How to Mow, Edge and Trim a Lawn

Conscientious mowing, followed by edging and trimming, reduces weeds, thickens turf and improves the lawn's appearance and vitality.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gardening Gloves
• Grass Shears
• Lawn Mowers
• Push Reel Mowers
• Lawn Edgers
• Safety Shoes
• Safety Glasses
• Rulers
• Garden Rakes

Mowing

1. Choose the proper mower for your type of lawn. Use a rotary mower for taller, soft grasses such as bluegrass, fescue or ryegrass; use a reel mower on wiry or low-cut grasses such as Bermudagrass, bentgrass or St. Augustinegrass.
2. Set mower blades to the proper height according to grass type. Set blade height by placing the mower on a flat, paved surface. Use a ruler to measure between blades and pavement. Adjust according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Mow the lawn when it is about a third higher than the recommended mowing height.
4. Leave grass clippings on the lawn, unless the grass has grown very tall between mowings. They will contribute organic matter and nutrients as they break down.

Edging and Trimming

5. Use a handheld edger between pavement and grass. Place the wheel on the pavement with the blade over the edge and push and pull. For large lawns, use a power-driven model.
6. Use grass shears around trees, around the edges of beds or in places that are hard to reach.
7. Use a string trimmer to trim and edge large lawns or to cut grass too tall to mow.
8. Create a tailored, 'English garden' look by using an edging tool (a shovel with a small blade shaped like a half moon) between beds and lawn. Push the blade in with your foot so that it slices off a thin piece of turf, leaving a clean, straight edge of soil between lawn and bed.
9. If you use an edging tool, return slices of soil to the garden beds to break down; chop slightly and bury them under the mulch for a neat, nourishing edge.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective footwear and eye protection and follow manufacturers' safety instructions.
• Remove young children and pets from the area being mowed.

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