Aim:
- To lift creeping stems and leaves before mowing to create an even surface and thin the grass coverage, but not to affect soil surface.
- To reduce organic matter build up in the grass plant.
Method:
- Can be pedestrian, units mounted on a triple mower or as a gang mower system powered by a tractor.
- The verti-cutting unit is made up of vertically mounted blades that rotate at high speed to cut into the turf
Timing:
Verti-cutting is normally carried out during the growing season. It helps to remove organic matter and horizontal growth, reducing the conditions in which diseases can thrive and removing coarser grasses and seed heads such as from Annual meadow-grass.
Effects of Incorrect Procedure:
Avoid verti-cutting during periods of drought, because the action increases the surface area and increases surface drying. Only use on the grass plant not the soil.
Equipment Selection:
- A pedestrian motorised veti-cutting mower.
- Some pitch mowers have a mounted verti-cutting unit which cleans the surface as you cut.
- Some mowers have a cassette system which have a verti-cut cassette for cleaning the turf surface.
- A tractor mounted verti-cutting unit for larger areas.
Practical Tips:
Make sure the verti-cutting unit is set 2 to 3 mm above the soil surface.
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