Top 10 Lawn Mowing Mistakes To Avoid for a Healthier Yard

1. Using Dull Mower Blades

Check the blades underneath your lawnmower to ensure they'resharp enough for the job. If you cut the grass with dull mower blades, thevegetation may appear ragged because the blades can't trim the grasseffectively. 

Property owners should sharpen their equipment at least onceduring the growing season for optimal results. If you're not comfortable withthis project, reach out to a professional for guidance. 

2. Cutting Wet Grass

After a rainstorm, grass blades often look taller, so youmay feel tempted to run over them with a mower. This is one of thebiggest lawn care mistakes you can make. Saturated grasstends to clump when mowed, so wait until the yard is completely dry. 

3. Working During Peak Temperatures

While you want the lawn to be dry, experts advise againstcutting it during the hottest part of the day. Minimize stress on the grass bytackling this project in the morning or late afternoon. 

4. Not Cutting the Grass Often

One of the top lawn mowing mistakes is spacing out yourlandscaping work during the growing season. Aim for a mowing frequency thatprevents the grass from becoming too dense, making upkeep easier in the longrun.

5. Scalping the Lawn

You're supposed to cut the grass before it becomes too talland unruly, but you don't have the time to regularly give the yard a trim.Should you allow for maximum time between cuts by scalping the lawn so thegrass is barely poking out of the soil?

This may seem like a sensible solution, but it can bedetrimental to your lawn. There's a greater risk of weed growth and diseasewhen you keep the grass too short. The ideal post-mowing height is roughly 4inches above the soil.

6. Always Mowing in the Same Direction

It's easy to fall into a routine when cutting your grass. Inreality, this is one of the top lawn mowing mistakes to avoid. Change yourmowing pattern every time the grass needs a trim, as this encourages evengrowth.

7. Avoiding Overlap

You may try to keep clean lines when mowing the yard.However, in your efforts to prevent overlapping lines, you may end up withstreaks of taller grass. Don't be afraid to cross the line slightly, as thisensures a uniform cut. 

8. Always Bagging Grass Clippings

Grass clippings serve as natural mulch and fertilizer.Rather than paying for these products, why not feed your lawn nutrients usingthe clippings from its last trim? As a bonus, your mower will be lighter andeasier to maneuver without a full bag. 

9. Ignoring Mower Maintenance

Get the most out of your lawnmower by performing routinemaintenance. This includes:

• Sharpening the blades (see mistake #1 above)
• Inspecting the tires
• Changing the oil
• Cleaning the mower deck

10. Mowing Over Debris 

Whenever your yard is due for a trim, it's wise to remove any litter or debris before you start. Running the blades over sticks, rocks, pine cones, and other objects can damage the machine and potentially send items flying into the air. Rake these objects to prevent any damage to your mower. 

Let Our Experts Enhance Your Yard 

Investing in professional lawn care benefits you and ensures that you'll avoid the lawn mowing mistakes discussed above. Why wait to give your yard the best care possible? Reach out to Tatum Lawn Care LLC at 509-765-4000to request a quote for our year-round and seasonal landscaping services.