Lawn Mowing Questions and Answers

How often should I mow?

Many people’s strategy towards lawn care consists of dragging the lawn mower out or scheduling lawn mowing whenever their grass begins to look bad, but there is more to the process. How and when you mow your grass plays a big part in the overall quality and presentation of your lawn. Regularly watering, fertilizing, and cutting of a lawn is essential to a healthy life cycle for your grass and vegetation. The more diligent a person is about mowing their yard, the healthier and greener it will become. Many people who can't spend very much time tending to their yard elect to hire a lawn service so that their lawn gets the proper maintenance it requires. The standard rate at which you should mow your lawn is generally once per week, or possibly once every two weeks depending on the season and water restrictions in your area. During wintertime, you may cease mowing or mow monthly, depending on weather. If you are unable to mow your grass one week or forget for some reason, then it’s important to still adhere to the 1/3 principle when mowing your grass. Even if you have to gradually cut the grass 1/3 at a time until it reaches the right height, it’s still recommended to maintain that standard. Most lawn mowers have an adjustment to ensure that the mower blades are at the correct height to achieve this objective.

How short should I cut my grass?

It’s important to remember the 1/3 principle when it comes to lawn care. You should never cut your grass more than 1/3 of its original height at any time. This could cause trauma to the grass and result in discoloration. The perfect height for the grass in your yard depends on the type of grass and the season. Different types of grass thrive at different heights, and all grass should be kept longer in the summer to help cut down on water usage. Higher blades of grass helps prevent water from evaporating as quickly, allowing you to save some money and still have a gorgeous yard.

What if my grass is too tall already?
If you've been out of town or just got a little backed up with other chores, don't worry. You'll still want to adhere to the 1/3's rule, but make sure that you cut your grass down in increments. This will reduce the amount of stress you put on the grass.

How often should I perform maintenance on my lawn mower?
Lawn mower maintenance can range from cleaning the undercarriage to a professional inspection. Before Each Mow Before each mow, make sure that gas and oil levels are at the correct levels. Much like a car, your lawn mower's oil needs to be changed. Most mowers need their oil changed after 20 hours of operation, but check your mower's owner's manual to see what the manufacturer suggests.

The Blades

Sharp blades are crucial for your lawns health. Dull blades can ruin your lawn by tearing at the blades of grass rather than cutting them clean. If you don't have the proper tools to sharpen blades, it is recommended that you can take it to your nearest mower repair shop. Winter/Seasonal Mower Storage If you're planning on storing your mower for a period of time, make sure that you drain the gas from the tank to ensure that no bad gas sits in the mower. Your mower's spark plugs should aslo be replaced yearly, and a great time to do that is before each season. Follow these steps and you'll have a stress-free start to the next mowing season.

What type of lawn mower should I use?

There are several different types of mowers that you can use. Purchasing the correct mower for your needs really comes down to the size of your yard, your budget, and your personal preference. Riding mowers are recommended for larger yards, while push mowers can handle small to medium jobs.

Should I bag my clippings?

Bagging your grass clippings isn't always recommended, as the clippings are beneficial to your lawn's health. The cut blades of grass act as a natural fertilizer, maintain moisture, and shade your soil from the hot summer sun. If you mow frequently enough, you won't have to worry about the volume of grass clippings.

There are several other things that can help maximize the longevity and health of your lawn, including fertilization, core aeration, and overseeding.