Mowing Tips and Habits for Proper Lawn Maintenance

Establishing good lawn mowing habits is an easy way to improve overall lawn care and keep yards looking green this year. Apply these simple tips and mow more effectively, protecting your lawn.
Ask any lawn care service provider or landscaper, they are going to try to do everything in their power to provide you with the thick, green and health lawn you are looking for. However, for your lawn to reach its true potential, they are going to need your help too. The following recommendations are a guaranteed way to make the efforts of your lawn care service provider even more effective. Maybe you take care of your own lawn maintenance? All the more reason to read these tips for mowing your lawn.
Mowing Regularly, Mow High
Obviously, longer grass is more difficult to cut. Mowing is easier if you stick to a schedule of once every five to seven days. When you mow, no more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blade should be removed. A good rule of thumb to follow is to keep your blade height set at 2 1/2 to 3 inches, depending on your grass type and especially when it is hot and dry.  The hotter and drier, the higher you should mow.
Keeping your grass blades longer has a number of benefits, including providing shade for the soil. This prevents sunlight from reaching the weed seeds and makes it much more difficult for troublesome weeds to grow. Longer blades also contain more green, food-producing cells for photosynthesis and healthy growth.
Keep Blades Sharp:
You should sharpen your mower blades three or four times per season. Dull mower blades shred the tips of grass blades and turn them brown. Also, shredded grass blades are more susceptible to disease.
Vary Your Pattern:
One of the most satisfying aspects of lawn maintenance is the look and pattern of a freshly cut lawn. However, going the same direction every time you mow causes grass blades to bend in a particular direction. Try alternating your patterns to correct this problem and create a more attractive, interesting lawn.
NEVER Mow Wet Grass:
You will always enjoy a better, more even cut if you wait to mow until the grass blades are dry. Also, from a safety point of view, mowing wet grass is never a good idea. Even if you are careful, there is a chance you can slip and fall while operating a mower on top of wet grass.
Keep these tips in mind and enjoy a healthy, green lawn this summer.