What happens when a dull mower blade is used on grass?

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Prepare for the Louisiana Horticulture Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Equip yourself for your test!

When a dull mower blade is used on grass, it tears the leaf blade rather than making a clean cut. This tearing can cause stress to the grass, resulting in a weakened plant that may become more susceptible to diseases and pests. Clean cuts from a sharp blade promote healthier growth, allowing the grass to seal off the wound quickly and maintain vigor. A dull blade disrupts this process, and over time, this can lead to a decline in turf quality and health.

The other choices suggest effects that do not occur with dull blades; for instance, a cleaner cut or enhanced growth are outcomes related to the use of sharp blades, and while it might seem that less frequent mowing could be linked with tearing, the opposite is actually true; dull blades can lead to increased mowing needs due to poor turf health.