Lawn Mowing Best Practices

Whether you view mowing the lawn as a cathartic ritual or a dreaded chore, it’s a job that needs to be done. What you may not know is that there is a difference between doing it and doing well! If your neighbor’s lawn always looks greener while yours looks worse for wear, it’s possible there really is a difference in care.

1. PREP YOUR MOWER

Start each season with an oil change and fresh gas, and check your mower blades for cracks, dullness, or other signs that they need to be sharpened or replaced. One symptom of dull blades is raggedly cut grass, so keep an eye out for that.

2. LEARN YOUR LAWN

All grass is not equal! There are actually a lot of differences between grass species. Find out what kind of grass you have, and you’ll have access to information about growing seasons, water and fertilizer needs, and even details about how it should be cut!

3. CUT TO THE RIGHT HEIGHT

Photosynthesis says your grass needs to have enough blade area to absorb sunlight. Cutting it too short can cause damage! As a general rule, you should leave around 3 inches of grass when you cut, but this can vary depending on the type of grass you have.

4. MIND THOSE CLIPPINGS

Leaving your clippings on the ground provides much-needed nutrients to the lawn as they decompose. However, if you don’t like the look of them, consider a mulching blade and guard for your mower to ensure that they get cut into smaller pieces. There are two exceptions to this: for your first and last cuts of the year, your lawn will do better if you bag the clippings instead.

5. ADAPT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Grass is a living thing and its needs change depending on the seasons and local weather conditions. During the heat of summer, make your lawn more drought resistant by adjusting your cut height up a little. In the early spring and fall, cut less often to avoid shocking the grass.

Keep in Under Control

A well-manicured lawn can be a big job! Fortunately, there are plenty of professionals out there who can take that burden off your shoulders. Don’t hesitate to ask around for recommendations or advice.