Taking care of your lawn is one of the most important elements of keeping your house clean and presentable. Most homeowners know that mowing is essential and should take place regularly, but there are some elements that go far beyond that. Cutting your grass encourages normal growth and doing so properly could save you trouble with landscaping later on. You may think you know everything there is to correctly mow your lawn, but there’s always room to improve and discover new knowledge. Eagle Lawns is a highly qualified and trustworthy lawn care company based in Auburn, Alabama, with a team of hard-working members who want to keep our clients informed. Keep reading to learn how to make the most of your mowing and why doing so will save you time and money in the long run.
Care for Your Mower
The first step to maintaining your yard is to invest in a functional lawnmower with a lasting lifespan. If you don’t know where to start or have questions about what type of mower is best for you, talk to your local landscaping company or have them assist you with the process. Most mowers come with a variety of settings that can seem overwhelming at first glance, especially if you’re new to the world of lawn care. You should always read the instructions for the mower you use to ensure you’re working safely and don’t cause any damage to the product.
With several different types of mowers to pick from nowadays, make sure you’ve taken note of how large your yard is, what kind of terrain you’ll be working with, and how the power is supplied, through gas or electricity. Depending on the mower you have, perform routine cleanings and inspections before and after each job to be sure it’s still working well. Sharpen the blades on your machine at least once a year so your grass is being cut cleanly, rather than torn which puts stress on the plant and its roots. Of course, while you work on the lawn mower, make sure its motor is completely turned off.
When Should You Mow?
You may not think the time you choose to mow your lawn impacts the results, but it actually plays an important role. Many people who do their own lawn care try to put together a schedule with on and off days for mowing. While it’s good to stay on top of cleaning your yard, it’s possible to cut your grass too much or pick the wrong day. A rule of thumb to help you determine whether or not your yard is ready to be mowed is by basing the frequency of mowing with the height of the grass instead of the day of the week. If you’ve recently incorporated sod into your landscaping, talk with a professional or hire a mowing company to help you find the right time to start maintenance.
Some essential things to remember when preparing to mow your lawn are the weather and time of day. The most recommended time to mow is in the evenings when the sun has started its descent and you don’t have any excessive heat beating down on you. Finishing your lawn in the evening gives it plenty of time overnight to settle with its new trim. Additionally, avoid lawn mowing wet grass at all costs, and if you need to, wait for it to fully dry. Damp grass clumps up easier and can weigh down your mower or the sack that’s usually included to catch the shavings. On top of that, when your grass is dry, it will stand up straighter and be more sturdy while the moisture is focused on the roots.
The ⅓ Rule
A rule to start following that will change the way your grass grows is the ⅓ rule. This suggests that you should only cut about a third of the height of your grass to keep it from browning or developing further damage. Longer blades of grass, especially during summer, mean more shade for the bottom of the blade and the roots. With this protection from the sun and harmful UV rays, the grass can focus more on deepening the roots to reach water and soil. Longer grass is usually softer to walk on if you’re barefoot, too, which is another bonus. Determine how tall your grass is now, and don’t be afraid to let it grow a little extra, because this is actually beneficial for the roots of the plant.
Take the Right Precautions
Using a lawn mower can be very dangerous, with numerous ways to get injured and some precautions you should remember to take. If you find yourself having to mow during the day, stay hydrated and dress accordingly to avoid becoming overheated. No one wants to lose a toe, so always wear close-toed shoes during your yard work and maintain control of your mower at all times. Turn off your equipment anytime you step away from it, even if it’s only for a short moment because you never know when something could malfunction. Also, make sure that if you have children or pets they stay away from the area you’re working on so nobody gets hurt in an accident. Your safety should always be a priority, and if you ever feel uncomfortable, hiring a professional lawn service is a great option.
How We Can Help
At Eagle Lawns, our team offers a variety of services to help you maintain your yard and keep your grass growing right. With plenty of knowledge of landscaping and lawn care, our specialists understand where to focus and how to bring you the best results. Whether you need help with a small project or want assistance redesigning your outdoor space, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can help you and which options suit your needs!