The type of cutting method will affect the sward quality


cylinder mowers with 9 to 12 blades are generally used. Winter sports pitches 5 to 9 blades. Badly adjusted mowers and/or blunt blades will tear and bruise grass leading to leaf tissue damage which, in turn, could lead to disease attack through these wounds.


Frequency of cut will also affect turf grass quality; infrequent cutting results in weaker, thinner swards.


Equally, over cutting and close mowing of grass swards leads to the grass plant becoming stressed because too much leaf tissue is being removed, reducing the plants capability to produce enough carbohydrates to maintain plant health. As a general rule of thumb, no more than one third of the leaf should be removed at any one cutting.


Mowing down long grass may cause mowers to clog up, affecting the quality and leaving areas uncut. Also, trying to cut too much grass will put extra strain on drive


shafts, belts and pulleys, which may result in mower damage.


Timing of cutting also affects turf grass quality. Trying to cut the grass in the mornings when there is a heavy dew on the ground or during heavy rain fall will result in poor cutting quality, together with skidding and scuffing damage to the playing surface. Cut when the grass surface is dry.


The size, weight and power of mowers also has to be considered. The power, and weight, will determine the speed of the machine. A heavyweight machine can cause compaction, particularly on finer turf areas: the lighter the machine the better on these types of surface.


Training in mower use is important, to ensure operators are familiar with controls and mowing height settings, and to be able to use the machine in a safe and responsible manner.


Training in mower use is important, to ensure


operators are familiar with controls and


mowing height settings 78


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