Mowing the lawn might seem straightforward, but there’s more to it than just pushing a mower around. If you want to achieve a healthy, lush lawn, following best practices can make all the difference. These seven steps will help you mow like a pro and keep your yard looking its best year round.
1. Choose the Right Mower for Your Lawn
The first step in mowing your lawn is choosing the right mower. Not all mowers are suitable for every lawn, and selecting the right one will make the job easier and more effective. If you have a small, flat lawn, a push mower may be sufficient. They are affordable, require little maintenance, and give you a bit of exercise. For larger lawns or uneven terrain, a self-propelled or riding mower is a better option. These mowers take the strain off when navigating hills or covering large areas.
When choosing between gas, electric, or battery-powered mowers, consider what works best for you. Gas mowers offer power and longer run times, but they need more maintenance. Electric mowers are quieter and more eco-friendly, while battery-powered mowers are convenient and cordless, though they tend to be heavier. Choose a mower that fits the size and type of your lawn for the best results.
2. Keep Your Mower Blades Sharp
Dull mower blades can do more harm than good. A dull blade tears grass rather than cutting it cleanly, which stresses the grass and makes it more susceptible to disease. To avoid this, ensure your mower blades are sharp. Sharp blades cut grass cleanly, promoting healthier growth.
You should sharpen your mower blades every 20–25 hours of use, or at least twice during the mowing season. If you notice the grass edges are ragged or not cutting properly, it’s time to sharpen the blades. You can sharpen them yourself if you have the right tools, or you can have them professionally sharpened for precision.
3. Set the Right Mowing Height
Mowing at the right height is essential for a healthy lawn. Different grass types thrive at different heights, and mowing too short can damage your grass. A good rule of thumb is the “one-third rule” — never cut more than one-third of the grass height in a single mow. This helps maintain the health of your grass and encourages root growth.
For cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, keep the grass height between 2.5” and 4”. For warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia, aim for a height between 1” and 2.5”. Adjust the mower’s height according to the season. During the hot summer months, it’s best to mow the grass a bit higher to avoid stressing it. In cooler months, you can lower the height for better root development.
4. Follow the Right Mowing Frequency
How often should you mow your lawn? The answer depends on how fast your grass is growing. During spring and summer, aim to mow weekly, or more frequently if the grass is growing fast. In fall, mowing every 10–14 days is usually sufficient as the grass slows down. Winter mowing is rare unless you have warm-season grass that continues to grow during the colder months. In that case, mow once every few weeks. Instead of just sticking to a schedule, keep an eye on your grass growth. If the grass
Keep an eye on your grass growth rather than just sticking to a schedule. If the grass isn’t growing quickly, you can go longer between mowings without negatively impacting the health of your lawn.
5. Vary Your Mowing Pattern
Mowing in the same direction every time can lead to uneven growth, with the grass starting to lean in the direction you mow most frequently. To prevent this and encourage even growth, try varying your mowing pattern. Change from horizontal to vertical, or even mow diagonally.
Alternating between different mowing patterns also helps reduce soil compaction, which can hinder healthy root growth. By changing your mowing direction each time, you’ll keep the grass growing upright and help your lawn thrive. So, mix it up to keep your lawn looking fresh and promote better growth.
6. Leave the Clippings (Grasscycling)
One common misconception is that grass clippings should always be bagged. However, leaving clippings on your lawn can be beneficial for the grass. Grass clippings are a natural fertilizer, returning valuable nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil. This process is called grasscycling.
If you mow your lawn regularly, you don’t need to bag the clippings. They will break down quickly and won’t cause thatch buildup. However, if the grass is too long or the clippings are too large, it’s a good idea to bag them to prevent clumping. Use a mulching mower to chop the clippings into fine pieces, allowing them to decompose quickly and nourish your lawn.
7. Edge & Trim for a Professional Finish
To give your lawn that professional, manicured look, try edging and trimming the lawn. Clean, defined edges along driveways, sidewalks, and garden beds create a sharp boundary that enhances the appearance of your lawn.
Use a string trimmer or rotary edger to tidy up the edges and ensure a neat finish. Edging doesn’t take long, but it makes a significant difference in the overall look of your lawn. Aim to edge every 2–3 mowings to maintain those crisp lines. A little extra effort here goes a long way in boosting your lawn’s curb appeal.
Enjoy a Healthy Lawn
Mowing your lawn like a pro is all about following the right techniques and paying attention to the details. By choosing the right mower, keeping your blades sharp, mowing at the correct height, varying your mowing pattern, and grasscycling, you’ll have a healthy, beautiful lawn. Don’t forget to edge and trim for that finishing touch that gives your lawn that professionally manicured appearance.
At Lavington Turf Farms, we provide high-quality, drought-tolerant sod and expert advice to help enhance the health and beauty of your lawn. Contact us today!
