Cutting the grass is one of the best ways to refresh your garden. Though it may be one of those jobs you dread doing, it’s something you should do to keep your home’s exterior pristine.
Lawn care isn’t just about keeping it tidy; it’s an essential maintenance task that can make you proud of your home. Well-kept grass not only adds visual appeal, but having a green lawn improves air quality, the health of your soil and the strength of your lawn’s root system.
Knowing how to mow the lawn properly is key to creating a healthy and beautiful green space. From understanding the best time of day to cut the grass to the easiest, most satisfying techniques, these simple lawn mowing tips have you covered.
Table of contents
- What is the best technique for mowing the lawn?
- What month do you start cutting grass again?
- What is the best time of day to cut grass?
- Should I strim long grass before mowing?
- How often should you cut your grass?
- When should you stop cutting grass?
- When should you not cut grass?
- Can you cut wet grass?
- Can you cut grass in winter?
- What to do with grass cuttings
What is the best technique for mowing the lawn?
Different lawn mowing techniques can be used to cut the grass and achieve a different look. No matter your approach to grass cutting, you will create a lawn pattern that looks fresh when first cut. These methods can be employed to create a healthy and attractive garden.
3 lawn patterns to consider
Here are some common lawn patterns you can easily create in your garden.
- Stripes: This is probably the most common pattern you’ll see in gardens, as it’s easy to achieve and can be done no matter the size of your lawn. Push the mower from one side of the lawn to the other in one direction and turn back towards your starting position on your return. Avoid sharp turns and ensure the lawn mower is positioned next to where you’ve just cut for the cleanest lines.
- Circles: Push the lawn mower in a continuous circular motion to create a round pattern. You can start in the centre of your garden and work outwards or work the opposite way and end with your mower in the middle of the lawn.
- Checkerboard: You may often see the checkerboard pattern on football pitches, but the same look can also be achieved at home. In one direction, mow the entire lawn before mowing for the second time at a 90-degree angle to the first mowing. For the neatest aesthetic, mow the perimeter a final time to remove any pattern irregularities.
What month do you start cutting grass again?
Following winter, the first grass cut of the year is recommended in early spring. Depending on the weather, mid-March is typically a good time of year to consider mowing the lawn for the first time. If the ground is too wet, waiting until late March or early April is okay. Grass grows when soil temperatures reach over 6°c, so waiting for dry, warmer conditions is recommended before you do the first cut.
What is the best time of day to cut grass?
Cutting your lawn too early in the day can lead to disputes with neighbours, though this is primarily due to any potential noise disruption they may experience. The good news for those who live near you is that mowing is not recommended before 8:00 a.m. as the grass is still wet from morning dew, rain or irrigation. It is also best not to cut your grass after 6:00 p.m. as it won’t have enough time to recover before nightfall.
Generally, cutting grass between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. is considered safe. However, according to experts, the optimal time to cut grass is between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., providing plenty of time for the lawn to recover before the evening.
By midday, you run the risk of mowing when the sun is at its highest. When temperatures reach around 30°c, this is typically considered too hot to mow the lawn as it can cause stress and damage if cut too short.
Should I strim long grass before mowing
The first grass cut of the year may mean taking precautions before mowing. Gardening experts recommend cutting one-third of the grass height at a time to prevent the risk of damage. Overcutting the grass can negatively affect its ability to recover, so doing it in stages can lead to better results when the lawn is long.
For long grass, starting with a strimmer can help to remove excess height quickly and easily. Once a more manageable length has been achieved, you can use your mower to create a smooth, even finish.
One of the most critical aspects of cutting the grass is setting the correct mowing height. Changing the height of your mower can help you achieve the best results, though different lawn types have different recommended heights. With cool-season grasses, a height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches is recommended. However, a lower height of 1.5 to 2.5 inches is best for warm-season grasses.
How often should you cut your grass?
Consistency is key when it comes to cutting the grass. When your lawn grows, you should cut it as regularly as possible, keeping blades of grass short and well-trimmed throughout the year. Maintaining a uniform lawn height promotes healthy grass and encourages even growth, helping you keep a clean-cut garden.
You may need to mow the lawn once a week in the Spring as grass can grow quickly, though this can depend on your specific lawn and the amount of rainfall. When the weather is dryer and hotter in summer, this may change to every two weeks.
When should you stop cutting grass?
Best practice suggests to stop cutting the grass when the temperature falls below 10°c, usually around October or November. If your grass is still growing and the weather is mild enough, one final grass cut after this can be carried out before the frost hits.
When should you not cut grass?
There are several situations when it’s best to avoid cutting grass. These include:
- When it’s too hot
- When it’s too wet
- When the grass is dormant
- Immediately before or after seeding
- When the grass is too short
By avoiding mowing during these conditions, you can help maintain your lawn’s health and appearance while ensuring safety during the mowing process.
Can you cut wet grass?
Although it’s possible, cutting wet grass is not recommended as this can cause several issues. Wet grass easily clumps together when cut, making it difficult for the mower blades to cut the grass and leave an even finish. Wet grass can clog the mower’s deck, making the blades less effective or leading to the equipment jamming.
Unlike when the grass is completely saturated, cutting damp grass is acceptable. However, waiting until your lawn is fully dry before mowing is best.
Can you cut grass in winter?
Mowing the grass in winter is not usually needed or recommended as it will stop growing during cold weather conditions. It’s best to practice general winter lawn care during the chililer seasons to give your grass the best potential for growth in spring.
What to do with grass cuttings
Before you wonder what to do with your leftover grass cuttings, here are a few simple solutions:
- Leave the clippings on your lawn, as they can provide valuable nutrients to the soil. As the clippings decompose, the “grasscycling” process helps to fertilise the ground while retaining moisture.
- Add the clippings to your compost bin or pile. If you’re looking to be cost-effective and add nutrients to your plants and lawn by creating your own compost, grass clippings are an easy and readily available source of green material.
- Place your grass clippings underneath the base of your hedges and bushes to prevent weeds from growing.
- Spread a thin layer of grass clippings around garden beds and between plants to help suppress weeds, retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
Finding the best lawn mower
Following our lawn mowing tips makes it easy to keep your grass well-maintained and looking good. At Gustharts, we also offer a range of garden lawnmowers that are perfect for domestic use. No matter the shape or size of your lawn, creating a luscious green space has never been easier.
