The act of mowing the lawn is only the first step in creating a healthy, attractive turf. The care taken immediately afterward determines the overall look of the property and the long-term health of the grass. Post-mowing steps involve managing organic material, refining borders, and maintaining equipment. These actions transform a merely cut lawn into a finished and thriving landscape.
Managing Grass Clippings
How you deal with grass clippings impacts the health and nutritional needs of your lawn. The most beneficial method is mulching, which involves leaving finely chopped clippings on the surface to decompose. These small pieces quickly break down, returning valuable nutrients to the soil. Clippings contain nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, acting as a slow-release fertilizer that can supply up to 25% of the lawn’s annual nutrient needs.
For effective mulching, follow the “one-third rule,” meaning you should never cut off more than one-third of the grass blade’s total height at one time. This ensures clippings are short enough to filter down to the soil surface without clumping. Clumping can smother the grass and block sunlight. Mulching also aids in moisture retention, keeping the root zone cooler and hydrated.
Bagging the clippings is necessary when the grass is overgrown or when dealing with turf disease. Overly long clippings form thick clumps that decompose slowly and damage the lawn beneath them. Removing clippings prevents the spread of fungal disease spores across healthy turf. If too much material is left, light raking may be required to break up thick piles and distribute them evenly for quicker breakdown.
Edging and Trimming for a Polished Look
After cutting the main lawn area, focus shifts to borders and areas inaccessible to the mower. This finishing work involves two distinct actions: trimming and edging. Trimming, usually done with a string trimmer, involves cutting grass horizontally in hard-to-reach spots like around trees, fence posts, and garden beds. This ensures a uniform grass height across the property.
Edging is the process of creating a clean, vertical cut that defines the boundary between the lawn and hard surfaces like walkways, driveways, or patios. This establishes a sharp line that prevents turf from creeping over paved areas. While a string trimmer can be held vertically for edging, dedicated edger tools provide a more precise cut and create a defined trench.
When trimming around delicate plants or tree trunks, avoid nicking the bark, as this can create wounds susceptible to disease or insect intrusion. When edging along hard lines, guide the tool steadily to achieve a straight, consistent separation. The distinction between horizontal trimming near obstacles and vertical edging along hard lines provides a refined, finished appearance.
Essential Mower Maintenance
The final phase of post-mowing care involves tending to the machine to ensure its longevity and safe operation. The most immediate task is cleaning the underside of the mower deck to remove wet grass and debris. Caked-on material retains moisture and promotes rust, compromising the deck’s structural integrity. Buildup also interferes with the airflow needed for a clean cut, reducing efficiency.
Before cleaning the deck or blades, disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away from the terminal. This standard safety procedure prevents the engine from accidentally starting if the blade is turned by hand. Once the deck is clean, check the machine for fuel and oil levels to prepare it for the next use.
The mower should be stored in a cool, dry location, such as a garage or shed, protected from the elements. Proper storage minimizes exposure to moisture and prevents rust and corrosion on moving parts. Routine care immediately after each use contributes to the machine’s performance and prevents unexpected mechanical issues.