April 6, 2020

How Cutting Height Effects Top-Growth
Dr. Thomas A. Nikolai & Dr. Kevin Frank

Essential maintenance for a golf course could be defined as anything normally performed on a regular basis that maintains long term turfgrass health. If we didn’t consider it essential maintenance, then it is unlikely it would be performed as it would simply cost money without any significant value in improving turf quality or performance.  

Putting Green Height of Cut Study

Over the years there have been several height-of-cut (HOC) studies performed at Michigan State University.  In 2013 we initiated a bentgrass putting green HOC study. Clipping weights are presented in Table 1. There were 3 HOC in the study and the results showed the lowest HOC always had  the highest clipping weight (i.e. the lower the cutting height the more top-growth). The differences in clipping weights were especially greater in May than the summer months. If you can only mow your putting greens 3-4 times per week raising the HOC should reduce top-growth and reduce the likelihood of scalping resulting from reduced mowing frequency. 

 Table 1. 2013 Putting Green height of cut (HOC) study. Clippings weights in grams.

Lawn or Golf Course Rough Height of Cut Study

In 2019 a lawn care or golf course rough HOC study was initiated on a Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine leaf fescue mixture. HOC was 2, 2.5, and 3-inches. Clipping weights  are presented in Table 2. Once again, the lowest HOC always produced the highest clipping weight.  

Take Home Summary

These two studies show that raising mowing heights whether it’s for putting greens or higher cut turf such as lawns or golf course roughs will result in less top-growth between mowing. 

Photo 1. Height of cut study funded by the MTF in 2019, will continue in 2020 and 2021.

Table 2. 2019 Lawn mixture height of cut (HOC) study results from 2019.  Clipping weights in grams.

As a reminder Dr. Kevin Frank will be hosting a webinar, Tuesday at 1pm.  Click the banner below for information.