Without mowing the lawn, a beautifully manicured yard can easily turn into an overgrown forest. Ignoring the proper techniques according to the type of grass you possess can also lead to damaging problems that are be rather difficult to hide. As you approach the task of lawn mowing, there are a couple of factors to consider, which can either make or break the appearance of your grass and overall presentation of the yard.
Debating Height
As a rule of thumb, grass generally responds best when selecting one of the higher lawnmower settings, especially during a heat-filled summer day. If the blade is set too low, scalping is often the result, which is highly undesirable. When the blade is set too low, a gouging of the soil may occur, which pulls up the grass and in particular, turf that is dry and straw-colored.
If you find yourself falling behind the growth of your lawn, you may mow the grass at a higher length, and then lower the blade for a mowing that takes place after a couple of days have passed. A common rule is that you should never cut off more than 1/3 of the length of grass in a single mowing.
Recommended Mowing Heights
Your location by region usually determines the type of grass in your yard, which is based upon selections better suited for various climates and temperature levels. Below you will find a few recommendations based on minimum and maximum heights for an assortment of common grass types: Fine Fescue (1½”; 2½”); Tall Fescue (2″; 3″); Kentucky Blue grass (1½”; 2½”); Rye grass (1½”; 2½”); Bahia grass (2″; 4″); Bermuda grass (1½”; 2″); Buffalo grass (2″; 3″); Carpet grass (2″; 3″); Centipede grass (1″; 1½”); St. Augustine grass/Floratam (2″; 4″); and Zoysia grass (¾”; 2″).
Mowing Frequency
Typically, individuals should mow their lawn once per week. Sometimes, seasonal and weather changes may also affect the frequency of mowing. For example, grass tends to grow at a more rapid pace during the springtime. This means mowing the grass twice a week may become necessary in order to avoid having to remove more than 1/3 of the length.
Blade Sharpness
Keeping the mower blade sharp will produce the best results when it comes to keeping a yard looking fresh and clean. When the blades of a mower become dull, grass blade ends are torn in such a way that a raggedy appearance is the result. These jagged ends usually turn brown, causing the grass to look dried-out. This type of blade damage also promotes the spread of fungus and disease.
10 Additional Lawn Mowing Tips
Before mowing your lawn, there are additional tips that may increase the prosperity of a lawn. For instance, mowing in different directions helps to prevent the look of leaning grass blades. Try diagonal, horizontal, and vertical patterns. When mowing, you should avoid making sharp turns. Also, it is important to never mow a lawn that is wet as it only invites fungus to attack.
Here are 10 tips for mowing the lawn the right way:
- Choose the Right Time of Day: It’s best to mow your lawn during the early morning or late afternoon. These times are cooler, which puts less stress on the grass and allows it to recover faster. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day to prevent the grass from getting sunburned.
- Keep Blades Sharp: Dull blades tear the grass rather than cut it cleanly. This can lead to a ragged appearance and make the lawn more susceptible to diseases. Regularly sharpen or replace the mower blades to ensure a clean cut.
- Mow at the Right Height: Avoid cutting the grass too short as it can stress the lawn and make it more prone to weeds. As a general rule, never remove more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing.
- Alternate Mowing Patterns: Change your mowing direction every time. This prevents the grass from growing in one direction and helps reduce soil compaction.
- Leave Grass Clippings: Grass clippings decompose quickly and return valuable nutrients to the soil. If you mow regularly and the clippings are short, there’s no need to collect them unless you notice clumping.
- Avoid Mowing Wet Grass: Mowing a wet lawn can lead to uneven cuts, clumping of grass clippings, and can spread disease. It’s also more challenging to maneuver the mower on wet terrain.
- Adjust Mowing Frequency: Depending on the season and the amount of rainfall, the growth rate of your lawn may vary. Mow based on the height of the grass, not on a set schedule.
- Maintain Your Mower: Regularly check the mower’s oil, air filter, spark plug, and tires. A well-maintained mower will not only last longer but also provide a better cut.
- Edge Your Lawn: After mowing, use a lawn edger or trimmer to give your lawn a clean and finished appearance. This defines the boundaries and makes your lawn look well-manicured.
- Stay Safe: Always wear protective gear like safety glasses, ear protection, and closed-toed shoes when mowing. Avoid mowing on steep slopes and always be aware of your surroundings to prevent accidents.
Following these tips will help you achieve a lush, green, and healthy lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood!
