Spring is quickly changing to summer, mowers are out of storage, blades are being sharpened, and yards are getting a good cleaning as we all anticipate months of warm temps and sunny days! To be sure you get started on the right foot, Spartan Mowers has compiled a list of 7 mowing tips that will help ensure a successful mowing season.
1. DULL VS. SHARP
Just as dull scissors can cause major problems when cutting hair, or even paper for that matter, the same is true of your mower blades. Dull blades on your mower do not cut evenly, and can actually diminish the health of your lawn. To avoid a stressed turf and yellow grass tips, sharpen your blades every 10-12 cuttings. This will ensure a clean and even cut, healthy grass, and an overall look that is very pleasing!
2. CLEAN THE YARD
Before you mow, it is always a good idea to give your lawn a little attention by removing limbs and other objects that have fallen or blown into the yard. It’s ok for some scattered leaves to remain, but if you have several piles of leaves, remove those as well. If you've not mowed just yet, consider weed eating and trimming up the edges. So, take the time to clear the path for your mower - it’s great for the lawn, and great for your mower!
3. MOWING HEIGHT
Even if your lawn may not be at a consistent level at the start of mowing season, once you see the grass has started to sprout and grow, give it a cut. It is also very important to always follow the simple “one-third rule.” What is the one-third rule? This means that you never remove more than one-third of the blade of grass.
Depending on what type of grass you have, here are some recommended mowing heights for your consideration:
Tall Fescue Grass 3” to 4”
Fine Fescue 2½” to 3½”
Bluegrass 2½” to 3”
Bermuda Grass 1” to 2”
Zoysia Grass 1” to 2”
Perennial Ryegrass 2½” to 3”
St Augustine Grass 3½” to 4”
4. MOW OFTEN
Many people will mow once in early spring, then wait 2-3 weeks until the grass is noticeably taller for a second mowing. However, it is better to mow more often than too infrequently. Mowing regularly, sometimes even twice a week, will help keep the lawn at its proper height and will keep the grass aerated and poised for maximum health.
5. MIX IT UP
If you mow the same way, using the same pattern on your lawn every time, you can actually diminish your lawn’s potential for growth. Cutting in varying patterns each time you mow allows the sun to bounce off the blades differently. This leads to a much more healthy lawn, plus it allows the creative side of you to come out!
6. CUT WHEN THE LAWN IS DRY
Someone once said - “Cut it dry with a sunny sky. Cut it wet and live with regret!” Cutting a dry lawn just makes sense. However, many people mow when the grass is damp, trying to stay ahead of the game. This usually results in clippings becoming tangled and clumped in the mowing deck and/or catcher, as well as leaving wads of wet grass on the lawn. Cutting when the grass is wet can also leave clumps of grass that bring unnecessary weight in random spots on the lawn, potentially killing the grass. So - cut it dry with a sunny sky!
7. LEAVE THE CLIPPINGS
Most people believe that they must remove old grass clippings from their lawn before every mowing, including the first mowing. Others remove these clippings to make their lawn look cleaner. Did you know that leaving your clippings on the lawn can actually be beneficial? Evenly dispersed clippings can help your lawn retain moisture and create needed nutrients as the clippings decompose. However, if the clippings are too thick or not decomposing fast enough, it is a good idea to remove them so that they do not suffocate the growing grass below.
MOW LIKE A PRO
Following these simple tips will help you keep your grass in tip top shape, creating a lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood. With Spartan Mowers, it has never been easier to get the right mower to create a professional lawn for a great price. It is important to make sure your mower is actually compatible with your lawn. There are things to consider such as the size of your yard, grass types, the drainage and ditch areas and so forth. To help with this process, Spartan has an online tool specifically designed to match the right mower with your lawn.
NOW is also the perfect time to take advantage of the incredible deals at a Spartan Dealer near you! We are making an impact on the mowing industry like no other competitor. Come see what the buzz is all about - and test drive a Spartan today!