
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 3, 1990                   TAG: 9005020308
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV11   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Philip K. Blevins
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

YOU CAN MAKE OR BREAK LAWN BY WAY YOU USAE MOWER

As warm weather gets under way in the New River Valley our thoughts - whether we like it or not - turn to mowing the lawn. Mowing actually is an important tool in having a beautiful lawn when we do it right.

We can either make or break our lawn by our mowing practices. Improper mowing can, over the season, reduce the grass's ability to recuperate and increase susceptibility to insects, disease and drought.

Here are a few points to keep in mind:

\ 1. Mow often enough to remove no more than a third of the vegetation. Removing more than a third reduces the plant's ability to produce the food it needs.

\ 2. Avoid mowing too often. Overdoing it reduces overall growth.

\ 3. Keep the blade sharp. Each time the grass is cut, food reserves are used in the healing process. A dull mower creates severe wounds that require more energy to heal, leading eventually to a reduced ability to heal.

\ 4. Select a turf grass that fits your goals for lawn height. Listed below are the recommended mowing heights: Grass Height\ Kentucky bluegrass 1 1/2-2 1/2\ Tall fescue 1 1/2-3\ Creeping red fescue 2-3\ Perennial rye 1 1/2-2 1/2\ Bermuda 1/2-1\ Zoysia 3/4 7/8-1\

Cattle producers should be planning now to control pinkeye during the grazing season. Although this disease is rarely deadly, it does cause significant losses to the beef or dairy producer. Affected animals can lose 25-50 pounds, can go blind, bring lower prices or can be rejected at graded sales.

Factors that contribute to the development of pinkeye include dust and pollen, sunlight, irritation from weed and grass seeds and flies.

To minimize chances of a pinkeye problem, consider the following:

\ 1. Clip your pastures to reduce weeds and mature grasses.

\ 2. Fly control is extremely important. Use of either back rubbers, fly tags, dust bags, sprays, etc. will be necessary.

\ 3. Adequate nutrition, especially vitamin K, should be supplied to improve resistance.

\ 4. Vaccines are available either specifically for pinkeye or in combination with clostridials. Consider using one.

The prevention of pinkeye is easier and less expensive than the cure.

by CNB