Spring mowing reduces grass vigour

Grass growth our meadows this spring is not as lush as in previous years a result of the combined effects of a cold early spring and rabbit grazing. There are still however some more fertile parts of our meadows where the lush flush of grass growth threatens to overwhelm Yellow rattle and other herbs.

Fortunately there is just time for one last spring cut to tame this vigour. In our established Norfolk meadow we were able to do this with a rotary mower on 18th April.

A 70mm high cut was just high enough to miss the majority of the young yellow rattle plants pushing up through the grass (they can recover from minor mowing or grazing damage at this time of year).

We were able to reduce the first flush of grass by a half. Low growing areas and areas with cowslips were left uncut.

The end of April is the deadline for closing established meadows to any further late spring grazing or mowing. Sit back and enjoy the unfolding sequence of flowers that will follow over the coming months: the reward for all the effort invested.

Posted on 18 April 2010,
Category: Advice