Mowing Matters

In past blogs we have discussed changing the oil in your mower and sharpening the blades. Today, let's see if we can get you mowing like a pro!

First, remember that mowing the lawn can be strenuous physical activity and you want to be sure you are up to the task.

Always wear sturdy footwear and safety glasses. Keep pets, children, and bystanders at a safe distance during the mowing operation. Walk the area and remove rocks, sticks, toys, trash or debris. Make note, or physically mark, any hazards such as water caps, gas markers, etc.

So, begin by determining the correct mowing height. I recommend 3 inches. Leaving the grass a little bit taller helps to shade the roots of the grass plants. This promotes a thicker, healthier lawn and leaves less area for weeds to become established.

Safety tip: when mowing a hill, never mow up and down the hill (like sledding!) but rather along the hill (side to side). Riding mowers should not be used on any hill with a slope of 15 degrees or greater (per manufacturer's recommendations). If in doubt, it's probably too steep!

Start by mowing two passes around the perimeter of the lawn. Now, mow in a striped pattern. When you reach the end of a pass turn directly around and mow the next pass with the mower wheels inside the area you just cut. Continue back and forth in this fashion until all areas are cut. Always turn around on the previously cut area to avoid missed areas in the lawn and excessive clean-up of hard surfaces.

If the grass was tall and there are excessive clippings on the lawn either rake them up or re-cut the lawn. I know this can be time consuming--raking or double cutting--but is worth it in the long run. Grass clippings are good for the lawn in moderate amounts but can damage your lawn in greater amounts.

When you mow next week, change the direction of the striped pattern by 45 degrees. Mowing in different directions also promotes a thicker, lusher lawn.

If you would rather not mow your own lawn--for any reason--we'd be happy to do it for you. Buckeye Landscape (614-866-0088) can provide professional services for all your landscape needs.

Have landscape questions? Any particular landscape project you'd like to read about? Leave us a message in the comment section.