Here’s a 10-minute guide to mowing your lawn with essential tips for maintaining a healthy, green yard.
1. Mow at the Right Height
- Know your grass type to determine the ideal mowing height. For cool-season grasses (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, fescue), keep them around 2.5-3.5 inches. Warm-season grasses (e.g., Bermuda, zoysia) do better at a lower height, around 1-2 inches.
- Avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. Removing too much can stress the grass, weaken its root system, and leave it vulnerable to pests and diseases.
2. Mow with Sharp Blades
- Sharp mower blades make clean cuts, while dull blades tear the grass, leaving ragged edges that turn brown and are more prone to disease.
- Sharpen blades at least once per mowing season or after 8-10 hours of use. You can do this yourself with a file or take the blades to a professional.
3. Mow When the Grass is Dry
- Mow your lawn when it’s dry to avoid clumping and uneven cutting. Wet grass bends and clogs the mower deck, making it harder to cut evenly.
- Mowing wet grass also increases the risk of fungal diseases due to prolonged moisture on the blades.
4. Mow Regularly Based on Growth, Not a Schedule
- The frequency of mowing depends on the growth rate of your grass, which varies with the season. During rapid growth in the spring and early summer, you may need to mow once or twice a week. In slower growing seasons, once every 1-2 weeks might suffice.
- The “1/3 rule” should guide your mowing, not the calendar. If the grass has grown too tall, gradually reduce the height by cutting it in stages over a few days rather than in one go.
5. Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn
- Grasscycling—leaving grass clippings on the lawn—provides natural fertilization. Clippings decompose quickly and return valuable nutrients, such as nitrogen, to the soil, promoting healthier grass.
- Ensure clippings are short enough to decompose quickly. If they’re too long and clumpy, consider bagging or mulching them.
6. Change Mowing Patterns
- Vary your mowing pattern each time you mow. Alternate between mowing north-south and east-west or diagonally. This prevents soil compaction in specific areas and encourages grass blades to grow straighter.
- Avoid always mowing in the same direction, as this can lead to rutting and uneven cutting, especially in heavy clay soils.
7. Edge Your Lawn for a Clean Finish
- After mowing, edge the lawn along sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds to give it a neat, professional look. You can use a manual or electric edger, or simply flip the string trimmer on its side for precise edges.
- Regular edging prevents grass from encroaching onto hard surfaces or into flower beds.
8. Mow in the Evening or Early Morning
- The best time to mow is late afternoon or early evening, when temperatures are cooler and the grass has had time to dry from morning dew.
- Avoid mowing in the heat of midday to reduce stress on both the grass and yourself.
9. Adjust the Mower Height with the Seasons
- Cool-season grasses should be mowed higher in the heat of summer to provide shade to the roots and reduce water loss. In the cooler spring and fall, you can mow them slightly shorter.
- Warm-season grasses can tolerate being mowed shorter throughout their growing season but should be kept a little higher in hot, dry weather.
10. Bag or Mulch When Necessary
- Bagging clippings is helpful when mowing an overgrown lawn, controlling weeds, or when clippings are too long to decompose quickly.
- Mulching mowers chop clippings into fine pieces that quickly return to the soil. This is ideal for regular mowing and healthier lawns. Mulching also helps retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
11. Avoid Scalping
- Scalping occurs when grass is cut too short, leaving the soil exposed. This can cause grass to turn brown, weaken its root system, and invite weeds and diseases.
- Make sure your mower is set at the correct height to avoid cutting too close to the soil, especially on uneven terrain.
12. Maintain Your Mower
- Regularly maintain your mower by cleaning the deck, sharpening the blades, and checking the oil and air filter. A well-maintained mower ensures a clean cut and longer mower life.
- Check your mower’s tires for even pressure to ensure the mower sits level and cuts the lawn evenly.
13. Watch for Lawn Stress
- If you notice areas of your lawn turning brown or thinning, check whether your mowing practices are contributing to the problem. Signs of stress can include uneven patches, scalped areas, or excessive thatch buildup.
- Adjust watering and fertilization schedules if needed to complement mowing.
14. Consider the Lawn’s Overall Health
- Proper mowing is just one part of maintaining a healthy lawn. It should be combined with proper watering, fertilization, aeration, and weed control.
- Pay attention to seasonal lawn care needs—mowing in conjunction with these practices will lead to a fuller, greener yard.
By following these best practices for mowing, you’ll encourage stronger root growth, prevent lawn stress, and enjoy a lush, healthy yard year-round. Mowing may seem simple, but small changes in how you mow can make a big difference!
