Is Your Lawnmower or Mowing Habits Damaging Your Lawn?

Is Your Lawnmower or Mowing Habits Damaging Your Lawn?

4 Ways it could be Doing Just That

                
Every homeowner understands the desire and the work it requires to have a lush and vibrant lawn.  We go out of our way to ensure that we are doing whatever it takes to keep the grass healthy and green, but are we damaging it in the process? 

                  

Most people see the lawnmower as the first line of defense when it comes to maintaining an impeccable lawn, but our over zealousness, or lack of, occasionally causes damage to that yard of perfection that we seek. 

Lawn damage can come from many places; disease, drought conditions, or storms, but could it be coming from you? Is your lawnmower or mowing causing damage to your lovely green grass?  Here are 4 things you could be doing wrong.

1.     The blades in your lawnmower are dull.

I know this may seem obvious to some of you, but replacing your lawnmower blades is a necessity. Notice I said REPLACING your blades and NOT resharpening. Resharpening could ultimately lead to vibrations that will damage your drive shaft. As you sharpen, you are technically grinding away the amount of metal and balance that the blade is made with. As where purchasing a brand new OEM blade is balance and machined perfectly for the absolute best cut. This is often a task that is easily pushed to the back burner when seemingly more important things arise throughout the year, but that habit could be hurting your lawn. Dull blades can cause damaging tears to your grass and prevent even and healthy growth. Lawnmower blades should be sharpened 2-3 times a year for maximum efficiency.  Whilst checking your blades, you may also notice that they need to be replaced.  Lawnmower blades are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased and replaced by your local tool supply stores.  We offer several options here and can offer assistance in replacement.

2.     You’re cutting your grass lower than 3-4 inches in length.

Occasionally, I let my lawn grass get out of control and grow to ridiculously high lengths. When I finally get a chance to get around to it, in my overzealousness I admit, I go a little crazy and cut it much too low.  Bad idea.  Cutting your law lower than 3-4 inches creates scalping (cutting the grass so low that you expose the stems of your grass blades).  Scalping the lawn also creates an environment that cultivates the growth of weeds.  When grass blades are not there to block the light, weeds are allowed to grow in abundance and can quickly take over your yard, which is not a great look for a summer lawn. To avoid this, when mowing, try to set your mower to only remove one third of the blade height.

3.     You don’t mow often enough

Although it’s important to not cut your grass too low, it’s equally important to not let the growth get out of control. Not only does longer grass tend to grow uneven and give the yard a more unattractive appearance, after a long time without mowing, the blades may grow in a way that makes the grass look more like weeds than grass.  These extra-long blades also cause stress on the grass leading to future growth and lawn health problems. To prevent excessive grass growth and these added problems, aim to mow your yard weekly in the Spring and Fall which are prime growth periods.

4.     You have not considered a professional tune-up for your lawnmower

Many homeowners do not consider this option and just continue to use a mower that possibly needs some maintenance.  There are many advantages to tuning up your mower’s engine.  Some of which include an easier start, reduced emissions and saving you time and money by preventing possible needed repairs in the future caused by neglect and engine damage. A mower tune-up usually includes a new air filter, spark plugs, and fresh oil amongst other possible updates. These tune ups should be done every year to make sure that your lawnmower is not causing any damage to your lawn as you use it.  Your local tool sales business can handle this for you and also offer valuable advice about mower maintenance at home or point out repairs that may need to be completed in the future.

                  

Lawn preparation for the summer months should be an important part of your spring cleaning regimen.  This preparation includes maintenance and care for your mower.  Add these tips to your yearly routine and it will help to ensure that your law maintains its vibrant and healthy appearance year round.