The Benefits of Mowing a Lawn

A lawn needs mowing regularly to stay healthy and presentable. It also helps prevent weeds and disease.

A good mower has a wide range of settings to match different times of year and lawn styles.

It’s also important to vary the direction of the cut. This is because it helps the grass learn which direction it’s being mowed and avoids ruts.

Mowing Time

The length of time it takes to mow your lawn varies, depending on the size of the lawn and the conditions. A small, square lawn might take a half hour to cut while a large rectangular yard could take an hour or more.

A properly mowed lawn is very pleasing to the eyes and also for visitors to your property. This is because the grass has been evenly mowed and it gets a fair amount of sun and water which results in good-quality growth.

Besides this, a well-mowed lawn also helps prevent pests from calling your yard home. Long, wild grass can give bugs a place to hide and grow, which can lead to infestations.

Typically, the best time to mow your lawn is mid-morning (between 8 and 10 a.m.). This is because it gives the morning dew a chance to dry up before cutting, making for strong, perky blades of grass.

Grass Length

Every grass type has a specific ideal mowing height that allows it to thrive. Keeping your grass at the ideal height will help prevent weed invasion, drought, and heat damage, and it will also create a lush lawn that is more tolerant of disease and insect infestations.

Grass height recommendations are based on the growth habit and leaf width of each grass species. The taller the grass blade, the more shade it provides to the soil, which reduces water loss and moisture stress on the plant.

Mowing to the appropriate height for your grass helps stimulate vigor and deep-root development. Longer grass blades also make it harder for weed seeds to sprout and grow.

Generally, cool-season grasses should be cut to 2 1/2 inches in summer, while warm-season grasses can be mowed to 3 or 4 inches. The final fall mowing in snow-prone regions should be shorter to remove dead grass blades and prevent winter damage, such as snow mold.

Mowing Patterns

A lawn mowed using the right patterns can make your yard look professional, and even draw the attention of neighbors walking by or driving by. Changing your mowing pattern can also help keep your lawn looking healthy and lush.

There are two basic mowing patterns, rows, and spirals. Both are easy to do and can create uniform lines on the lawn.

When mowing in rows, it is important to start from a straight line and go back and forth along that same line, lining up the mower wheels as you mow.

Another mowing pattern is called the double spiral. It may sound like a figure skating technique, but it’s actually quite simple. It’s similar to concentric circles, but it avoids the center of the lawn, which can be uncomfortable for walkers or those who love to sit on their porches or deck.

Safety

A lawn mower may be a staple of summertime, but it’s also an outdoor activity that can lead to serious injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 60,000 people have treated for lawn mower-related injuries each year.

Lawnmowers can cause cuts, burns, and other injuries because of sharp blades that are spinning fast and can send objects flying from the machine. Among the most common are lacerations, fractures, and amputations.

Taking some simple precautions and following general safety guidelines can help you avoid serious accidents. Make sure you wear protective gear such as goggles, eye protection, and sturdy shoes when mowing.