Increasing mowing heights generally increases water-use rates.

Increasing mowing heights generally increases water-use rates.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for warm-season grasses
• D. Not affected by mowing

Answer: (A)

Leaf area and transpiration control how much water turf uses. When mowing height is increased, more leaf tissue remains on the plant, increasing the surface area through which water can be lost as vapor. This raises transpiration, a major part of the plant’s water use. Although taller turf also shades the soil and can cut soil evaporation, the overall water loss often climbs because the bigger canopy drives more transpiration. So, in many turf systems, raising mowing height leads to higher water-use rates, though the exact amount can vary with grass type and climate.