How to Mow Your Lawn Correctly

Posted on: 13 October 2015

Lawn mowing is a key component of quality garden design. Like any other art form, the process can be practised and refined. By adhering to these simple rules, you'll be able to increase the density of your grass, prevent weeds and create a visually striking exterior.

Select your Mower

Not all lawn mowers are created equal. If you're budget wary or have a small garden, use a reel mower. Their non-dependence on gas or electricity makes them cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly. For medium-sized gardens, opt for a motor lawn mower, but remember to take the chord length into account. If you have a large garden, petrol ride on lawn mowers may be more suitable.

Adjust the Cutting Wheel

Before you begin, adjust the height of the cutting wheel. Set it to a lower height when the weather is cold or a higher height when it's warm, but never remove more than one third of grass at any given time. If the grass is particularly long, trim it down slowly over the course of several days. Next, you should roam around your garden and remove any obstructions that might get caught up in the rotating blades. Failure to do so could cause damage to your mower, or even yourself.

Mow in Straight Lines

When you start, put on a pair of rubber boots as a safety measure. If you run over the power cord and step on the wires, they'll stop the electric current. Don't just head off in any direction and roam around until you've cut all of the grass. Doing so not only negatively affects the finish, but wastes time and energy. Set off in a straight line, turn 180 degrees and head back in the same direction. Only cut half of your mower's width each time. This prevents you from clogging up your rotating blades. While it can be tempting to cut the full width of your mower, patience is an essential part of the process.

Empty the Grass Bag

Always keep an eye on the grass bag. If it overfills grass, will spill out onto your lawn and could engulf the power chord. When you've finished, rake the grass to enhance the finish and make the surface even. When disposing the grass, either place it on a compost heap, take it to a recycling centre or put it into the appropriate bag for collection. Some councils have their own enforced disposal methods that you must abide to. 

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