Mowing your grass might seem like one of those no-brainer chores, but doing it the right way will make a difference in your lawn’s appearance and health. A well-mowed lawn boosts curb appeal and helps your grass grow thicker to resist weeds, pests, and disease. Let’s walk through the basics of how to mow your grass the right way so you can get great results without overcomplicating things.
Start with Sharp Blades
Before you even start mowing, make sure your mower blades are sharp. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which can lead to brown tips and a stressed-out lawn. You don’t need to sharpen them every time, but once or twice a season is usually enough. If you notice the grass looking ragged or frayed after mowing, it’s probably time to sharpen your blades.
Don’t Cut Too Much at Once
A common mistake people make is cutting their grass way too short. You might think it’ll save you time between mows, but it actually stresses the grass and makes your lawn more vulnerable to weeds and drought.
The general rule of thumb is to never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This means if your grass is three inches tall, only cut off about an inch. Keeping your grass a little taller helps shade the soil, which keeps it moist and discourages weed growth.
Mow Your Grass When It’s Dry
Try to mow when the grass is dry, ideally in the late morning or early evening. Mowing wet grass may cause clumping, ragged cuts, and even spread disease. Plus, wet grass is heavier and can clog up your mower. Give your lawn a chance to thoroughly dry out after rain or morning dew before you mow.
Switch Up Your Mowing Pattern
It might seem easiest to mow the same pattern every time, but switching things up can actually help your lawn stay healthier. Mowing in the same direction week after week may compact the soil and cause the grass to lean in one direction. Alternating your pattern helps keep the grass standing tall and promotes even growth. Try going north-south one week and east-west the next.
Leave the Clippings When You Mow Your Grass
Unless the grass is really long or wet, there’s no need to bag the clippings. Letting them fall back onto the lawn is actually good for it. Grass clippings break down quickly and return valuable nutrients to the soil. This process, called grasscycling, reduces your need for fertilizer and keeps your lawn looking lush.
Keep Up with Regular Mowing
Consistency is key when it comes to mowing. Letting your grass get too long and then cutting it all at once stresses it out. Try to mow once a week during the growing season or more often if your grass is really active. The goal is to keep it at a healthy height without letting it get too tall or too short.
Taking a little extra care when mowing your lawn goes a long way. With the right timing, technique, and tools, you’ll have a yard that looks awesome, feels great underfoot, and makes your whole property look better.
Integrity Inspections offers comprehensive home inspections in Greene County, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule your inspection today.