Mowing your grass can sometimes be a chore, especially when you are time constrained and the weather isn’t cooperating with your mowing schedule. But sometimes it feels great to get outside on a nice sunny day, smell the cut grass, get some exercise and enjoy a freshly cut lawn. Mowing can seem like a relatively simple task, but there are a few things to be aware of before you head out and start.
Setting the Mower Height
When I started mowing my lawn as an adult, I had heard that the grass should be mowed at the highest setting on the lawn mower. I balked at this ridiculous idea. I was mowing at around 2.5 inches and I thought that if I were to mow any higher, my lawn would look like an out of control mess. So, for a full year I mowed relatively short and my lawn suffered the consequences. The next year I decided to see how high I could go and not get any complaints from the HOA. To my surprise the lawn loved it, and it didn’t look unkempt at all.
There are a couple reasons to set your mower to its highest setting when you mow.
- Promotes deeper root growth: Longer grass encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more resilient to harsh conditions when combined with a proper watering schedule.
- Enhances photosynthesis: Taller grass blades have more surface area for photosynthesis, resulting in stronger and healthier growth.
- Suppresses weeds: Longer grass shades the soil, preventing weeds (which thrive in sunlight) from getting the light they need. I noticed a significant reduction in spurge when I started mowing at a higher setting.
When Should I Mow?
The ideal mowing schedule depends on how much time you have and your commitment level. The best practice is to mow every three days, ensuring you don’t cut more than a third of the grass height. This approach encourages your grass to grow outward, filling in bare patches and creating a thicker lawn.
However, mowing two to three times a week isn’t feasible for everyone. If you can only mow once a week, that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure you avoid mowing when the grass is wet, as this can cause mower clogs, uneven cuts, and clumps of grass left on the lawn. If you must mow while it’s wet, it’s not ideal but also not disastrous.
Should I Bag My Grass Clippings?
The short answer: No. The long answer: Nooooo. Grass clippings act as a natural fertilizer when mulched, returning essential nutrients to the soil. However, there are a couple of instances when bagging is advisable: before reseeding to ensure the seeds make it to the soil, and during weed outbreaks to prevent weed seeds from spreading.
How to Achieve Lawn Stripes
If you’re interested in taking your lawn care to the next level, creating lawn stripes is an excellent way to enhance the appearance of your yard. Here are some tips:
- Change mowing patterns: Alternate the direction each time you mow to avoid creating ruts and ensure even growth. For example, mow up and down one week, and diagonally the next.
- Use a lawn striper: A striper is a weighted roller that attaches to your mower, laying down the grass for a striped effect. This tool helps create the distinct color variation you see in professional lawns.
- Mow in the sun’s direction: Mowing in alignment with the sun’s path helps create more defined stripes through enhanced shadows.
Conclusion
Mowing is more than just a routine chore, it’s an essential part of lawn care that can really make the difference. By following the right techniques, and mowing regularly, you can enjoy a healthy lawn all year long. There is literally nothing better than dancing on a fresh cut lawn!
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