8 Tips for How to Mow a Lawn Like a Pro

Is your lawn looking a bit like a jungle? It's time to cut the grass again! If you want the best lawn on the block or just want to keep it healthy, it starts with good mowing practices. Here are our top 8 tips for mowing your lawn like a pro.

1. Cut your grass to the proper height. Resist the urge to cut your grass shorter, so you can mow it less often. The fact of the matter is that the top one-fourth of your grass is the healthiest and most green because grass is greenest when it is in a growing state. The closer to the root that you cut, the less healthy and green your grass is. For a healthier lawn, let your grass grow a little taller. This promotes deeper roots, enabling your grass to drink more water from the soil. The longer blades also reduce evaporation, especially in the summer heat. So, how short should you cut your grass? Follow the 1/3 rule, which means you should only cut 1/3 of the length of your grass.
   You can also follow the rule of thumb for what length to cut your grass depending on the type of grass you have. St. Augustine should be about 2.5 inches and Bermuda should be about 1.5-2 inches tall. Set your mower according to what kind of grass you have.
2. Mow when your grass is dry in the morning. Always mow a dry lawn, so the dry, freshly cut blades of grass are spread across your lawn evenly to provide a nice mulch. If you try mowing wet grass (even damp), the grass will collect in large clumps which can smother your lawn, promote pests, cause disease, and compact your lawn’s soil. A great time of day to mow is in the morning between 8 and 10 a.m., because the dew has dried and the heat hasn’t hit yet.
3. Try to mow your lawn once a week. If growing grass is green grass, you want to keep your lawn in a growth state, so remember to water and fertilize your lawn. This makes for a healthy, growing lawn, so you will need to mow more often. Remember the 1/3 rule, and only cut the proper amount. While weekly mowing is ideal, with water restrictions, you may only need to mow once every two weeks.

4. Mulch the lawn clippings instead of bagging them. When mowing sports fields, professionals bag all the grass clippings to present a manicured lawn ready for sporting events. However, it is more beneficial to leave the clippings on your lawn after you mow. There are a few reasons for this. It saves you time. It fertilizes your lawn with nutrient-rich clippings, and the clippings can maintain moisture in your soil while keeping the temperatures cooler for your lawn’s roots.
   As long as you regularly mow, the clippings will not pile up and inhibit growth. If you do decide to bag the clippings, recycle them rather than sending them to the landfill or dumping them in the streets, waterways, or drainage systems. You can compost them or feed them to animals.

5. Purchase the right equipment to mow your lawn like a pro. An old lawnmower simply won’t suffice. Your lawn will only look as nice as your equipment. We have many lawnmowers for you to choose from according to your needs!
   If you are mowing over half an acre, a riding lawnmower is optimal. If you are mowing a smaller lawn, and are up for the workout, a push mower can provide some physical exercise. If you don’t want to break a sweat, a self-propelled mower might be right for you.
6. Choose a mowing pattern and rotate it. For rectangular-shaped lawns, mow in straight lines. How do you accomplish those nice long, straight lines? Follow the edge of something straight near your yard, such as a sidewalk or landscaping edge, and look a few feet ahead of where you are mowing, instead of directly in front of your mower. Rotate the pattern of your mowing weekly, so your grass doesn’t grow in one direction. Mow vertical lines one week, and horizontal the next.
   For irregularly shaped lawns, mow in concentric circles. When you turn your mower, lift the front deck to keep a tight turn, while ensuring you are not mowing any sections more than once, as this will damage your grass.
7. Wait for the proper time to mow a new lawn. This allows the roots to grow deep into the soil. If your new lawn is freshly laid sod, it’s a good idea to wait 2 to 3 weeks before you mow. If your new lawn is from seed; however, you should wait 8 weeks before you mow. Be patient to make sure your lawn thrives.
8. Keep your mower blades sharp. You can do this by regularly replacing or sharpening your mowing blades. How do you know when it’s time to change your blades? Watch for tattered or brown tops on the blades of your grass. Dull blades tear your grass, and this slows the growth process. When you determine it’s time to replace or sharpen your blades, follow all precautionary steps, as this is a dangerous job. When you take off your mower blades to replace or sharpen them, disconnect your mower’s spark plug so the engine doesn’t come on and injure you.

Remember to keep safety as your number one priority when mowing your lawn; you are dealing with many sharp blades and possible flying debris. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind as the mowing season starts.

1. Remove any big debris from your yard. Walk your lawn to check for large branches, rocks, and small toys that belong to your kids or your pets.
2. Use precautions when you mow in the heat of the summer. Mow earlier in the morning (after the dew is dry) or in the early evening. You could even split the time if it’s a big job. Drink water and take breaks too!
3. Wear proper clothing and safety gear. Wear lightweight pants to protect your legs and lightweight long sleeves to protect your arms. It’s a good idea to wear eye protection, sunblock, and a hat too.
4. Protect your loved ones. Pets and kids need to be inside while you are mowing.
5. Take your time! Don’t get in a rush. Trying to mow in a hurry can lead to injury and a poorly cut lawn.

Are you ready to get out there and get to work? Come visit us to stock up on all lawn care essentials. Remember to follow our tips, so your efforts result in the lush, green lawn of your dreams!