Common Mistakes to Avoid When Mowing Your Lawn

There are several mistakes that homeowners make while mowing. These contribute to the failure of the lawn in the long run. It would be best if you avoided these mistakes when mowing.

Mowing Too Low

Experts state that it is advisable not to cut your grass below 3 inches or more than one-third. If you trim your grass below this, it will lose its growth capacity. Also, it will put the grass under unnecessary stress making it more prone to diseases and insects. A thicker lawn is preferable as it crowds out weeds. Before you embark on mowing, it is important to adjust your lawnmower. You set it to cut grass according to your desired level.

Mowing With Dull Blades

Sharp blades are vital when trimming grass. Dull blades are inefficient as they rip through the lawn. Once you rip the grass, its ends start turning brown. In the end, the grass is unhealthy. Therefore, it is prone to diseases. Homeowners should sharpen blades in their lawnmowers. They can do this at the beginning of spring and in the middle of the season. Homeowners whose lawns have rocks should regularly sharpen the blades.

Bagging Grass Clippings - Mulch As You Mow

You can improve nutrients and moisture in the soil by not collecting the grass clippings. Once you leave them on your lawn, they will decompose. Suppose the grass clippings pile up, ensure you scatter them evenly by mowing or raking over them. It is best to conduct this venture again after a while when the clippings are drier. That way, your grass can get nutrients. However, if you fail to do this, the lawn will eventually suffocate and die because of air blockage.

Mowing Too Often

Grass will flourish in different seasons. In most places, this is in fall and spring. However, places are different as the type of grass also differs. There is no exact number of days when grass grows, but it is advisable to mow regularly. That way, you can avoid removing more than 1/3 of the grass height. Mowing at the ideal time will keep your lawn looking healthier and fuller.

Mowing in the Same Direction Every Time

Once you make a habit of mowing your grass in a different direction, you prevent grass blades from bending. It is helpful to lawn your grass in a different direction to maintain a healthier lawn. You should try running a light rake before mowing if you notice your grass growing horizontally. That way, the grass will grow upright.

Cutting Wet Grass

It is imperative to avoid cutting the grass when it is wet. However, if you decide to cut wet grass, it will likely stick together, causing unevenness. Further, the mower will clog because the clippings render the tool inefficient. Also, the clippings can create a mat on the grass blocking sunlight. Once the mat is formed, the blades in the mower cannot cut some parts of the grass. In the end, the grass will look uneven. It is worth saying that mowing wet grass will spread fungus patches creating disease infestations.

There is more to lawns than looks. A lot goes into maintaining a thick and healthy lawn. The reason lawns fail is that people make certain mistakes when mowing.

Different Types of Lawn Mowers

Lawn Mowers are a necessity for many homeowners. They are essential in keeping your yard, garden, and driveway neat. Lawnmowers come in all shapes and sizes depending on what type of use you need them. There are different lawnmowers that you can choose to mow your grass.

Types of Lawn Mowers

1. Push mowers

Push mowers are best used for small yards and front yard areas. They work by having an operator who pushes the lawnmower to cut the grass. These mowers are best used for cutting grass on small yards, front yards, and barren or hard-to-reach areas. They are ideal for flat lawns and regions devoid of brush or trees.

2. Self-propelled mowers

Self-propelled mowers are known as self- mowers and are best used for more extensive lawns. The machine has a bungee cord to navigate its way around the yard. Many self-propelled mowers have three wheels that allow them to turn and take turns in tight corners. They offer both front and rear-wheel drive. A self-propelled mower provides the operator the simplicity of a push mower but with the convenience and efficiency of a riding mower.

3. Rotary mowers

Rotary mowers are not only for the yard but also for the driveway. Rotary mowers require more power than their automatic counterparts, best used for larger yards of 3,000 square feet. They work by rotating a blade that cuts the grass as it travels around the yard. Rotary mowers may be electric, gas, or even battery-powered.

4. Walk mowers

Walk mowers are best used for yards roughly the same as a car parking space. Walk mowers work by using two motors to drive their blades that cut the grass as it moves around the yard. These mowers are known for their efficiency, speed, and quiet operation. They require a good amount of maintenance with regular oiling and lubrication to keep them running smoothly. They are best used for small yards that are not covered in too much brush or trees.

5. Ride-on mowers

Ride-on mowers are best used for lawns that are up to 1/3 acre. They have a seat on which you can sit and drive the lawnmower around the yard. These mowers work by using an engine and blade combination to cut grass as it moves forward. They have a fixed speed, so you cannot use them to climb inclines and decline. They are best used for flat yards with little or no trees and brush.