Ultimate Mowing Guide
Maintaining a beautiful, healthy lawn starts with proper mowing, and mastering the art of mowing can make all the difference. Whether you're a fan of the task or find it a chore, regular mowing is essential for lawn health. It not only improves the appearance of your lawn but also enhances its density, helping to reduce weed growth. In this ultimate lawn mowing guide, we’ll walk you through key mowing tips—from the importance of sharp blades to the ideal cutting height for different seasons. Plus, we’ll reveal how to get those picture-perfect lawn stripes. Read on for everything you need to know to achieve a well-manicured lawn!
Mowing your lawn is key to a healthy lawn. Some people love the satisfaction of a well-manicured lawn and the sense of accomplishment it brings. On the other hand, some individuals loathe the physical labour involved or find it monotonous.
But whether you love it or loathe it, regular mowing is essential to maintain a healthy and lush lawn. If mown correctly it increases the density of the lawn, which in turn decreases weeds.
In this blog, we will discuss the essential grass mowing tips that will help you achieve the perfect lawn.
- Importance of sharp mower blades
- When to mow your grass and cutting heights
- How to get lawn stripes
Lawn Mower Care: Sharpen your blades
Before lawn mowing, check your grass mower blades are sharp. Sharp mower blades are necessary for a perfect-looking lawn. We are regularly asked by our customers why they have patches in their lawn, this is usually down to the mower.
Lawn maintenance is about paying attention to the finer details, and the sharpness of your mower blades plays a big role. Mowing with a dull blade will roughly rip through your grass, meaning it will begin to pull the grass up by the roots rather than trimming it – creating some ugly patches in your lawn. This will also leave your lawn more susceptible to disease and pests.
How to tell if your mower blade needs sharpening
Uneven grass height.
The need to mow the same area multiple times.
Grass blades are torn instead of sliced.
Discoloured lawn – yellow or brown patches.
How often do your blades need to be sharpened?
It’s recommended your blades should be sharpened after 25 hours of use. However, this is dependent on how often and how long you mow for.
How to sharpen the lawn mower blade
Once power has been disconnected, turn the mower of its side.
If the blade is blunt or nicked, sharpen it. If your blade is damaged, it will need replacing.
If sharpening by hand, you should aim to sharpen at a 45-degree angle and push the file in one direction along the blade. Your strokes should go from inside edge to the out.
If sharpening with an angle or bench grinder, clamp the mower blade still and move the grinder slowly back and forth against the edge of the mower blade.
The blade should be as sharp as a butter knife. Whereas a razor-sharp blade will dull more quickly. Once completed, grab a blade of grass, and pull it over the blade, if it cuts easily, it was a success.
Checking the blade balance
It’s important that when you replace the newly sharpened blade, that you check the balance of the blade. Any imbalance will cause vibration and affect the cut. Simply, hang the blade on a screwdriver or a pen etc. If it drops down either side, the side that dipped down is heavier and will need a few strokes taken off to make the balance even.
Now you’re ready to reattach your blade and get mowing. Make sure it’s tight and the right way up.
Precision mowing for a healthy, beautiful lawn every time
Correct Mowing Height
Correct mowing can make a huge difference to its health and how good it looks. Between growing season - March to October, we would recommend your lawn to be mown at least once a week.
The ideal mowing height for your grass changes throughout the year, depending on weather conditions and your lawn's needs. While the lowest cutting height varies by mower brand, as a general guideline, we recommend raising the mower blades during dry periods and lowering them when conditions are wetter.
What height should I mow my lawn in summer?
In Spring and Summer, mow between 25mm (1’’) and 50mm (2’’). During dry weather, it's best to keep the grass at 50mm (2’’) to help retain moisture and prevent the lawn from drying out too quickly.
What height should I mow my lawn in Autumn/Winter?
In Autumn and Winter, a height between 35mm (1.25’’) and 25mm (1’’) is ideal.
A healthy lawn can survive an occasional close cut, but repeated close mowing will weaken the grass plant and encourage lawn disease, weeds, and moss
Additional Lawn Mowing Tips
If the grass is too long, cut it back in stages rather than all at once.
If the grass is dry and not growing, do not mow it.
On a dry winter day, mowing the lawn will reap the benefits in Spring, preventing the grass being too long for the first cut of the year.
Mow when the grass is dry. Mowing wet grass can lead to uneven cuts, clumps, and potential damage to your lawn.
Change the mowing pattern each time you mow. This helps prevent soil compaction and encourages upright grass growth.
How to get Stripes on your Lawn
Ever wondered how you get those picture-perfect stripes on your lawn? It’s much easier to achieve than you might think.
It’s worth noting, lawn stripes look better on a lawn that has good lawn care, hasn’t been cut too short and is healthy, with a thick, dense sward.
- Firstly, you need a rotary mower with a rear roller or a cylinder mower.
- If it’s difficult to turn your lawn mower at either end of the garden, it’ll be best to first cut around the perimeter.
- Before adding the first stripe, ensure you are at the right angle to the perimeter, use an object as a rough guide; a fence, patio, or path.
- When you add your first stripe, at the end of the row, simply lift the lawn mower around and come back in the opposite direction. Make sure when you add a new stripe, you overlap the previous stripe slightly. This will ensure you do not miss any patches of grass.
Choosing the Right Lawn Mower
Rotary mowers are the most common and versatile option, featuring a horizontal blade that spins to cut grass in a circular motion. They’re ideal for various grass types and terrains, including uneven or rough areas, and are easy to manoeuvre and maintain. Cylinder mowers, by contrast, use a scissor-like action for a clean, precise cut, making them perfect for flat, well-kept lawns where a manicured, striped appearance is preferred. While they deliver superior cutting quality, they require more frequent maintenance and are less effective on tall or coarse grass.
Robot lawn mowers offer a modern, hands-free alternative, automatically trimming grass with minimal effort. They are especially suited for smaller or medium-sized lawns with simple layouts, operating quietly and efficiently to maintain a consistently tidy appearance. However, they may struggle with complex terrains, steep slopes, or larger areas, and typically don’t provide the same precision as manual mowing. Whether you opt for a rotary, cylinder, or robot mower, the best choice depends on your lawn’s size, layout, and how much time and care you’re willing to invest. With the right equipment and a bit of effort, you can keep your lawn healthy, lush, and the envy of your neighbourhood.
Take the Effort Out of Mowing
A healthy lawn starts with the right care. While mowing is essential, GreenThumb’s expert advice and tailored treatments make it easier to maintain a thick, tidy lawn.
Want to mow less often?
NutraBooster, our specialist treatment, supports horizontal growth—helping your lawn stay compact and lush while reducing the need to mow as frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about lawn care or our services? We’ve got answers. Visit our FAQ page for helpful information on common lawn concerns, treatment programs, and tips to keep your lawn in top shape.
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