6 Tips for Effective Mowing

Do you know the best way to mow to keep your lawn happy and healthy? Stay fully prepared for the season ahead with these effective mowing tips.

Tip # 1 – Check your mower blade
Make sure your lawn mower blade is sharp. You should always mow with a sharp mower blade. If you notice unevenness in your lawn or notice the tip of each grass blade is torn and not cleanly-sliced, then your mower blade is dull and needs to be sharpened or replaced.

Check your mower blade and look for large chips or dents in the cutting edge that cannot be smoothed out. Inconsistencies in the blade are likely to tear your grass rather than cut it.

Pay attention to the thickness of your lawn mower blade. Over time, yard debris can erode the blade and cause the metal to weaken and become thin. If you notice this, replace the blade.

Tip #2 – Properly install your mower blade
If you remove the blade from your mower to sharpen or replace it, make sure your properly reinstall it. If your blade is installed upside down, it will cause the blunt backside of the blade to be used as the cutting edge. This will result in a raggedy cut.

Tip #3 – Set the mowing height
When mowing, be mindful that you’re not removing more than 1/3 of the height of your grass. Grass struggles to recover when you cut off more than a third of its height in a single mowing. Also, continuous short mowings will weaken your lawn and leave room for weeds to grow.

Tip #4 – Change directions when mowing
Change your mowing pattern to prevent lawn damage. The pattern change will control coarse grass and create even surfaces. Different patterns not only add an aesthetically pleasing design but also promotes a healthy lawn.

Tip # 5 – Plan ahead for grass clippings
Grass clippings can be beneficial when you allow them to remain on your lawn. The grass clippings will allow nutrients to return to the soil. If you stay on top of mowing so that there are no big clumps left behind when mowing, there’s no need to remove the grass clippings.

Tip #6 – Do not mow the grass when it is wet
Don’t mow the lawn after it rains because wet grass can cause clumping and ruts. Mowing wet grass leaves your lawn more vulnerable to certain diseases.