maaien

Maaien is a Dutch verb meaning to mow or cut grass. In agriculture, horticulture, and land management, maaien refers to cutting vegetation at or near ground level. It is commonly applied to lawns, meadows, pastures, and field margins. The act serves purposes such as maintenance of appearance, promotion of dense turf, thatch control, and preparation of forage.

In practice, maaien is performed with scythes or sickles when done by hand, and with various kinds of mowing machinery. Common tools include walk-behind and ride-on lawn mowers, mulching mowers that return clippings, and trimmers for edges. Mowing can be performed in straight passes, often creating pattern effects on lawns.

Timing and technique: in temperate regions mowing occurs during the growing season, typically spring through autumn, with frequencies ranging from weekly to every few weeks depending on growth. Mowing height for lawns is usually around 2.5 to 4 centimeters; for rough pasture higher heights are common. It is best to mow when the grass is dry and avoid cutting too short to prevent stress.

Environmental and management considerations: leaving mower clippings on the ground returns nutrients and supports soil structure; mulch mowers reduce waste. Lawns and meadows should not be scalped, and mowing schedules can influence biodiversity and habitat for pollinators. In some systems, mowing is integrated with grazing or haymaking.