Vertical mowing, also known as verticutting, is a specialized turf maintenance procedure used to manage the health and density of a lawn. Unlike routine cutting, this technique involves a more aggressive interaction with the turf layer. It is generally reserved for highly maintained lawns, golf courses, and sports fields where controlling organic matter buildup and promoting thick growth are management priorities. This procedure improves the overall growing environment of the grass plants beneath the visible green blades.
The Mechanism of Vertical Mowing
The equipment used for vertical mowing, often called a verticutter or vertimower, is fundamentally different from a typical rotary mower. A rotary mower uses blades that spin horizontally, slicing the grass blades across their width. Conversely, a verticutter utilizes a series of thin, closely spaced blades mounted on a rotating reel that spins in a vertical plane.
As the machine moves across the lawn, these vertical blades slice down into the turf layer. The blades are set to penetrate the spongy layer above the soil surface and can be adjusted to different depths depending on the desired effect. This slicing action physically pulls up built-up organic debris while creating channels in the soil surface.
Thatch Management and Turf Density
The primary purpose of vertical mowing is to manage excessive thatch, which is a layer of dead and living organic matter that accumulates between the soil and the green grass blades. This material consists of crowns, stolons, rhizomes, and roots that decompose slowly. When this thatch layer exceeds approximately half an inch, it becomes detrimental to turf health.
A thick layer of thatch acts as a barrier, preventing water, air, and nutrients from reaching the soil and the grass roots. This buildup can also promote disease and harbor insect populations. By slicing through this layer, the vertical blades physically break up and bring the matted material to the surface for removal.
The cutting action also benefits turf density by pruning the lateral growth structures of the grass, known as stolons and rhizomes. This process encourages the grass plant to produce new shoots and tillers, leading to a noticeable thickening of the lawn over time. The removal of this barrier also allows for better seed-to-soil contact, which is valuable if overseeding is planned.
Optimal Timing and Preparation
Since vertical mowing is an intense procedure, it must be timed correctly to ensure the turf can recover without stress. The procedure should only be performed when the grass is actively growing, providing the plant with the energy needed to heal the wounds. For cool-season grasses, this typically means late spring or early fall, while warm-season grasses are best treated in late spring or early summer.
Preparation is necessary to maximize effectiveness and prevent equipment damage. It is best practice to mow the lawn at a lower-than-normal height immediately before verticutting. The soil should be slightly moist, which can be achieved by watering the lawn a few days prior. It is also important to mark any underground irrigation lines, sprinkler heads, or obstacles to avoid costly repairs, as the vertical blades can cut deep into the turf.
Post-Mowing Lawn Recovery
The lawn will look significantly stressed immediately after vertical mowing, which is a normal consequence of the aggressive treatment. The most immediate step is the cleanup of the massive amount of organic debris pulled to the surface. This material must be thoroughly raked and removed from the lawn to prevent it from smothering the remaining grass.
Following debris removal, the treated area requires thorough watering to hydrate the newly exposed roots and prevent desiccation. After approximately one week, a balanced fertilizer application is often recommended to supply the nutrients needed for rapid recovery and new growth. Overseeding is also frequently done in conjunction with verticutting, as the sliced channels provide an ideal environment for new grass seed to germinate and establish.