Grass Maintenance: 5 Lawn mowing tips for a healthier looking lawn
Read MorePosted on: Feb 13, 2019Jordyn Rowntree
There is nothing more central to grass maintenance than proper mowing. With proper mowing, not only can you get your lawn looking its best but also help it be its healthiest. Though the act of mowing itself might seem to be straightforward, there are techniques to ensure you get the most out of each mowing. Here are 5 lawn mowing tips for a healthier looking lawn.
Cut Your Grass to the Right Height
There is a tendency among many to cut their grass low, but if you’re aiming for quality grass maintenance this isn’t the way to go. Instead of aggressively cutting your grass until there’s barely any of it left, leave a minimum of 2.5 inches or 6 centimetres when you mow. This height recommendation is a general one however and can vary depending on the type of grass and the season, so be sure to do further research if necessary. By having your grass at this longer length you encourage growth and reduce the risk of weeds and pests.
Don’t Cut More Than a Third
Another important thing to remember when mowing your lawn for grass maintenance and health is not to cut more than a third of it per mowing session. The reason for this goes back to the previous tip – you want to mow your grass relatively high because of the health benefits that come with it. Thus, it’s better to mow high and regularly, taking no more than a third at a time, than low and
Leave Your Clippings
When you’re done mowing, don’t make the mistake of trying to pick up your clippings. Grass maintenance is made a great deal easier with the help of decomposed clippings as they improve soil quality much like fertilizer. In turn, as a result of that improved soil quality, you get healthier, more vibrant grass.
Make Sure Your Mower Blades are Sharp
Having sharp mower blades are beneficial on two fronts. First of all, it just makes the mowing itself easier as the grass gets cut with less resistance. In addition to that, a second reason that’s more pertinent to grass maintenance is that a dull blade can cause your grass to rip or tear, which in turn can lead to disease and your grass dying.
Know When To Stop Mowing
One final thing to keep in mind for quality grass maintenance that will lead to a healthy looking lawn is knowing when to stop mowing for the year. Grass stops growing some way into the fall. As to exactly when that is, it’s hard to say, as it depends where you live and how fast it gets cold. So, it can be as early as the middle of October and as late as December. At that point, when the grass is no longer growing, give your lawn one final cut. Be sure not to stop mowing your grass until that point, as overlong grass in the winter can lead to a host of problems.