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CFC1426351 & INSURED
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O'Hara Landscape & Maintenance, Inc. 1001 25th Ct. West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Phone: 561-655-9011 Fax: 561-655-2229 Toll Free: 800-926-9599 |
Informationals
 O'Hara Landscape Editorials
LARGE SCALE MOWING METHODOLOGY
Hundreds of varieties of plants in the landscaping require just one
type of motorized equipment to properly complete the cutting phase of
maintenance operations: the gasoline hedge trimmer. There is one plant
variety, however, for which the cutting phase requires the use of at
least several types of gas powered machines.
That plant variety is your lawn. The most costly, most complicated, and least understood phase of landscape
maintenance is lawn mowing. The casual perception by most people is
that of a deceptively simple routine. What could be simpler than
driving a lawn mower over the lawn?
Because they are so costly, mowing operations must be
completed as economically (quickly) as possible while assuring that the
lawn looks good after the cut. Such timeliness necessitates the use of
large machines. Mowing decks (blade boxes) don't bend or change width,
so mower sizes must be varied to accommodate smaller to larger spaces
and flat to hilly surfaces. It is often necessary to use four
different (and expensive) mower types on the same property to properly
complete an operation and minimize line trimming (weed eating). Line
trimming is a necessary evil because, while the process puts the
finishing touches on the mowing operation, the mono filament cutting
line slashes the turf instead of cutting it cleanly.
Modern rotary lawn mowers use much more durable bearings and
alloy blades and spin them much faster to achieve a much cleaner cut
than in decades past. Still these new blades must be sharpened
frequently. In accordance with the best university data, our cutting
height is set between 3.5 and 4 inches. This height helps the grass
develop a deep root system and gives a better appearance to the turf.
Lower cutting heights undermine carefully maintained cultural controls
and unnecessarily predispose the lawn to various pest and disease
problems.
The training required to maintain and operate these machines
without causing damage or injury is much more extensive than any other
phase of landscape maintenance. Before an operator is allowed to drive
his machine, he must understand and comply with ongoing daily
maintenance requirements, from changing and setting blades and belts to
the lubrication and hydraulic checks. He also learns to avoid the
hazards to life and property associated with complacent operation.
Once the trainee has demonstrated this degree of conscientiousness, he
is deemed sufficiently reliable to use an 800 pound machine to properly
mow your lawn.
© Thomas J. O'Hara, President
O'Hara Landscape & Maintenance, Inc. 1-800-926-9599 www.oharalandscape.com |