When it comes to mowing lawns, size matters! There is an appropriate lawn mower size for every area.

A small push mower would not be appropriate for a 2 acre lawn, unless you are mowing for exercise, and a large, heavy riding mower is not appropriate for a 200 square foot space.

Large riders are great for mowing large spaces, but can cause problems in smaller spaces, especially in areas with slopes, and many turns. Sharp turns with heavy mowers, can cause the tires to dig into the turf, which weakens the turf in that area. If these turns occur on slopes, this often results in erosion. Mowers often have to cover the same ground several times for turning in small lawns, and this results in compaction. The result is a problem that has become so common that it now has its own term and acronym: Big Mower Blight, or BMG.

Big Mower Blight can cause lawn damage due to compaction, erosion, and increased weed problems because it weakens the turf. No amount of increased irrigation, fertilization, or weed control can solve this problem.

There is a simple answer to the problem of BMG, simply use a smaller mower!

If there is a secret to the perfect lawn, it is this: Mow often!

Mowing often offers many advantages, frequent mowing:

• Removes less blade leaf each time, so the grass suffers less shock.
• Encourages lateral growth of tillers and stolons, which thickens the turf.
• Reduces the need for water.
• Decreases fertilizer needs since smaller clippings revert to nitrogen quickly.
• Prevents weeds from gaining a foothold since it creates a healthier lawn, and cuts the weeds off before they have a chance to produce seed.
• Decrease thatch.
• Reduces the chances of attack by fungus.
• Reduces cover for insects.
• For these reasons, frequent mowing reduces the need for herbicides, insecticides, fungicides.

With the need for less fertilizer, water, and pesticide, mowing frequency also saves you money!