Lawn-Cutting Do’s and Don’ts to Avoid Grass Damage

Maintaining a lush, healthy lawn requires more than just regular watering and fertilization. Proper lawn cutting dos and donts are equally important to ensure that your grass stays green and damage-free. Unfortunately, many homeowners overlook the importance of proper lawn-cutting techniques, leading to a variety of problems such as brown spots, thinning patches, and even dead grass.

To prevent these issues from occurring in your own yard, it's essential to understand the dos and donts of lawn cutting. This article will cover everything from choosing the right mower height to avoiding common mistakes like overwatering and scalping. By following these tips, you can keep your lawn looking its best all season long while avoiding costly repairs or replacements down the road.

Cutting grass may seem like a pretty cut-and-dried chore, but there are definite dos and don'ts when it comes to keeping your lawn healthy. Experts handpick 10 helpful tips for cutting grass that will make your lawn thrive.

First on the list of cutting grass dos is to always keep your blades sharp. Dull blades can tear at the grass, rather than making a clean cut, which can damage the plant and open it up to disease or pests. Make sure you sharpen your blades at least once a year, or more frequently if you have a large lawn.

Another important tip in cutting grass check is to never remove more than one-third of the blade length at any one time. This means that if you want to keep your lawn at two inches, you should mow when it reaches three inches. Removing too much at once can shock the plant and leave it vulnerable to damage. By following these simple dos and donts, you'll be well on your way to a lush and healthy lawn – pun intended!

Leaving grass clippings on your lawn is a smart move when it comes to lawn care. As Zach Reece, a home improvement pro at Colony Roofers, an Atlanta roofing company explains, "Grass clippings release water as they decompose and help the grass grow back strong." Not only that but leaving the clippings minimizes water loss and retains soil moisture, keeping soil temperature consistent for healthy growth. So next time you're out cutting the grass, leave those clippings where they are - your lawn will thank you!

While it may seem like a good idea to have a set day for mowing your lawn, it's important to periodically assess your lawn's growth and adjust accordingly. Weather conditions play a huge role in how quickly grass grows, so mowing on the same day every week may not be the best approach. Instead, pay attention to when your grass is actively growing during the growing season and mow it typically during those times. This will ensure that you're not cutting too much off at once and that your lawn stays healthy throughout the year.

According to landscape expert Pol Bishop, mowing your lawn in the hottest part of the day can be detrimental to its health. It's best to avoid mowing between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun is at its strongest. This is because your grass won't recover easily from the stress of being cut during this time. Instead, try mowing during the cooler early mornings or late afternoons for a healthier and happier lawn. For more lawn cutting dos and donts, check out Fantastic Gardeners' comprehensive guide.

Glen Dellavalle CEO of Dellavalle Management, a property management company in Lexington, KY that manages over 150 acres of private lawn recommends frequently changing up your mowing pattern. Mowing rotating patterns will ensure that the grass is evenly cut and prevent long term damage to the lawn. Additionally, switching up your pattern will help prevent the mowers wheels from creating ruts in the yard.

Believe it or not, allowing taller grass to grow beneath your trees can actually promote their growth. This is because tree roots grow deep and need plenty of nutrients to thrive. Taller grass promotes longer stronger roots, which can help the tree absorb more water and nutrients from the soil. When mowing grass around trees, be careful not to cut too closely as this can damage the tree roots. In addition, trees shade the grass beneath them, reducing the amount of water needed for healthy growth. So let that grass grow a little taller and watch as your trees flourish!

Regularly sharpening your lawn mower blade is the key to maintaining a healthy lawn. Dull blades tear the grass, making it more susceptible to disease and causing undue stress on the plants. Coulter Lewis, co-founder of subscription direct-to-consumer lawn care company Torn, recommends using a Sharpal knife sharpener as the perfect tool for keeping your blades sharp and ensuring clean-cut grass as a bonus. Don't let shredded grass become an eyesore in your yard - keep those dull mower blades at bay with regular maintenance!