Use a sharp mower. A sharp mower will keep freshness and color in the lawn. A dull blade mower will cause a reduction in yield and the development of a brown tinge in the lawn which may persist for several days. The turf may fail to respond to fertilization. Remove the clippings.
Excessive clippings favor the formation of thatch, restricting air and water movement.
They also provide an environment for the development of disease organisms. Some return of clippings helps retain a nutrition balance. The cutting height should be raised during the hot summer months, especially northern grasses. Mowing too closely encourages shallow rooting, lowering drought resistance. Extra sunlight on the soil encourages germination of weed seeds.