Although mowing your lawn is a simple task, some simple tricks can make a noticeable difference in your grass’s overall look and health. Taking care of your property is essential for your home’s curb appeal, and certain techniques can be followed to improve your lawn maintenance. Below are some tips for mowing your lawn. 

Ensure Your Blade Is Sharp 

Using a dull blade can damage the grass, similar to using blunt scissors on paper; dullness can rip instead of cut. If you are mowing your lawn with a dull blade, you can tear or rip the blades of the grass. In turn, your yard will turn yellow and become stressed, which can lead to lawn disease. Instead of killing an entire section of your lawn, remember to sharpen your blades every 8-10 times you cut the lawn. 

Timing Matters

You are probably used to mowing your lawn whenever you have the time, which can affect your lawn’s health. Try changing your mowing schedule to earlier in the day, around mid to late morning. At this time of the day, temperatures are cooler, and no morning dew is left when you start to cut. 

Mow To The Right Height

One of the most important tips to remember is to set your mower deck to the correct height. If you let your grass grow for too long or cut it too short, you can detriment the health of your grass. Don’t set the deck too low; this can result in bald spots, new weeds, and pests and diseases. Stress-related diseases are created when the lawn becomes stressed and yellow. You will want to cut a maximum of ⅓ of the grass blade at a time. Maintain your grass at 3-4 inches; cutting your grass to the perfect height will result in a healthier-looking lawn. 

 

Alternate Directions 

When mowing your lawn, you may start and finish in the same places. This is normal to have a routine, but in order to maintain the health of your grass, you will want to alternate the direction you are mowing. Mowing in lines can be satisfying, but it is also detrimental. The lines you see are called uptake; when you cut in the same pattern, only a certain side of the blade consistently gets sunshine. Try mowing in different directions to ensure the grass lays in different directions.

Do Not Mow Wet Lawn

Mowing your lawn when wet can cause the clipping to tangle, clump, or stick together in the catcher of the mower. These clippings can also hang onto the remaining blades; this blocks the lawn from getting sunlight. Your mower is decently heavy and can compact the soil below, which can lead to unhealthy, thin grass. Feel the yard before mowing to ensure it is completely dry. 

Having a healthy lawn can increase the curb appeal of your home. Maintaining a good-looking yard can be time-consuming and challenging; that is why we are here to help. Contact us today at Lakeshore Landscapes to transform your lawn and build your dream outdoor space.