How to Prevent Scalping Grass

Grass scalping occurs when grass blades are cut too short. The result is brown grass, dead areas and weak grass root systems. Weak roots prevent grass from spreading or resisting fungal diseases. Several factors contribute to a scalped lawn. Thick thatch, dull lawn mower blades and setting the mower's blades too low may cause grass scalping. Gardeners must prevent turf grass from getting scalped to reduce the risk of thinning and encourage a lush, healthy lawn.

Masonry trowel
Ruler
Dethatcher (optional)
Lawn mower
Wrench
File
Mower oil
Gasoline

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a triangle in the turf with a masonry trowel to check your thatch layer. Thatch is the brown spongy organic matter that builds up between soil and grass blades. A thick layer of thatch causes lawn mowers to sink into the soil and cut the blades too short.
- 2
  Measure the amount of thatch that is in the lawn. An amount thicker than 1/2 inch warrants thatch removal. Rent a dethatcher from your local hardware store and remove the thatch in the lawn.
- 3
  Drain your lawn mower to remove old oil and gasoline. Place your lawn mower on its side and check the blades. If blades appear to be dull, remove the bolt from the center of the blade. Sharpen the blades with a file. Tighten the blades back on the lawn mower.
- 4
  Set your mower's blades to trim grass at 3 inches in height. Avoid ever taking off more than one-third of the grass blade.
- 5
  Replace the oil and gas in the mower. Mow the lawn back and forth. Leave the grass clippings on top of the grass to contribute extra nitrogen for strong grass blades.

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