Last lawn mowing job

[debodun]

I though my lawn was dying with large patches of brown grass, but when I went out to investigate discovered they were clumps of mowed grass. Apparently the mower the kid used used wasn't a mulcher and I didn't notice it right away because the clumps were still green until today.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

You can always buy your preferred mower for the kid to use.

 

[Jules]

Is the kid a replacement for the previous people that ruined your apple tree?

 

[debodun]

Is the kid a replacement for the previous people that ruined your apple tree?

Yes.

 

[JeeperDon]

I always bag the clippings, like the clean look. That can be tough to deal with as trash though, depending on how much lawn and where you live.

 

[Pinky]

Could you ask the young man to rake after mowing?

 

[debodun]

Or use a different mower. I won't see him untul August 12th - he said he'll be away until then.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Could you ask the young man to rake after mowing?

Then he’s doing two jobs he can get paid for.
Good idea.

 

[Remy]

Got a rake?

 

[debodun]

I went out this morning and tried to spread the clippings around with a rake. They are just too voluminous for me to deal with, an I also found out where they are wasn't mowed. The clippings probably caught on the long grass and piled up. It looked like that happened where the mower made turns.

 

[Alligatorob]

I went out this morning and tried to spread the clippings around with a rake. They are just too voluminous for me to deal with, an I also found out where they are wasn't mowed. The clippings probably caught on the long grass and piled up. It looked like that happened where the mower made turns.

Maybe you waited too long to get mowed, more grass. Or maybe his mower is set a little lower than previous. Not bagging takes more frequent mowing, but I think its worthwhile.

Hopefully your grass will just grow through it, mine usually does.

 

[debodun]

Maybe you waited too long to get mowed, more grass.

It was pretty long, probably 6 to 8 inches. So much rain, it grew fast.

 

[Alligatorob]

It was pretty long, probably 6 to 8 inches. So much rain, it grew fast.

In that case you have to live with it, rake, or bag it. I usually just live with it, never had a problem, just a few temporary spots on the lawn.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

I agree. If you hire a kid to clip your lawn at a better price than the professionals who did a horrible job and now you have clippings since the grass was extra long , it’s unfair to ask this kid if he has another lawn mower to meet your preferences. The lawn was cut which is what you wanted and it looks great.

 

[debodun]

I drive by a house when I'm going to town that has a sign in the yard from the guy I had last year. The grass there is mid-calf tall.

 

[Gary O']

Next time it gets too long, set the mower higher (his or yours)
It'll need to be mowed sooner than scheduled, however

 

[debodun]

He last mowed my lawn on August 12 and I told him than to come back in 2 weeks. He agreed, but I waited for him all Saturday the 26th and he never showed. I just tried calling him, but no one answered.

 

[Pepper]

Shouldn't you have confirmed with him before?

 

[debodun]

I said I asked him to come back in 2 weeks. He agreed. What other confirmation is required?

 

[CallMeKate]

I said I asked him to come back in 2 weeks. He agreed. What other confirmation is required?

"2 weeks" doesn't necessarily mean "exactly 14 days and no more or less" to most people.

 

[CallMeKate]

Also, I see you mentioned "the kid"... might he be in high school and has started back by now? Our schools started last Thursday.

 

[kburra]

No mulcher what about the mower catcher, REALLY!

 

[debodun]

His mom just called and said he tried to phone me several times to ask if I wanted mowing, but I didn't return them. I never received those calls.

If he's still in school, ours doesn't start until Sept. 7th.

 

[Rakaia]

I speak as a former greenkeeper, it would be interesting to now how tall the grass was before mowing.
I very much doubt that the grass under the dead clippings wasn't mowed, the presence of the clippings will stimulate strong growth to allow the new growth to get light and start photosynthesis again.
Without knowing much about soil, local climate and grass type I'd hazard a guess that more frequent mowing would help. It would change the growth habit of the grass as well as spreading and mulching the clippings.

 

[debodun]

The kid was supposed to come today. It' now just after 4 pm and haven't seen him.