I am assuming you have Bermuda? I scalp in the spring, I raise the mower to 1/2" after i scalp, and then to 3/4" six weeks later, then 1" six weeks after that. If you don't overseed in the fall, cut short ( 1/2") in mid Sept. and raise it back to 3/4" after the 1/2 scalp. This action helps to keep the lawn green longer into the fall. Also use a fertilizer with low nitrogen- iron and high potassium in the fall. Use 'Milorganite' during warm to hot months.

Yes I have Bermuda. Looks like I will be scalping tomorrow. I guess go as low as I can go?. My lawn is not perfectly level and my McLane does not have a roller yet

1/4 to 3/8" is good for scalping......you can test the second to the lowest height setting , and that might be good enough. Its actually better to leave some stolon growth on the surface :-) ......it helps the grass bounce back quicker. After scalping, use a fairly high nitrogen fertilizer to help the turf recover. Your average, every day, lawn food is high in nitrogen. Also consider using a pre emergent after you scalp- to reduce spring and summer weeds. You can use a fertilizer /pre emergent combo- such as 'Scotts Halts'.

I have already put down Scott's halts about 3 weeks ago. Any specific lawn food that you recommend? I have a Lowe's and home Depot close by.

Lowes has - 'Sta-green Texas turf' fertilizer. Put it down a little heavier than the recommended rate (by about 30%) - to help the turf bounce back quicker after scalping. It can also be used after your minor fall scalping, and again in mid Oct. It has a good analysis for most of the year, except for high heat periods. The bag will tell you its good in the heat, but believe me, you only want a little touch of nitrogen on Bermuda in the heat. (Milorganite)

Well I went ahead and did the front yard today. Was only able to scalp at the 3rd lowest setting. I think the reel is set up wrong. It still got me below .5" in most spots with some higher and some lower. Yard needs to be leveled more. I ended up fertilizing with milorganite because that is what I had on hand at a rate of 1 lbs per 1000 sq ft. Will that accomplish the same? A little nervous because I have never been able to go this low on my scalp. Here are some before and after photos. Let me know what you think.

Looks good ! The height settings i mentioned don't have to be exact.....the main thing is raising the height a little at a time thru the spring and summer , so you have a leafy green bermuda - and not scalping later when it gets hot. In order to not scalp at 1/2 to 3/4" in the summer, the lawn would have to be mowed 3 times a week.....and you would have to own a verticutter too! When you start getting into the higher cutting heights later in the summer, you could even go back to using a rotary mower. To mow over 3/4 with the Mclane, you have to change a bolt setting on side some where. Its been a long time since i used one, but i think its fairly easy to do.

What does a verticutter do for the yard? I am fine with having to mow several times a week. It's relaxing for me. I am feeling my way through with the McLane. I know how to adjust it, just don't know the heights. I have looked for a manual for mine but cannot seem to find one for a 17". It is designed differently than the 20 and 25" models and is no longer in production. Hoping it will get me through the next couple season before I go out and get myself a new mower

If your willing to mow more, you can stay at 3/4 for quite some time before the thatch builds up. A verticutter cuts vertical into the thatch and thin's the turf. For a small yard however , a little electric dethatcher will do. Its a little more crude, but does the trick. I think a brand name is- 'Green works' dethatcher. You would be using it every 4 to 6 weeks- if you wanted to continue mowing low.