Everything You Should Know About Lawn Mowing

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Everything You Should Know About Lawn Mowing

There really is nothing like a bright green, healthy-looking lawn to make your backyard sing, and the good news is it doesn’t have to cost you much beyond some time and effort. When it comes to lawn care, putting in just the right amount of effort is paramount to achieving great results. Mowing too regularly can be hugely detrimental to your lawn, and it’s only the edge of the blade when it comes to growing healthy grass. Following tried and tested techniques are the best way to make sure your hard work doesn’t go to waste.

Start with basic care

The grass is a plant like any other, which means water, fertilizer, and regular trimming is needed in order to keep it in good shape.

If you live in a naturally wet climate, you may not need to give your grass any extra water, although it’s worth keeping an eye on the lawn throughout the hot summer months. When it comes to fertilizer, one of the most effective things you can do is spread the grass trimmings back over the grass. Offcuts act as a natural fertilizer for the freshly-cut grass, whilst also helping to keep the soil beneath moist and cool.

Do your research

The best height to mow your grass will depend on which type (or types) of grass grows on your lawn. If you aren’t sure, there are plenty of articles and videos online which can help you reach a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can consult your local garden center for similar advice. Once you know which variety of grass you have, you’ll be able to find out its ideal height and use this as a guide for maintenance. Keep in mind, though, to only trim one-third of the blades’ height at a time – cutting off more than this can cause damage to the root of the grass, and could leave you with a brown lawn over time.

Make it regular

It might seem like a lot, but if you want the best possible results from your lawn, you should aim to bring the mower out about once a week. If this seems like a lot to you, you’re not alone. A recent survey conducted in the US shows that there is a gap in the knowledge with the average American when it comes to maintaining their grass.  Likewise, on the other side of the world, similar findings have shown that – only one in ten Australians mow their lawns this regularly, and there are several reasons why you might want to cut back. For example, if your grass is growing at a slower rate, or if you’ve been experiencing long spells of dry weather, your grass is probably better off without a trim. Likewise, if the grass is looking healthy and yet to show any signs of wilting, you can probably hold off for a while longer. Finally, avoid mowing your lawn if the grass is wet as the trimmings will clump together, clogging your mower and creating an uneven cut.

Maintain your mower

Lawnmowers might look like hardy machines, but they still require regular maintenance in order to last through the years and do the job properly each time. Before you use the mower, you should always check the gas and oil levels, and change the oil if needed – the manual should tell you how frequently to do this.

It’s also important to check the blades inside your mower, as they will become blunt over time, resulting in the grass having ragged edges. You can sharpen the blades yourself if you have the correct tools and know-how, but if not, a specialized mower repair shop will be able to get them back into shape.

Consider seasonal changes

Allowing your grass to grow a bit longer in summer can lend your lawn a helping hand for several reasons. The taller your grass grows, the more shade it offers the soil beneath, which results in reduced weed growth and improved moisture in the soil. Taller grass blades also have deeper, hardier roots which make them more able to withstand dry weather conditions. Conversely, grass growing in a shaded area will also yield better results if left to grow taller, as the larger blades are able to conduct photosynthesis more effectively. Once you have an understanding of what your grass needs, these minor adjustments will make a world of difference.

Your lawn can be a major source of enjoyment for your family and add value to your home if you commit to keeping it clean and green. When you take all of this into account, maintaining your lawn might seem complicated, but if you adhere to these tips and adjust your routine to suit seasonal change and lawn growth, the grass really will be greener on your side.

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