Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

What is a benefit of mowing the lawn in different directions?

1. Spreading disease and insects

2. Reducing wear on one part of the mower blade

3. Preventing soil compaction and undesirable grain set

4. Causing excess wear on one area of the mower

The correct answer is: Preventing soil compaction and undesirable grain set

Mowing the lawn in different directions, also known as alternate mowing, helps to prevent soil compaction and undesirable grain set, making this the correct answer. When a lawn is mowed in a consistent direction each time, it can lead to soil compaction under the mower's wheels, making it harder for air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil. Over time, this can result in poor grass health and growth. Additionally, varying the mowing direction helps to prevent the grass from developing a grain, which is when the grass grows in a predominantly single direction. This can improve the overall health of the lawn, encouraging upright growth and creating a more uniform appearance. It also helps to ensure that the grass is cut evenly and can minimize the risk of scalping. The alternatives do not provide the same benefits or outcomes. Spreading disease and insects would be a negative result, and causing excess wear or reducing wear on the mower blade does not contribute to lawn health. Thus, varying mowing directions directly supports better lawn maintenance and environmental conditions.