When it comes to grass maintenance, few tasks are more important—or more underestimated—than mowing. Done right, mowing doesn’t just keep your lawn looking tidy. It actually improves your turf’s overall health, helping to fend off weeds, pests, and disease. But not all mowing is created equal. Want a lush, vibrant lawn that turns heads? Start with these five essential lawn mowing tips.
1. Mow to the Right Height
One of the most common lawn care mistakes is cutting the grass too short. It might feel efficient, but it’s actually counterproductive. For most lawns, aim to keep grass around 2.5 inches (6 centimetres) tall. This length encourages deep root growth, which improves drought resistance and naturally crowds out weeds.
Keep in mind that the ideal height can vary depending on the grass type and season—cool-season and warm-season grasses have different needs—so it’s worth doing a little research specific to your lawn.
2. Never Cut More Than One-Third
A golden rule of healthy lawn maintenance: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow. Cutting too much at once shocks the grass, weakens the root system, and can cause browning or disease. Instead, mow more often and trim less each time. It’s better for your grass—and easier on your mower.
3. Leave the Clippings
Those leftover clippings? Leave them be. This technique, called grasscycling, returns valuable nutrients back to your soil—acting like a free, all-natural fertilizer. Over time, this improves soil structure, boosts moisture retention, and enhances overall turf health. And best of all? Less cleanup.
Important Note: If you miss a cut and/or you’re taking off more than 1/3 of the grass blade, it is best to bag your clippings. This is because those clippings end up binding together and creating a layer of thatch which can result in reduced access to water, air and nutrients.
4. Keep Your Mower Blades Sharp
Mower sharpening is a small task with big payoffs. Dull blades tear at the grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leaving it vulnerable to disease and brown tips. Sharp blades, on the other hand, make clean cuts that heal quickly and keep your lawn looking crisp and healthy. Regular blade sharpening should be part of your seasonal lawn mower maintenance routine.
5. Know When to Stop for the Season
As temperatures drop in the fall, grass growth slows and eventually stops altogether. The timing varies based on your region, but in Southern Ontario, this usually happens between mid-October and early December. Once growth has halted, give your lawn one final trim to prevent issues like snow mold or matting during winter. But don’t stop too early—letting grass grow too long before winter can lead to problems come spring.
The Bottom Line: Healthy Lawns Start with Smart Mowing
Mowing might seem simple, but smart technique makes all the difference. By following these lawn mowing tips—cutting to the right height, mowing consistently, sharpening your blades, and leaving clippings—you’ll support healthier, more resilient turf all season long. And when it comes to grass maintenance, consistency is key.
