Some see mowing the lawn as a chore. Others see it as an art. Whether you do it because you have to or because you want to bring a clean aesthetic to your yard, there are certain considerations to keep in mind before you start. Here are several lawn mowing tips to follow no matter your motivation.

Lawn Mowing Tips

Cutting the grass has its benefits, including promoting healthy growth and keeping your yard looking great. However, not cutting the grass correctly can lead to problems. As long as you’re taking the time and effort to trim your lawn, you might as well do it the right way and save yourself from having to deal with the consequences.

Before you even get the mower out, evaluate the current conditions:

1. Does your grass need cutting? Just because it’s the weekend, nice out, or you simply have the time doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to cut the lawn. Only cut when the grass is long enough. This is especially important for a newly seeded lawn. Give it time to grow a few inches before cutting. Forget the schedule and listen to your lawn.
2. Is the grass dry enough? If it’s just rained or your grass is covered in morning dew, wait until the ground is dry before you mow. Not only is a wet lawn a slippery hazard for you, but the soggy clippings can clog your mower and smother the grass.
3. Are the mower blades sharp? Sharp blades create clean cuts. Dull blades tear the grass and make it more susceptible to disease. If you haven’t sharpened the blades in a while, it’s better late than never.

Regular mower maintenance is important to protect the investment for the equipment and your lawn. Take the time to keep your tools in working order before the mowing season starts, as it’s coming to an end, or even over the winter.

When it’s time to mow, keep these tips in mind:

1. Set a higher cutting length. Cutting your grass too short can scalp the lawn and stress it out. You only want to trim the grass blades. Longer blades develop a deeper root system, which means they can easily find water and nutrients in the soil. This is good news for you, since it means you don’t have to water or fertilize as much. The blades also help shade the soil and prevent weed seeds from sprouting. Again, less work for you!
2. Switch up the pattern. Just as you may get into a habit of cutting the lawn on a certain day, you may also run the same route across your lawn. It’s time to switch it up. Cutting your lawn in the same direction leads to your grass leaning in that direction. This can create ruts. Change direction and notice how the grass starts standing a little taller.
3. Leave the clippings. Here’s one more way to do less work! Don’t worry about bagging the lawn clippings. They will break down and act as fertilizer for the soil. If the clippings are on the longer side—and you haven’t recently used weed control chemicals—go ahead and toss them in the garden as mulch or compost.

Other Helpful Lawn Mowing Tips

Now that the major considerations are covered, here are a few other general tips to keep in mind while mowing.

1. Push the mower forward whenever possible. Going back and forth over a certain spot can damage the grass. If you’re on a slope, move side to side to help prevent slipping.
2. Dress appropriately. It’s always a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes when mowing. You may also want to consider long pants and sleeves in case of flying debris. Eye protection is also important.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. Clear any obstacles in your lawn, including sticks and other large debris. Keep an eye out for pets and children, especially if the mower is loud. And you may want to inspect your lawn for any wildlife habitats to help prevent disturbing any rabbit or bee nests in the ground.

Contact the lawn care specialists at Cardinal Lawns for more helpful tips on mowing and keeping your yard looking its best.

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