Want to keep your lawn in top shape and make your neighbours green with envy? The secret to a stunning lawn starts with mastering the art of lawn mowing. While mowing may seem straightforward, doing it correctly and with the right equipment can significantly impact your lawn’s health and appearance. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of lawn mowing, choose the right tools, and keep your grass looking its best.
Why Lawn Mowing is Essential for a Healthy Lawn
Proper lawn mowing is more than just keeping your grass short – it’s about creating a balanced, resilient lawn that can withstand weeds, pests, and weather. Consistent, strategic mowing encourages healthy grass growth, improves lawn thickness, and helps your yard look lush and green. Done right, lawn mowing becomes the foundation for all your lawn care efforts.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Lawnmower
Selecting the right lawnmower for your yard size, grass type, and mowing frequency can make all the difference in how easy it is to mow and the quality of your results. Here are some common lawn mower types:
- Push Lawn Mowers: Ideal for small to medium lawns, push mowers give you control and are an eco-friendly choice, especially if you choose a manual reel mower.
- Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers: These are motorized and require less effort to push, making them suitable for medium to large lawns. They come in electric and petrol options.
- Riding Lawn Mowers: Perfect for large lawns, riding mowers are more expensive but save time and effort. They’re particularly beneficial for people with limited mobility.
- Electric and Battery-Powered Mowers: Eco-friendly and quieter than petrol mowers, electric mowers are ideal for smaller lawns and environmentally-conscious homeowners.
- Reel (Roll-Blade) Mowers: Reel mowers use a cylinder of blades that cut grass in a scissor-like action, resulting in a clean cut that’s gentler on the grass. These eco-friendly manual mowers are ideal for small, flat lawns with fine grass types. Reel mowers are quiet, require minimal maintenance, and are perfect for those who enjoy a peaceful, environmentally-conscious mowing experience. However, they work best with regular mowing, as they may struggle with very long grass.
- Robotic Lawn Mowers: For those looking for convenience, robotic mowers handle mowing on their own, though they come at a higher price point.
Tip: Consider the terrain of your yard when selecting a mower. For hilly lawns, a self-propelled or riding mower can make the job easier. A simple push mower or reel mower is often enough for flat, small yards.
Step 2: Mowing Basics for a Beautiful Lawn
The way you mow your lawn impacts its overall health, from root strength to resistance against pests and weeds. Mastering these mowing basics is the first step in achieving a beautiful lawn.
- Ideal Mowing Height: Set your mower blades to cut no more than the top third of the grass. This height allows the grass to develop deep roots, which are essential for a healthy, resilient lawn. Cutting too short, also known as “scalping,” can weaken your lawn and make it vulnerable to problems.
- Mowing Frequency: For optimal grass upkeep, mow your lawn once a week during the growing season. However, avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass’s height at a time, as this can stress the grass and affect its growth.
Tip: Keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which can lead to brown tips and increased stress on the grass.
Step 3: Watering Wisely to Support Lawn Mowing
Proper watering complements lawn mowing by keeping the grass hydrated and healthy. Healthy grass is easier to mow and less prone to damage.
- How Much Water? Lawns generally need about 25 to 40 millimetres of water per week, including rainfall. Deep watering helps grass grow deep roots, making lawn mowing more effective and reducing the chance of mower-related damage. To put it into perspective, if you’re using a sprinkler or hose, you could place a small container (like a tuna can) on the lawn while watering. Measure how much water collects in the container to see if you’ve reached about 25 to 40 mm, which is the recommended amount per week for a healthy lawn.
- Best Time to Water: Early morning watering (between 5 and 9 a.m.) minimizes evaporation and allows grass to absorb moisture before the day’s heat. This prevents the grass from drying out and makes mowing easier and more efficient.
Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can create shallow roots and promote disease. A well-balanced watering routine supports better lawn mowing results and maintains a healthy lawn.
Step 4: Grass Choice and Specific Mowing Considerations
Different types of grass have specific needs for mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Choosing the right grass type for your climate and lawn goals will impact your mowing strategy.
- Cool-Season Grasses: In South Africa, cool-season grasses like Kikuyu and Berea (also known as LM grass) are popular in cooler regions. These grasses should be kept at a height of about 4-5 cm for optimal health, as they thrive in slightly shaded and cooler areas.
- Warm-Season Grasses: Buffalo and Cynodon (Bermuda grass) are well-suited to South Africa’s warmer regions. They are hardy and can tolerate lower mowing heights, typically around 2-3 cm, making them ideal for sunny, dry areas.
- Shade-Tolerant Grasses: Berea (LM grass) and certain varieties of Buffalo grass can handle shaded conditions. These types benefit from a slightly higher mowing height to increase leaf surface for photosynthesis and help them thrive in less sunlight.
Tip: Consult with a local garden centre for advice on the best grass type for your region, and tailor your mowing practices to suit your specific grass type.
Step 5: Lawn Mower Care and Maintenance
Keeping your lawnmower in good condition is essential for effective mowing and a smooth, even cut. Regular lawnmower maintenance also extends the life of your mower.
- Blade Sharpening: Sharpen blades at least once a season to prevent tearing the grass. Dull blades stress the grass and make it more prone to disease.
- Oil Changes: For petrol mowers, change the oil periodically to keep the engine running smoothly.
- Battery Care: For battery-powered mowers, store batteries in a cool, dry place and avoid letting them completely discharge before recharging.
- Cleaning: After each use, clear grass clippings and debris from under the mower deck to prevent buildup and keep blades working efficiently.
Tip: Schedule an annual tune-up for petrol mowers, especially if you use them frequently. Regular maintenance ensures a longer-lasting mower and healthier grass.
Step 6: Lawn Mowing for Thick, Plush Grass – Tips to Thin It Out
Thick, plush grass is a sign of a well-cared-for lawn, but sometimes it needs thinning to stay healthy and easy to manage. Overly dense grass can hinder airflow, retain excess moisture, and create a breeding ground for lawn diseases. By adjusting your lawn mowing technique and schedule, you can thin out thick grass safely and effectively.
How to Mow Thick Grass for Thinning
- Lower the Cutting Height Gradually: When lawn mowing thick grass, reduce the mowing height by no more than 1 cm at a time. This gentle adjustment encourages the grass to grow outward rather than upward, improving airflow and preventing clumping. Avoid cutting the grass too short, as scalping can stress the lawn and make it vulnerable to pests and diseases.
- Increase Mowing Frequency: Thick lawns benefit from more frequent lawn mowing. Aim to mow every 5–7 days during the growing season to prevent excessive growth and keep the grass manageable.
- Change Mowing Patterns Regularly: Alternating your mowing direction each time ensures even thinning and prevents soil compaction or the formation of mowing patterns that can lead to uneven growth.
What to Avoid When Thinning Thick Grass
- Don’t Remove Too Much Grass at Once: Stick to the one-third rule during each mow. Cutting more than one-third of the grass height can weaken the lawn, causing uneven patches and a higher risk of disease.
- Don’t Use Dull Mower Blades: Sharp blades are essential for clean cuts, especially when dealing with thick grass. Dull blades can tear the grass, leaving jagged edges that dry out and attract pests.
Additional Tips for Managing Dense Lawns
- Aerate the Soil: Thick lawns can become compacted, making it difficult for water, nutrients, and air to penetrate. Aerate the lawn at least once a year to improve root health and reduce density.
- De-Thatch If Necessary: Thatch buildup is common in dense lawns and can smother healthy grass. Use a dethatching rake or machine to remove excessive thatch (more than 1 cm thick) before your next lawn mowing session.
- Adjust Fertilization: Over-fertilizing contributes to overly rapid growth, making the grass harder to manage. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer sparingly for thick lawns.
By incorporating these lawn mowing techniques, you’ll maintain a lush yet manageable lawn that’s healthy, resilient, and easy to care for. Tailoring your mowing routine to suit thick grass ensures that your lawn stays in top condition year-round.
Lawn Mowing Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist to keep your lawn in perfect mowing condition:
- Sharpen Blades Regularly: Sharp blades make clean cuts, reducing stress on grass.
- Mow Weekly: Maintain the recommended height for your grass type, and avoid cutting more than one-third of the height in a single mow.
- Water Wisely: Deep, infrequent watering supports strong roots and healthy mowing.
- Fertilize Appropriately: Fertilize in spring and fall to keep grass healthy and resilient.
- Aerate and Overseed: Aerate compacted areas and overseed to promote thick, even growth.
- Control Weeds and Pests: Regularly inspect and treat for weeds and pests to maintain a smooth, mow-ready lawn.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a lawn that’s easy to mow, looks fantastic, and stays healthy year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time of day to mow your lawn?
The best time to mow your lawn is mid-morning, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., or late afternoon. Early morning mowing can stress the grass when it’s still wet from dew, and midday mowing in hot weather can cause the grass to lose moisture too quickly. Mowing in the late afternoon allows grass to recover in cooler temperatures.
2. How can I reduce watering without sacrificing mowing quality?
Consider drought-tolerant grass varieties like Kikuyu or Buffalo grass, which require less water and handle mowing well in South African conditions. Mulching around the edges can also help retain soil moisture.
3. Why does my lawn have uneven spots after mowing?
Uneven spots can result from soil compaction, pests, or irregular watering. Aerate the soil, treat any pest issues, and ensure consistent watering for a more even mowing surface.
4. Should I bag or mulch my clippings when mowing?
Mulching clippings return nutrients to the soil and are beneficial for lawn health. However, bagging clippings may help prevent their spread if weeds are present.
5. How often should I sharpen my lawnmower blades?
Sharpen your mower blades at least once per season to ensure clean cuts. Sharp blades prevent damage and reduce stress on grass, making for a healthier, more attractive lawn.
Ready to Master Lawn Mowing?
Effective lawn mowing is at the heart of a beautiful lawn. With a few strategic adjustments to your lawnmowing routine, choosing the right equipment, and maintaining your lawnmower, you’ll enjoy a yard that’s green, resilient, and easy to care for.
Happy mowing, and may your lawn be the envy of the neighbourhood!