Lawn Mowing Tips
Your lawn requires care. It demands that you follow specific instructions in terms of feeding, fertilizing, applications of herbicide and pesticide. Your lawn also expects you to mow it properly. In order to do so, you have to be aware of several significant characteristics of lawns and know correct mowing procedures or techniques.
First, consider your lawn. What type of grass is it? What kind of terrain does it cover? How tall is it? When was the last time you cut it? What season is it? Is the grass wet or dry? How much fertilizer and water have you applied? These are all valuable questions and answers if you wish to maintain a healthy, happy lawn.
The type of grass you are growing will determine how close a shave you can give your lawn. Each grass species has a preferred mowing height. If you have rye grass, the maximum mowing height is 2.5; the minimum mowing height is 1.5 inches. With bentgrass, the minimum mowing height is .5 inches; the maximum is 3/4. Both rye grass and bentgrass are cool-season grasses. There growth patterns differ from warm-season grasses e.g. Bermuda grass. Be sure you checkout and know the differences before you mow.
If you do not know exactly what type of grass you have or perhaps there is more than one type on your lawn, try this easy method. To guide you through the cutting process think of the standard practice called "the rule of one-third." At any one time, never remove greater than one-third of a grass blade. This ensures the grass will be able to continue to grow both blade and root.
Terrain affects the density of grass. If you have hilly sections or small ruts, you might have weaker grass pockets than those found in other sections of the lawn. These are areas the lawn mower might "scalp" more frequently, leaving them with less of a chance to catch or keep up with the rest of the lawn. Your lawn might also have hidden places or hide more than one type of grass. You need to know this if you are going to mow your lawn correctly.
Grass should never be overcut. This applies especially when you have allowed it to grow beyond an acceptable height. If you cut it back severely, you will shock the grass system. This will prevent proper growing and can even cause it to die - particularly if you destroy the growing tip. This is when you should apply the "rule of one-third." It will save you from destroying your lawn beyond redemption.
This does not mean you should not mow your lawn regularly. Do not mow too frequently, however, or under certain conditions. If you have just watered the grass, the dew was heavy or if it has rained recently, do not mow. Dry grass cuts much easier than wet grass. This saves on the mower - you do not clog it up, and is gentler on the grass. Wet grass is more subject to cruder cutting and an uneven mow.
These are simple tips for knowing your lawn. They help you decide when to mow, but do not tell you how to mow. Mowing your lawn requires several things. These include both technique and patience.
Be practical and consider your safety and the condition of your lawn mower. Remove all debris from the lawn and in the path of your lawn mower. Sticks, rocks, metal objects and garbage can damage your blades, making them grow dull quickly. Furthermore, if your machine ejects any of this flotsam and jetsam, it could cause an injury.
Prepare yourself. Wear sensible footwear. This way, you will not slip and fall, possibly in front of the lawnmower. If it is necessary, wear eye protection and earplugs or headphones.
Make sure your mower is prepared for the job. Are the blades sharp? Are the blades clean? Are the blades properly balanced? Is the mower running smoothly? Are there any mechanical problems that could affect the quality of the job? Take care of any maintenance work before you start to mow.
Begin mowing at a steady, even pace. This provides you with an even cut. Continue cutting at the same pace but combine it with an overlapping of each cut. This ensures your cut remains constant across the lawn. Do not vary this pattern while you cut. However, change the specific route you follow and the direction, regularly. This will prevent compacted grass. Moreover, grass grows in the pattern in which you cut it. If you alter the pattern, you ensure it will grow upright.
Once you are finished, clean your mower. If you are bagging the grass, deposit it right away. Always leave your machine and its accessories ready for the next time you decide to cut the lawn.