Lawn Mowing Tips

Mowing may seem like such a basic task, but some lawn problems can be traced back to something as simple as improper mowing habits.

Mowing may seem like such a basic task, but some lawn problems can be traced back to something as simple as improper mowing habits.

Whether you mow your lawn yourself or pay for service, it is important that your lawn is mowed at the correct height. Keeping the grass at the correct height will help support a healthy, green lawn and help reduce lawn problems.

Mowing Height

Mowing properly helps promote deeper root growth and maintains the health of the lawn by making it stronger and more resilient. The length you mow your lawn depends on the grass type you have.

It is a common mistake for homeowners, or even professionals, to cut their grass too short. Cutting your lawn too short not only can make it prone to losing its green color but can leave it more vulnerable to lawn disease and weeds.

Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Ryegrass are the most common grass types you will see in our area. These grass types should be kept at around 3-3.5 inches.

Checking The Grass Height

If you want to check your mowing height after it has been mowed, place a ruler in your lawn and measure from the tip of the grass blade to the soil. You can also keep your mower blade on the highest possible setting so that you can ensure you are mowing at the recommended length each time.

Mowing Per Season

When the weather is cooler, your lawn can be mowed shorter than the normal length. Lawns are no longer vulnerable to being scalped, which can occur with overexposure from the sun.

For the last few mows of the season, it is recommended to reduce your blade height gradually to avoid any winter-related fungal diseases such as snow mold. You want to avoid mowing if heavy frosts are expected or if the ground is too wet in the fall.

During the summer months, you want to keep your blades higher and avoid mowing in peak temperatures. Cutting heat-stressed grass in the middle of the day can cause your lawn not to receive enough nutrients or moisture and leave your grass looking brown.

Mowing Blades

Poor power and dull blades can cause your lawn mower to “rip” the turf’s blades while cutting them. This can also cause lawn diseases, and in some cases kill the grass in areas.

For a clean cut be sure to sharpen your blades and have your mower serviced once a year and to replace the blades as needed – this can be done yourself or by a professional.