© 2008, 2014  by Raymond Alexander Kukkee

The Best Way to Mow a lawn Properly

Want a fantastic-looking yard with great curb appeal?  Learning how to mow a lawn properly can be a great start. In Utopia, if your ten acres of lawn turf around the pool is perfect, lush and healthy Bermuda grass, the most exotic cut may be achieved by using a very expensive reel-type mower that is extremely sharp. Systematically cutting at right angles for each progressive pass or across diagonally in alternate rows will result in an amazingly beautiful hatched pattern in the cut that is reminiscent of a fresh, green jewel, a beautiful sight to behold. Unfortunately, in today's high-speed civilization, most people have neither the equipment, time or the inclination to use expensive equipment or cut grass in extraordinarily interesting patterns by hand, and many homeowners do not even know what a "reel-type" mower is, much less actually own one. How do you mow a lawn? What's the best way to mow a lawn properly?Let us rejoin the real, ordinary rotary world of Saturday grass cutting.

Make it Enjoyable

Believe it or not, there is an alternative prime objective in mowing a lawn. It is good for the personal well-being of one's soul to be outside inhaling fresh air, getting exercise and enjoying that warm early-morning sunshine as you cut the grass. Although it becomes a dreary task for some, lawn mowing really can be a pleasant, enjoyable experience and for inexpensive curb appeal, there is nothing better than a lush, beautiful lawn that has been cut properly to make a good impression on passers-by, and perhaps it will even encourage your neighbours to do the same. There is more to mowing a lawn than merely running a lawn mower over the grass once a week, regardless of the type of equipment used. Here is the best way to mow a lawn to achieve the main objective of cutting grass, which is to encourage healthy, lush growth. Equipment- the Lawnmower No matter which style or model of mower you use, ensure that the cutting blades are sharp. Dull cutters, reel or rotary, actually shatter and brutalize the grass shorter instead of cutting it. Take the time to sharpen your mower blades properly. Observe all safety protocol when removing and reinstalling blades, and ensure they are balanced or replaced with new ones if worn out. Preparation Inspect the grass for trash, sticks, stones, pieces of cloth, skipping ropes and dog toys before you start. A lawnmower will often shred anything it hits and can throw stones, creating a dangerous situation for anyone in the wrong place. Besides, stones and trash are hard on that newly sharpened blade. By the way, plan on cutting the grass more often for the best cut. Cutting grass more often encourages healthy growth that remains dense instead of becoming progressively thinner. Observe the one-third rule; if you cut your grass to two inches in height, plan to cut it again when it is three inches high. Avoid cutting Wet Grass Do not cut grass when it is wet, early bird or not. Wet grass on slopes is slippery and a safety hazard. Cutting wet grass is an invitation to gum up equipment, but also encourages disease and mould to attack the grasses. In addition, wet grass clippings will collect and pack under the lawnmower deck, especially if you have a closed, mulching type lawn mower. Wait until the grass is relatively dry instead. Ensure that the wheels on both sides of the mower are set at the same height. If they are set at different heights, an uneven cut will usually result. This is simple, common sense, but often ignored. Set the height of the lawn mower deck to the correct height. In hot, dry weather, set the deck higher to leave the grass longer to ensure the survival of the grass. A minimum of two inches tall is recommended. When there is plenty of moisture and you can cut more often, lower the mower deck to one and a half inches if desired. (note: Always cut grass in shaded areas higher to ensure healthy growth.) Make sure the mower deck is high enough to avoid "scalping" the turf. If the lawn surface is uneven, do set the deck higher initially. Lawn mowers are not cultivators or ground levelers. Plan on rolling the surface evenly in the near future for the best appearance.  

Let's cut!

Start cutting on the outside edge, cutting carefully along any flower beds, sidewalks or buildings. Do cut to ensure the discharge of clippings goes onto the grass, rather than against white stucco, into the swimming pool, or onto the sidewalk. Leave the close edges for the gas or electric trimmer. Cut in straight lines. When you come to the first major obstacle on the lawn such as a flowerbed, pond or sandbox, cut around it immediately, and when you reach the starting point, proceed with the extension of the straight cut for the best appearance. If you wish to be creative and cut in a "design" do plan to cut uniformly and be consistent. Cut front lawns diagonally for a superior look, and if you want a "pattern" in the finished appearance, cut adjacent strips in opposite directions. Overlap the passes enough to ensure that all of the grass is cut. Ensure the cutting blade is overlapping the wheel tracks left from the last pass. If you are using a bagger attachment, empty it often so that unattractive clumps of clippings  are not left on the lawn. If you are using a mulching mower, do not cut too fast, but rather allow the machine to mulch properly. Again, remove any large clumps of clippings that may be visible. Trim the edges, and around trees and other obstacles with a string-type trimmer and edge sidewalks if desired. For the healthiest grass and lawn, rake and remove clippings only if there are very heavy accumulations and clumps visible.  Remember, clippings are free fertilizer for your lawn. It is recommended that under normal growth with light clippings, leave them on the grass. They not only provide nourishment to the grass but also contribute to conservation of water. Clean the underside of the mower carefully before you place it in storage. Enjoy! Now you know how to mow a lawn properly.  We can see you have done a fine job, best on the block. Don't forget to trim around that barbecue, you'll probably need it next. Is that Incoming I hear? +