How to Mow Your Lawn so You Have a Perfect Yard All Year

Of course the basic function of any mower is to cut grass. Although we all are self proclaimed experts in lawn care, few of us really know the basics of cutting the perfect lawn. The following are basic guidelines that will lead to a nice cut and a healthier lawn.

Cut modestly - No more than one-third of a grass blade should be cut in one mower pass. A lawn grown excessively tall can be brought under control by a two-step mowing regimen. First, mow at the machine's highest setting. Second, mow again in a few days at one setting lower. This gradually removes excess blade length and conditions the plant for subsequent mowings.

Cut high - A lawn cut high is better equipped to stay green and growing through periods of dry spells than one that is cut low. Optimal height is probably about 2/3 of an inch to 3 inches.

Cut clean - Keep a sharp blade on the mower at all times to ensure a clean, crisp cut. Dull blades tear grass and leave ragged edges that turn an unsightly brown.

Cut dry - Wet grass makes it easy for the operator to slip and difficult for the machine to cleanly cut and discharge clippings. For safety's sake, and the lawn's, wait until moisture from dew, irrigation and rainfall has dried.

Cut often - mowing twice a week during heavy growth periods is easier on lawns than maintaining a rigid weekly schedule. Frequently mowing means less blade is cut and clippings, in return, will decompose more quickly. Weekly mowing is okay during summer, when growth has naturally slowed.

Let clippings lie - Mulching mowers eliminate the need to bag clippings. Turf experts say grass clippings return so much nutrition to soil that homeowners can skip one lawn feeding each year if clippings are left to decompose, rather than being bagged and carted off.

Cut attentively - Pay attention to what you're doing, keep an eye out for nearby children and pets. Look out for rocks and other objects that could be thrown if caught under the mower deck. Of course, lawn care is more than good mowing practices. Regular feeding is a must. Three feedings yearly are recommended, the most important being applied in November, which nourishes grass roots for spring. Plenty of water is vital. Lawns need an average of one inch of water weekly. If rainfall isn't adequate, heavily once a week or lightly several times a week. Turf experts aren't sure which of the two approaches is best. What does seem sure is that smart cutting combined with prudent care methods will lead to a healthy, thick turf; and that condition is not only a beautiful sight but an effective defense against drought, weeds, insects and disease.

Source: Mellor, David R. Picture Perfect: Mowing Techniques for Lawns, Landscapes, and Sports 2001