no mow
Join the Turfgrass Science team at Northern Green 2023
Members of our team will be giving talks at Northern Green, a trade show and conference dedicated to green industry professionals. Consider attending this worthwhile event!
Northern Green
January 10-12, 2023
Minneapolis Convention Center
Mow the no-mow?
By Ryan Schwab
“No-mow” is a loose term we often use to describe a low input, grassy area that grows out higher than a typical turfgrass stand. The grass may flop over onto itself, go to seed, or create a clumpy pasture-like appearance (Figure 1). In Minnesota, fine fescues (Festuca spp.) are typically used in no-mow residential lawns or golf course roughs. Despite the term “no-mow” these may be mowed infrequently to create the desired aesthetic.
Golf ball visibility in no mow fine fescue roughs
By Ryan Schwab
The establishment of no mow areas on golf courses is gaining popularity. In Minnesota, fine fescues are typically the species chosen due to their low-input characteristics. Fine fescues grow slowly, and they generally have low nutrient and water requirements, all of which saves golf course resources. They also may provide the desirable aesthetics of a waving pasture with gold-frosted seed heads, which is quite the contrast from the well-manicured playing surfaces of fairways and greens (Figure 1).