Grass Cutting Season Starts

Smell is a potent wizard that
transports you across thousand of
miles and all the years you have lived.
- Helen Keller

Nothing speaks more of the earth's renewal than the first flush of new grass - emerald in colour promising cool relief for the soil and the immeasurable life-force which lies below while providing a carpet for numerous outdoor activities, anticipated all through the winter.

Of course new grass brings a whole host of new work for park gardeners and labourers who make it their job to keep this commodity in check. Over the past years our practices have changed as we've discovered a more sustainable approach to keeping all in control. Plants once considered invaders of turf are now tolerated and discouraged in a kinder, gentler fashion without the use of pesticides. Water, crucial to keeping the grass green, has been restricted in recent summer seasons initiating new standards in the height of grass cutting making sure longer grass shades its thirsty roots thereby requiring less mowing.

All of this leads us to some interesting statistics on what sorts of grass cutting equipment is employed by Park Board crews be they for ornamental garden areas, playing fields, parks or golf courses. A specific mower is employed for just the right turf making the process a bit of poetry in motion if you ever take the time to observe our staff at work.

Grass cutting, like most things, is an art form when done well and the resulting scent is a bonus for any passer-by.

Park Board Grass Cutting Equipment Inventory

Note: Our thanks to Gerry Papove, Park Board Fleet Supervisor, for his information gathering.

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