What is an example of a cultural control in lawn management?

Cultural controls in lawn management refer to practices that manage pest populations by altering the growing environment rather than through chemical means. Adjusting mowing height is a prime example of a cultural control because it can enhance the overall health of the lawn and discourage the growth of pests.

Mowing at the appropriate height helps promote dense turf, which can suppress weed growth and improve the lawn's resilience to diseases and pests. When grass is kept at the suggested height, it allows for better light penetration and encourages root development, further leading to a stronger lawn that can better withstand stress.

In contrast, pesticide application, seed selection, and fertilization are not classified as cultural controls. Pesticides involve chemical interventions, while seed selection pertains to choosing plant varieties and fertilization involves nutrient application. Both of these strategies are important in lawn management but do not fall under the category of cultural controls, which focus on management practices that foster a healthy growing environment through physical and biological means.