How to Cut the Grass

There is a proper way to mow your lawn in order to achieve healthy, strong grass. Proper mowing is beneficial to your lawn grass and harmful to the weeds that attack a lawn. Practicing good mowing techniques will improve your lawn each time you mow.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Set your lawnmower to the proper height. The grass should be no shorter than 3 inches. You may need to mow more often to keep a manicured appearance, but your grass will be stronger and healthier.

2. Walk your lawn prior to mowing. Remove any sticks, rocks, paper or other debris that can damage your mower, or that may present a safety hazard as you mow.

3. Mow your lawn in a back and forth pattern. Avoid circles as it tends to pull the grass from the ground rather than cutting off the excess at the top of the blade.

4. Alternate the way you mow your lawn. Mow side to side one time and front to back the next. By varying the direction you mow, you strengthen the root of the grass and avoid stressing the same area over and over, which can weaken the grass.

5. Mow only when your lawn is dry. Mowing when the dirt is wet will pull the grass from the soil. The result is bare patches or weakened areas.

6. Perform your lawn mowing duties frequently enough that the lawn clippings are small and can be left on the lawn. If you end up with large clumps of clippings, you need to remove them from the lawn and be sure to mow more frequently.

7. Sharpen the blades on your lawnmower at least once a year. The blade should cut the grass, rather than tear or rip it.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't mow over paper and let it degrade into your lawn, it's not good for your grass.