Lawn mowing seems simple to do when you have the right instruments on hand, but each time you mow your lawn you’re paving the way for your lawn’s success or failure. If done correctly, you’ll be able to groom a lawn that’s healthy, drought-tolerant and thick enough to crowd out weeds. If not mowed right, your lawn will struggle to survive the harsh weather.
Here are few DIY tips for lawn mowing, considering the weather and geographical location of your home in that area.
Avoid cutting the grass too short
A short cut grass lawn is vulnerable to diseases and weed infestation. Cutting the grass short or scalping is the no. 1 reason for weeds growth, as it exposes the soil beneath for the weeds to take root. Scalped turf tends to be weak and sparse. A sparse lawn also lets the sunlight reach the weed seeds and give them proper conditions to grow. A regularly short cut grass has a very poorly developed root system. This makes the lawn more susceptive to drought damage or high temperatures.
Keep the mower blade sharp
Sharp blades will cut the grass evenly; a blunt blade will tear the grass and create a jagged and uneven edge. These tears are prone to diseases and infestation as they create openings for pests to enter grass blade. A lawn cut with a blunt blade tends to develop a whitish or brown hue. Sharpen the blades at least few times during the mowing season. Mowing over thick branches or stones will lead to blade dulling or even damage it.
Adjust the Mower Height
Keep adjusting the mower height according to the season. Shift the cutting deck higher in summer season as it allows the grass to grow longer. Taller grass grows deep into the soil and can withstand drought better. They also help shade soil, preventing weed growth and slowing down water evaporation from the soil. In winter, when there’s snow covering the grass, lower the cutting deck to avoid snow mold forming on grass.
Mowing when the grass is dry
Mowing a wet lawn won’t harm the grass, but it may harm your mower, and it doesn’t yield the best results. Wet cut grass clogs and fill the mower deck. It also falls over and clumps together as you mow, creating an uneven cut. Never mow in soggy soil, or you risk creating wheel ruts which will tear up the grass. One way to mow on wet grass effectively is by treating the underside of the mower with oil or silicone spray which help prevent the grass from sticking.
Lawn Mowing Pattern
Never mow in the same direction or pattern every time you mow your lawn. By mowing the grass in the same pattern, you risk compacting the soil and creating ruts. This process leads to grass growing less healthy and followed by weeds that thrive in compacted soil.
Caution when mowing on a hillside
Use precaution when mowing grass on a slope, even if it’s a mild one. Never mow on a slope with grass on it as it may create slippery footing and lead to injury. To mow grass on a slope safely, push the mower across the slope and not up-down as you usually do. For shorter slopes, it is easier to use a string trimmer to cut grass.
Most people like to mow their lawn on their own. Though it’s a healthy practice, lawn mowing has certain intricate tricks that only a professional can match. You can get help or ask a local lawn mowing service in Baltimore to find out what type of grass you have and learn what needs to be done to take care of it.
