Lawn Cutting
The Ins and Outs of Lawn Cutting
Kids have been lawn cutting for so many years, it doesn't seem like there's much to the job. But if you've never cut a lawn, you really do need to know the basics that the kids probably don't.
Lawn cutting can be harder than it seems, especially if you want to do it right. You need to plan ahead, if you have any difficult aspects like rough terrain. Here are some guidelines that will help make your lawn cutting easier on you and your lawn.
Adjust the blade height on your mower to the middle setting. You don't want the grass so short that the sun will scorch it, nor so long that it will make your next cutting more difficult.
Straight lines are the easiest way for a rookie mower to master lawn cutting. This way, your rows will be even and you'll cut the entire area without missing any spots.
Keep your eye on the mower bag. If the bag gets too full, the grass clumps will fall on your freshly-cut rows, and then that grass may die.
Do your lawn-cutting often, to encourage your grass to grow more full and lush. If you cut too often, however, you're wasting your time and your gas. Generally speaking, once a week will suffice in most areas.
Here are some other tips for proper lawn cutting:
Remember that lawn mowers are potentially dangerous. Wear shoes, and move obstacles out of the way before you mow any area, just to be sure.
If you let your lawn go too long between trimmings, don't try to play catch-up the first time you get the mower back out. Cut it down a bit at a time each time you mow, until you're back to the level you want.
You should mow your lawn only when the grass is dry. If you do lawn cutting when the grass is wet, you might spread fungus or insects with the mower, since they cling to wet grass.
Your lawn is best mowed in the late afternoon or the early evening. This way the grass has had the whole day to dry out from morning dew or daytime watering.
Remember in which direction you mowed the lawn last and change the direction every time you mow. This way all the grasses will have a chance to grow more erect, and there will less likely be a wear pattern from your lawn cutting.
Make sure your mower blades are sharpened, so you're not grass-smashing when you're trying to do your lawn mowing. Keep an extra blade around so you'll have one when you take one in to be sharpened. And be sure to change the oil in your mower one time or more during the lawn cutting season.
The wrong kind of lawn cutting can destroy your lawn or leave it vulnerable. The right kind can help your lawn remain healthy and thriving.