Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

If the mower blade is set too low and the turf is uneven, what may occur?

1. Slice

2. Aerate

3. Scalp

4. Scorch

The correct answer is: Scalp

When the mower blade is set too low, it can result in scalping the turf. Scalping occurs when the mower cuts the grass too short, removing a significant amount of the grass blade and exposing the crown of the plant. This not only makes the lawn appear uneven and patchy but can also lead to stress on the grass, making it susceptible to injury from environmental factors and pathogens. Scalping disrupts the photosynthesis process because the grass relies on its blades to capture sunlight. Furthermore, when scalping happens, it can expose the soil to the sun, potentially leading to dried out or scorched patches in the lawn. This is particularly problematic for warm-season grasses which thrive when cut at a higher height. An uneven cut can exacerbate these issues, as areas that are scalped will not recover uniformly with the surrounding grass, leading to a less aesthetically pleasing and healthy lawn. By understanding this, you can recognize the importance of setting the mower blade to the correct height to maintain an optimal lawn appearance and health.