Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1499105
DO: Mow at the right time of day. You should mow your lawn between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. This morning window is ideal because you won't disrupt your neighbors, run into dewy grass, or overwork yourself in the heat. As always, review your community's rules for approved mowing times before revving up the engine. DON'T: Mow grass that's very wet or dry. Check the weather forecast, and pick a cooler, rain-free day for optimal cutting conditions. Mowing during a heat wave or the hottest part of the day can burn or stress the grass. Likewise, cutting grass that's wet can clog your mower, damage the soil, and inhibit growth. DO: Vary your mowing patterns. Everyone has their preferred mowing style. Some people move their machine in a crisscross pattern, and others mow in waves or ripples. However, experts recommend alternating between a variety of patterns for the best care. Switching things up will lead to a more even cut and prevent patchy areas. It's also a great way to learn new techniques and try out different looks for your lawn. DON'T: Cut your grass too short. You want your grass to have an average blade height of about three inches. Aim to cut before your grass is four and a half inches tall, and when you do mow, never remove more than one-third of your leaf tissue. Mowing too short can weaken roots, slow down recovery, and encourage weed growth. DO: Use your grass clippings. While your instinct may be to pitch your grass clippings, it's actually good to spread the excess around. This cut grass naturally replenishes the soil with water and nutrients when it decomposes, increasing moisture retention, decreasing soil temperature, and helping your grass grow back in a stronger, healthier fashion. Use clippings with mulch for an additional boost. DON'T: Let your blade get dull. Periodically inspect your mower, making sure the blades stay sharp, balanced, and clean. Instead of slicing, dull blades shred and tear the grass. This can cause discoloration, disease, and other damage that can disrupt all your hard work. A yearly sharpening can thwart these issues and provide neat cuts and a smooth mow. UPKEEP M O W L I K E A P R O The dos and don'ts of cutting your grass. Whether you enjoy it or try your best to avoid it, mowing your lawn is a necessary part of being a homeowner. The mowing process seems simple, but properly maintaining the space isn't as cut and dried as you may think. Here are a few dos and don'ts for mowing like a pro. 12