Why should you mow a natural orchard, some people may ask. Wouldn't it be more natural to just let the grass grow? Mowing is part of good care for various reasons. We'll explain why.
Why should you mow an orchard?
An orchard meadow should be mowed two to three times a year in order to maintain a species-rich, colorful flower meadow and to push back assertive shrubs and plants. Typical mowing times are the second half of June and August.
Without regular mowing there is no colorful flower meadow
First of all: Without regular mowing, at least twice a year, no species-rich, colorful flower meadow can develop. In other words: A rarely mown meadow becomes overgrown and woody over time, as assertive shrubs (e.g. blackberries) and plants (e.g. dandelions, nettles) multiply unhindered and crowd out more sensitive plants (which include most types of flowers).. Mowing ensures that competitive plants are pushed back and more sensitive ones are given a chance.
Do not mow the meadow completely
That's why it's best to mow the meadow about two to three times a year outside of the bird breeding season. In most places, the second half of June and August have become established as typical mowing times. If possible, the cuttings should either be cleared away immediately or removed in autumn at the latest, as they attract voles and field mice. In addition, you should not mow the entire meadow at the same time, but only individual strips at different intervals.
Tips & Tricks
Species-rich meadows should not be fertilized too often, because the resulting increased nitrogen content in the soil usually only benefits typical “fat meadow” plants.
