When it comes to learning how to properly mow your lawn, who better to ask than a professional landscaper? When host Kevin O’Connor had some questions about mowing, he turned to Landscape contractor Lee Gilliam for a breakdown on the basics.
Choosing the Right Lawn Mower
There are three main types of walk-behind lawn mowers to choose from. Each has pros and cons depending on your lawn size and maintenance preferences.
Gas-Powered Mowers
Gas-powered mowers are still the most common and typically the most powerful option.
Pros:
- Great for larger lawns
- Handles thick and tall grass more easily
- Quick refueling
Cons:
- Louder than other options
- Requires more maintenance
- Consider safe storage and maintenance of gasoline
Battery-Powered (Electric) Mowers
Cordless battery-powered mowers have improved significantly in recent years and are becoming increasingly popular.
Pros:
- Quieter than gas mowers
- Less maintenance than gas mowers
- No fuel to purchase and store
Cons:
- Limited runtime
- Enough batteries should be purchased to have enough runtime to mow the whole lawn
- Consider safe storage for lithium batteries
Reel Mowers
Reel mowers aren’t outdated. They’re still a great option for small lawns.
Pros:
- No fuel or batteries
- Low maintenance
- Quietest option
Cons:
- Requires more effort
- Best for flat, smaller lawns (typically ¼ acre or less)
String Trimmer
While a string trimmer isn’t a replacement for a lawn mower, it’s an essential companion tool.
Use a string trimmer to:
- Cut back overgrown grass that’s too tall for a mower to handle (then mow a few days later)
- Clean up along edges, like walkways, foundations, and garden beds
- Reach areas a mower can’t, like tight corners or around obstacles
Before You Start Mowing
Check Oil and Gas Levels
- The first step in preparing your lawnmower is to check the oil and gas levels. An engine that’s running low on oil can cause serious damage or even lead to total engine failure. Follow the steps below.
- Locate the oil dipstick and remove it.
- Wipe the dipstick clean with a rag.
- Reinsert the dipstick and remove it again to check the oil level.
- Add oil if necessary. Be careful not to overfill.
- Fill the gas tank carefully to avoid any spills. Spilled gasoline can damage your lawn and eat through asphalt driveways. Check for any leaks in the fuel line and secure the gas cap.
Keep Your Blades Sharp
- Sharp blades make clean cuts and promote healthy grass. If you see the tips of your grass looking ripped, torn, and brown, it could mean the lawn mower blades are too dull.
- Sharpen your blades once or twice a season, depending on use. Some hardware stores will sharpen blades for $5 to $30.
Inspect the Lawn
- Walk around and inspect the lawn before mowing.
- Remove any rocks, toys, sticks, and trash. Items like rocks can cause injuries and everything else could jam the mower.
- Note any obstacles to avoid- sprinkler heads, stumps, ruts in the lawn, etc.
Safety Gear
It’s important to wear PPE to protect yourself from flying debris and noise when mowing a lawn. Make sure to wear:
- Eye protection (sunglasses work)
- Closed-toe shoes
- Close-fitting clothing and long pants
- Hearing protection
When to Cut and How Much?
Mow When the Grass is Dry
Avoid mowing when the grass is wet. It can:
- Clump and clog the mower
- Rip the grass blades, turning the tips brown
- Clump together in patches on the lawn after being dropped by the mower. Which can smother the living grass and lead to brown patches
It’s best to wait until morning dew has dried and avoid mowing immediately after rain.
Follow the One-Third Rule
- It’s best not to cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Cutting too much at once stresses the grass and increases the risk of weeds and disease.
- If your lawn is overgrown and too long for a lawn mower to cut, use a string trimmer first to cut 1/3 of the length. Then wait 3-5 days before mowing.
Know Your Grass’s Optimal Cutting Height
Setting the proper cutting height is the key to maintaining a healthy lawn. Cutting your grass too short can stress the grass and leave it susceptible to weeds and diseases. The height you cut your grass depends on the type of grass you have, the time of season, and preference.
There are two broad categories of grass:
- Cool-season grasses: Most lawns in cooler climates. Examples include Kentucky bluegrass and fescues.
- Warm-season grasses: Found in warm climates. Examples include Bermuda and St. Agustine. These typically don’t grow as tall and are kept shorter than cool grasses.
Look up the type of grass you have to find the optimal cutting heights for the spring, summer, and fall.
Adjusting the Cutting Height
To adjust the cutting height on a mower:
- Turn the mower off
- Locate the height adjustment levers (usually near wheels)
- Set all the wheels to the same height setting
- Use a tape measure to confirm the distance between the ground and the mower deck
How to Mow a Lawn
- Mow the perimeter of the lawn first with at least two passes to give yourself room to turn around after each pass.
- Mow around any objects in the lawn like large rocks, garden beds, or similar items.
- Mow straight rows back and forth across the lawn, turning around in the perimeter you cut earlier. Slightly overlap each pass. Follow your wheel track for consistency.
- Use the string trimmer to clean up along edges, such as walkways, garden walls, foundations, and flower beds.
- Empty your clippings into a trash can for the town to pick up or add them to your compost pile. Pick up any clumps of clippings so they don’t smother the grass and block sunlight.
Tips for Mowing
- Establishing a Mowing Pattern
- Vary your mowing patterns from week to week. Consistently mowing in the same direction can create ruts in your lawn. Try the patterns below.
- Alternating horizontal and vertical passes
- Back and forth in straight lines
- Concentric circles starting from the outside
- Diagonal stripes
- Changing patterns prevents wheel ruts and allows the grass blades to grow upright. It also promotes even sun exposure.
Overlapping Passes
Slightly overlapping each pass with the previous pass prevents you from missing any spots, and creates a uniform cut across your entire lawn. You might have to slow down a bit, but the effort will lead to a lawn that looks sharper.
Mowing Around Obstacles
- Be especially careful when you’re mowing near obstacles such as trees, flower beds, or hardscaping. Consider the tips below.
- Be cautious around hardscaping elements such as cobblestones to avoid damaging your mower blade.
- Mow a few inches away from the edge of flower beds to avoid scalping the lawn.
- Use a string trimmer to clean up edges after you’re done mowing.
- Pay attention to the wheel’s position and direction, as this can help you to prevent accidental damage to plants and equipment.
Cleaning Your Mower
Take a few minutes to clean your mower after you use it. Follow the steps below to keep the mower in good working condition:
- Allow the engine to cool completely.
- Remove grass clippings from the deck and wheels.
- Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
- Store the mower in a dry, protected area.
Cleaning prevents the build-up of old grass that can harbor pests and diseases.
Resources
- Gas Mower: DeWalt 21” Gas Self-Propelled Walk Behind Lawn Mower
- Electric Mower: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Brushless Cordless 21” Walk Behind Dual Battery Self-Propelled Mower
- Manual Mower: Walk Behind Push Reel Mower
- String Trimmer:
Gas String Trimmer
Cordless Battery Powered String Trimmer
