How to mow a lawn

Introduction:

Mowing your lawn may seem like a simple task, but if you don't know how to do it properly, you can end up with an untidy yard or even damage your lawn. In this article, we'll show you how to mow a lawn like a pro. We'll discuss the best time of year to mow, what type of mower to use, and how to get the perfect finish.

What tools to use

So, you're ready to tackle mowing your lawn. It's important to choose the right tool for the job - and that means considering what kind of lawn mower you need. If you have a small yard, an electric push mower might be all you need. If your yard is a bit bigger, or if you want to mulch the clippings back into the lawn, you might want to consider a riding lawn mower or a mulching mower. And if you're really serious about getting the perfect lawn, consider investing in one of the best robot lawn mowers on the market. These machines are guided by thin wires laid in your lawn, and they mow little and often, keeping your lawn in great shape - no need to lift a finger (or push a mower).

How much grass should you cut?

You should set your lawn mower blade height to the correct height to begin with. If you set the blade too high, you will end up cutting off more of the grass than necessary and this will result in you having to mow the lawn more often than if you had set the blade at the correct height. You might think that - like getting a haircut - if you cut the grass really short, you won’t have to mow the lawn for a long time, but this is not the case. In fact, if you cut the grass too short, it will not be able to photosynthesize properly and will not be as healthy as if it had been cut at the correct height.

Keep yourself protected

When it comes to lawn mowing, safety should always be your top priority. That's why it's important to wear the proper gear, such as a protective shoe or boot and eye protection. Sunglasses can also help to keep flying bits of grass or earth out of your eyes. Make sure to clear the area of pets and small children before you start mowing, as they could be injured by the equipment.

When should you start mowing?

The best time to start mowing your lawn usually depends on the climate. If you live in a cold climate, you should wait until the ground has thawed and the grass has started to grow. In a warmer climate, you can start earlier - usually when the grass reaches around 2in tall. As for a new lawn grown from seed, don't be tempted to start cutting before it reaches this height! Aim to trim off around a third of the height during your first mowing.

How often should you mow?

So, when should you mow? You should be guided by your lawn growth. If your grass has not grown much, there’s no point mowing at the weekend because that's what you always do. You might only need to mow once a fortnight. During the spring, when grass grows the most, you may well be mowing twice a week to keep it in check. Once it gets hot in the summer, you might only need to mow once a week.

 What time of day should you mow?

It might seem like a good idea to mow your lawn first thing in the morning, as the grass will be wet from the night before. However, this is not a good idea for two reasons. Firstly, as the clippings will be wet, they will be more likely to clog up your mower. Secondly, when the clippings dry, they will leave soggy clumps all over your lawn. In addition to this, you should avoid mowing your lawn during the hottest part of the day, as the sun can scorch your grass. Late afternoon or early evening is a good time to get the mower out.

When should you stop mowing?

You should usually stop mowing your lawn around the end of October. This may vary a little depending on where you live and the weather conditions - for example, in colder climates, the grass will stop growing sooner than in warmer ones. Once you start getting cold nights, the grass is likely to become dormant and will simply stop growing. You should be able to tell this just from looking at it - if it's a nice brown color, it's likely not going to grow any more.

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Conclusion:

Lawn mowing is a great way to keep your yard looking neat and tidy, and it's not as difficult as you might think. Just make sure you have the right tools and follow these simple instructions, and you'll be on your way to a well-mowed lawn in no time.