Mowing your lawn provides more benefits than just an aesthetic appeal. Each cut of the grass can also help your grass grow, prevent weeds from flowering, and improve the health of the soil.
However, lawn mowing is not just about pushing a mower over the grass. It requires the right technique, tools, and timing.
Regardless if you’re new to lawn care or a seasoned gardener, you will find practical and useful advice in the following paragraphs. Keep reading to explore the best lawn-mowing tips and techniques, common mistakes that you should avoid, and how to choose the best tools for the job.
Reasons for Mowing Your Lawn Regularly
Mowing your lawn regularly is key to creating a healthy and beautiful garden.
A regularly mowed lawn has a thicker and healthier grass. When you cut grass, you also trim off weak or damaged blades and encourage new, more resilient spikes to grow.
A well-maintained lawn also leaves little to no room for weeds to take root and spread. Keeping your grass at the recommended height helps block sunlight from reaching weed seeds, preventing them from germinating.
When you mow, the clippings left behind decompose and return essential nutrients to the soil. This natural recycling process enriches the grass, reducing the need for additional fertilisers.
By staying consistent with your lawn care routine and keeping an optimal grass height, you can create space for air and sunlight to reach the lower layers of the grass. These elements are crucial for photosynthesis and root health.
Last but not least, the neatly trimmed lawn is beautiful and elevates the overall look of the outdoor space. Regular mowing makes your garden a more inviting place for relaxation or hosting guests.
How Often Should You Mow?
While some homeowners prefer a closely trimmed, neat look, others let their grass grow a bit longer to get a softer appearance.
The frequency of mowing the lawn depends on the time of the year too:
- Early spring and summer: as this is the growing season, the grass grows faster than usual and you will need to mow the lawn once a week or even twice sometimes.
- In cooler months or during periods of slow growth: mowing every two or three weeks will be enough.
When deciding how frequently to mow, you should also consider the different grass species. The warm-season grass types require more regular mowing compared to cool-season varieties. Knowing your grass type will help you understand your grass’s needs.
Additionally, understanding the weather conditions will help you create the best mowing schedule. Rain, dry weather, drought, or heat will also influence how often you need to mow.
Choosing the Right Mower for Your Lawn
If you want to select the best lawn mower for your garden, you need to know what type will suit you best. There are factors that you need to consider such as your lawn’s size, your terrain, and your mowing frequency.
Modern mowers come in a variety of types and styles. Every one of them has different characteristics that have different benefits for maintaining a healthy lawn. From battery-powered mowers to push mowers, the right choice can make all the difference.
There are different mowers for the various lawn sizes. If your lawn is small to medium-sized, rotary mowers and reel mowers (also famous as cylinder mowers) are the types that will get you the best results.
If you have a large lawn, the best option for you would be the ride-on mower or the robotic mowers. They save time and effort and are convenient for occasional mowing without the need for manual effort.
Another essential element for clean mower cuts is the sharp blades. Indeed, a dull blade can not only put a strain on the machine’s engine, but they will also not make clean cuts. Most lawn mowers, including mulching mowers, benefit from regular blade sharpening which prevent tearing or damaging the grass. Mulching mowers even help recycle grass clippings, returning nutrients to the soil.
If you are looking for environmentally friendly options, battery-powered mowers are quiet, efficient and free from emissions.
The Steps of Lawn Mowing
Law mowing is not challenging or complicated. All you need is the proper information and preparation and the right tools.
Here are the steps of lawn mowing:
- Prepare your lawn: before you start mowing, inspect the area. Remove any debris, such as sticks or stones that could damage the mower. For new lawns, make sure the ground is stable and the grass has grown enough to handle its first cut. Don’t forget your safety glasses.
- Trim edges: begin by trimming along the borders with an edging tool. This way, you will create a clean, professional lawn edge for each grass area.
- Adjust the cutting height: set the cutting height on your mower according to the type and condition of your lawn. Avoid cutting more than one third of the grass at a time to maintain the health of your grass plants.
- Start in straight lines: for larger gardens, break the area into smaller sections to make the task more manageable. For taller grass, consider mowing twice: first at a higher height, then again at the desired level. Once you become more accustomed to mowing in the straight lines, you can also try a unique mowing pattern that will make your garden stand out.
- Deal with grass clippings: decide whether to leave or collect the clippings. Alternatively, collect them and add them to your compost pile for later use.
After you finish mowing, check for uneven spots or barely visible areas you might have missed. Take a final look at the lawn edges and touch up if needed. Don’t forget to clean the mower blades which will keep them .
Cutting Heights
The grass type, the meteorological conditions, and the time of the year are the most important factors to consider when choosing the best cutting height for your grass.
For example, taller grass is more resistant to drought and can cast shade. Shorter grass gives your outdoors a neater appearance but requires more frequent care.
Also, cutting your grass in one single mow will stress it and make it vulnerable to pests and diseases. Take your time and do the mowing slowly and thoroughly. This tip is especially applicable for long grass, where it is best to start with a higher mowing height and lower it over multiple sessions.
Maintain a proper height for the season, and you will have healthy growth and reduce the chances of damage from heat or heavy foot traffic.
What Is The Best Time to Mow Lawn In the UK?
The ideal time to mow the lawn in the UK is either mid-morning (10 AM–12 PM) or late afternoon (4 PM–6 PM). During these times, the grass is usually dry, and the cooler temperatures reduce stress on it. Avoid early morning or wet grass mowing because dew or frost can damage and dull mower blades, making the cutting uneven.
Mowing during the peak afternoon hours, especially in summer, will stress the grass. Avoid the high temperatures at that time and the direct sunlight makes it a bad time for lawn maintenance.
You should also keep in mind that generally the mowing season is between March and October. Sometimes it can even continue during the winter, depending on the temperature and local weather conditions.
While a light trim might be suitable during warmer winter periods, it is not advised to cut the grass when it’s wet or frosty in wintertime as this can damage the turf and soil. Preparing for the spring cut is then the best course of action.
The last consideration you need to make is to factor in the noise restrictions in your living area. Many residential areas in the UK have noise pollution regulations. You should be mindful of your neighbours to maintain good community relations and avoid penalties.
Mistakes and Precautions When Mowing
There are several common mistakes that can harm your yard’s appearance and your tools. It is easy to avoid them though, if you are informed about them in advance.
Here are the things you should be careful about when lawn mowing:
- Cutting too short: this stresses the grass and makes it grow back weaker and thinner. The right cutting length needs to be set up before starting is important if you want to avoid this issue.
- Skipping the maintenance: poorly maintained tools, equipment and mowers will not work properly and will give you bad results.
- Mowing without cleaning: clear the lawn of any leaves or other debris before starting. Not doing this can result in risking damage to your equipment.
- Rushing: you should avoid rushing when mowing because this will lead to missed spots and unevenness.
Lastly, make sure you’re mowing when the conditions are right. By avoiding these mistakes, you can avoid potential damages to your equipment and keep your lawn healthy.
Maintenance of Lawn After Mowing
Mowing your lawn is not a one-time job nor an isolated practice from your lawn care routine. It is a continuous process that never ends.If you want to keep the joy and satisfaction of your results, there are a few maintenance tips that can help keep your lawn neat.
A beneficial after-mowing maintenance for your lawn should include the following:
- Clear clipping: while some clippings provide nutrients when they are spread evenly, larger clumps should be removed because they can smother the grass underneath.
- Water: it is important to water after mowing, especially during dry periods.
- Inspection: check your lawn for signs of stress, pests, or weeds after mowing. Prevention will help you deal with issues on time.
- Take care of your mower: sharpen the blades regularly, clean the deck, and check the engine if applicable.
Finally, consider fertilising the lawn as part of your routine maintenance. Mowing removes some nutrients from the grass, and adding fertilisers can replenish what’s been lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height should I set my mower to?
The ideal height depends on the type of grass, but a general rule is to avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass length at a time.
How do I keep my mower in good condition?
Regularly sharpen the blades, clean the deck, check the oil (if applicable), and inspect for any damage.
Can I mow over leaves and debris?
While some small leaves can be mulched into the lawn, larger piles of leaves or debris like sticks should be cleared first. Mowing over debris can dull the mower’s blades and damage the mower.
