5 Mowing Tips for a Lush-Looking Lawn
A green and healthy lawn is the result of proper maintenance. Mowing is usually a key part of the maintenance and needs to be done correctly – it’s about more than simply moving your lawn mower over the grass.
In this guide, we'll show you a few simple but highly effective mowing tips to help your lawn grow thicker and fuller.
Mow Regularly
If you want your lawn to look lush, healthy, and neat, you need to mow it regularly. Think of it as giving your grass a haircut – the more consistent you are, the better the shape it will take. When you cut the grass regularly, you keep it low and denser. It will also mean that when you are cutting, you only clip the very top of the blades. This will avoid making the grass look out of shape, especially if you have the thicker type.
Besides the aesthetics, cutting lawn grass regularly discourages weeds from growing in. You can aim to mow it once a week during the growing seasons such as spring and early summer, then every two or three weeks at other times. If you are consistent, you won't even need to worry about leaving the toppings as they'll be minimal – your grass still needs them as a nitrogen source.
Set the Right Blade Height
Mowing your lawn can seem like a lot of work, and when you want to avoid it for a week or so, you may be tempted to cut the grass too low. However, this is a big mistake as it can make the grass stressed, sunburnt, and vulnerable to weeds.
As a rule of thumb, you shouldn't cut more than one-third of the blade's height at a time. The only time you should is when you actually want to scalp the grass to encourage a healthier batch, mostly done early spring or late fall when the grass is dormant.
That said, you can adjust your lawn mower blades a bit. During warmer months, raise the blades to allow the soil to retain moisture. You can lower it a bit in cooler seasons for a neater look.
Mow When the Grass is Dry
It’s always tempting to get your mowing out of the way first thing, but this shouldn't be early in the morning before the dew breaks. While it might not seem like a big issue, mowing your grass when damp usually leads to uneven cuts and causes your clippings to build up on the lawn mower.
Besides that, it puts you at risk of slipping. Ideally, consider cool afternoons or evenings if mornings are dewy. It's safer, you'll get a cleaner look, and your lawn mower will also thank you!
Change Up Your Mowing Pattern
If you always mow the same way, you're doing your lawn a disservice. Using the same pattern every time can cause your grass to lean in one direction, making it look uneven. On top of that, running the mower on the same path every time can create ruts in the soil, causing compacted ground where your grass struggles to grow.
Whenever you are mowing, try to change the direction. Feel free to try various lawn mowing patterns, as it will encourage your grass to grow straight and evenly.
Clean and Maintain Your Mower
The lawn mower is your weapon for maintaining the grass in optimum shape, so you also need to take care of it. If the blades are dull or clogged, your grass will look ragged and be more prone to disease.
Whenever you finish up your mowing, take a few minutes to clear up the grass clippings. While at it, check whether the blades are sharp enough or they need some work. You'll also need to check the oil and filter levels every now, especially if you use a petrol lawn mower. The maintenance is lower on an electric one, but it still needs to be cleaned and inspected to ensure everything is working as it should.
Elevating Your Lawn Care Maintenance
When you use the right practices, you can easily achieve that vibrant and well-maintained lawn you desire. Keep an eye on the condition of your lawn mower and ensure you use the right mowing techniques, and you'll enjoy the satisfaction a beautifully manicured lawn provides.
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