Lawn mowing is a fundamental practice in turf management that influences both the appearance and the underlying health of the grass. Employing the correct technique ensures a clean, even cut while promoting vigorous growth and preventing stress on the turf. Properly setting up the equipment, executing the cut, and maintaining the machine contributes to a dense, resilient lawn and extends the life of the lawn mower.
Preparing the Mower and the Lawn
Before starting the engine, ensure both the equipment and the area are ready for the task ahead. Equipment readiness begins with a sharp mower blade, which must sever the grass cleanly rather than tearing the leaf tissue. A dull blade shreds the grass, leaving ragged edges that turn brown and increase the plant’s susceptibility to disease and moisture loss. For gas-powered models, confirm that the oil and fuel levels are adequate, or ensure electric models have a sufficient battery charge.
The cutting height should be set according to the “one-third rule,” a guideline based on the grass plant’s physiology. This rule dictates that no more than one-third of the total grass blade length should be removed in a single mowing session. For example, if the desired final height is three inches, the grass should be mowed when it reaches a maximum of four and a half inches tall. Removing too much leaf area at once can shock the plant and temporarily impair root growth.
The lawn itself requires a quick pre-mowing inspection to ensure a safe and effective cut. Remove any debris such as stones, sticks, or toys that could be thrown by the blades, posing a safety risk or damaging the mower deck. The grass should be relatively dry when mowed, as wet clippings tend to clump and stick to the underside of the deck, leading to an uneven cut and clogging the discharge chute.
Proper Cutting Techniques and Patterns
The physical act of mowing involves a specific pattern and pace to achieve optimal results. Begin by mowing one or two passes around the perimeter of the lawn to create a clear turning radius. Then, proceed in straight, parallel lines, ensuring each pass slightly overlaps the previous one to avoid leaving thin strips of uncut grass. This overlapping technique ensures a uniform surface appearance.
A highly effective practice for turf health is to alternate the direction of the mowing pattern each time the lawn is cut. For instance, if the lawn was mowed north-to-south one week, the next session should be east-to-west or diagonally. Alternating the pattern promotes more upright growth and reduces wear on specific areas of the turf. Consistently mowing in the same direction can cause grass blades to lean over and encourages soil compaction.
Maintaining a steady, moderate walking pace is necessary to allow the spinning blade sufficient time to cleanly cut the grass blades. Moving too quickly can cause the engine to bog down, resulting in an uneven, ragged cut. Users should always wear closed-toe shoes or boots, and when mowing sloped areas, push a walk-behind mower across the face of the slope rather than up and down. If a clog occurs, always turn the engine off and disconnect the spark plug or remove the battery before attempting to clear the obstruction.
Clipping management depends on the grass height and the desired outcome. Mulching is the preferred method for regular maintenance, where the mower finely chops the clippings and deposits them back onto the lawn to decompose quickly, returning nutrients to the soil. Side-discharging is reserved for tall or wet grass when mulching would lead to excessive clumping. Bagging is most suitable when the grass is overgrown or if the lawn has a heavy presence of weeds that should be removed to prevent seed dispersal.
Post-Mowing Equipment Maintenance
Immediate care of the lawn mower after use is necessary for its long-term reliability and performance. The most important step is safely cleaning the underside of the cutting deck, where damp clippings accumulate. This buildup reduces airflow, encourages rust, and impedes the next cut’s quality. For gas mowers, disconnect the spark plug wire, and for electric models, remove the battery or key before tilting the machine to access the deck.
Use a plastic scraper or brush to remove the caked-on grass buildup. A clean deck allows the blades to operate efficiently and prevents the spread of potential lawn diseases carried in old clippings. Once cleaning is complete, store the mower in a dry, covered location.
For gas mowers that will not be used for an extended period, such as over the winter, proper fuel management is necessary to prevent engine damage. Gasoline degrades over time, leading to residue that clogs the carburetor and fuel lines. It is advisable to either run the engine until the fuel tank is completely empty or to add a fuel stabilizer for long-term storage.