deck, engine, and chute with compressed air, if possible-to help prevent buildup and fire.
ˇ Clean under deck with water under pressure-to prevent buildup and remove corrosive lawn chemicals.
Bagging Tips
For best performance, bagger needs good airflow. To help increase airflow:
ˇ Keep underside of deck and chute clean.
ˇ Clean bag(s) often with water from garden hose, from outside to inside of bag. Let bag(s) dry before use.
Check level of clippings in bags often. When bag(s) are full:
ˇ Mower may leave a trail of clippings.
Bagging And Composting
Many communities will no longer haul lawn clippings and leaves to landfills. Bagging and composting clippings and leaves is one way to solve this problem.
Clippings from grass bag may also be used as mulch, or sheet compost, between garden rows and around trees and shrubs. This mulch will:
ˇ Add nutrients to soil as it decays.
ˇ Help keep soil temperature down during hot weather.
You may compost clippings and leaves in various ways. See garden magazines or clubs for information, or go to your local library for help.
Finished compost is crumbly. It is rich in soil nutrients, and can be spread on your lawn. Compost may also be worked into soil. It adds humus to soil and improves soil texture, making soil looser and easier to work.
Mulching Tips
ˇ You do not have to rake or bag grass or leaves.
ˇ Lawn holds moisture better during dry weather.
ˇ Soil temperatures stay down during hot weather.
ˇ Mulch adds nutrients to soil, and reduces need for fertilizer.
Mulching does not make thatch. Frequent shallow watering and fertilizer application produce thatch from roots that grow close to surface.
Be careful when you mulch leaves in Fall. Grass needs sunlight in Fall to help store food for Winter. A thick layer of mulched leaves can prevent sunlight from getting to grass and smother it. You may have to mow with grass bag to remove this layer.
Mulch only when the grass and leaves are dry.
Mulching wet or damp grass or leaves may cause problems:
ˇ Clippings and leaves may build up on the underside of the mower deck.
ˇ Cut grass and leaves may form clumps.
ˇ Clippings and leaves may not be cut into small bits.
ˇ Engine may work harder and use more fuel.
Cut only top 1/3 of grass at a time.
Use a different mowing pattern each time you mow. Overlap mowing paths 50-100 mm (2-4 in).
Slow down. Mulching takes more power.