Taking care of your yard is not hard to do. However, it amazes me how many people don’t know the proper way to mow. Some people leave clumps of grass in piles on their yards. I have seen grass die early in th summer because of cutting it too low. With just a little bit of work and the proper mowing technique, you can have a lawn that looks very attractive all summer.
If you put down fertilizer, the best time is in the fall or very early spring. Don’t over do it. Each type of fertilizer is different. Read the instructions on the product and put it down as they direct it. Too much fertilizer can kill instead of helping. The same is true for spraying for weeds. It is best to have professionals spray. Not that you can’t do it yourself, but they are trained and no what to look for in spraying. Again the best time to spray is fall or early spring.
Survey your yard. Before you do any mowing in the spring, walk your yard. You will be surprised at what you might find. Pick up limbs, cans, rocks, glass, sticks, paper, and anything that old man winter might have left. Make a note of where exposed roots are larger rocks might be. This simple task makes mowing safe and can protect your property and equipment.
Check your equipment before you start. Make sure all mowers and weed eaters are ready for work. Sharpen blades, check belts, batteries, oil, and any lose parts that need to be tightened. If your mower has sat all winter, don’t just assume it will work. Batteries go down in the winter just sitting. Remove all debris from the belt areas on your mower. I always check out my equipment about a month before mowing season. I make sure they all start and run properly.
Some people like to trim before they mow. Others mow first and then trim. It doesn’t really matter. Wear safety glasses and ear protection. I can’t say this enough. You might be the safest person in the world, but all it takes is one object to fly the wrong way.
When you mow, mow so that the grass and debris is thrown away from your house or building. As you come back to the area, overlap the area you just cut by about 4 to 6 inches. This will continue to throw the debris out. It makes for a smooth cut. Always try to cut going the same direction and keep lapping over until you reach the out part of your property. On your last cut, go the opposite way and throw debris back into your yard area. Your neighbors will love this. The last thing they want is debris from your yard in their yard.
If for some reason, you have clumps of grass left in your yard. Lift your mower blades a bit higher and go over the clumps. This will distribute the cut grass more evenly. If you leave a lot of grass in piles or large clumps on your lawn, the good grass under it will tend to die from lack of sunlight and water. This may take you a bit longer but, you will like the results.
So how high or low do you cut your grass. Everyone is different. Some like to cut their grass short, others high. I will tell you this. If you cut it real short, it has a better chance to die. If you cut it a little higher, it might appear like it is higher but, it will be healthier looking. I recommend 3 inches. Experiment yourself. Find what you like and can live with. Higher grass will cover bare spots that might show during the dry months in the summer.
When your grass is wet, I don’t recommend mowing. Wait till it is dry. Wetness causes more clumping.
Some people will water their grass in the summer to keep it looking green. If you water, do it in the evening or early morning. It will stay moist longer. In the middle of the day, the sun will dry it up quickly. The best time is in the evening. The cool night air will keep the grass moist longer.
There are people that consider mowing a chore that they don’t want to do. If you have someone mow for you, be sure they know what you expect. Remember this is not their property, so they don’t have an emotional attachment to it like you do.
Lastly, take pride in your lawn. It makes your property look very attractive.
