Mowing the lawn is a weekly activity for most lawn mowers. Mowing properly increases the density of the lawn, which in turn decreases weeds. Mowing is healthy and benefits the grass greatly. By doing so, you are trimming the oldest section of grass since it grows from the bottom up. Cutting from the top shades roots and promotes a root system that is deeper. Deep roots reach water that is deeper in the soil, giving the grass reserve power, and enabling it to survive through dry spells. How and when you mow your lawn affects the lawn’s appearance and health. Here is how to mow a lawn with a riding mower.
Choose the Right Timing, Setting and Pattern
Cut the grass at a higher mower setting. This way grass does better and helps cut down on weeds. Focus on cutting one-third of the length of grass, allowing clippings to decompose and return nutrients back into the soil. For lawns sprout out of control, mow at a higher level and then lower the blade and mow again after a couple of days. Mowing at a higher level allows for a deeper rooting system, achieves a better looking lawn and less invasion by weeds. Don’t mow in the heat of day as this can damage the grass, or when the grass is wet as this can damage the mower, leaving it with unsightly clumps. Mow in varied patterns to allow soil compaction and to keep the grass healthier. For a stripped gold course appearance, just put a roller on the mower.
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Keep Blades Sharp and Prevent Scalping
Avoid sharp turns by using the driveaway for turning instead of in the lawn as this would damage the crowns of the plants. Avoid mowing for 24 hours if you’ve added fertilizer or another lawn application. Use sharper blades as this make cleaner cuts. So, sharpen the mow blades every four to six weeks. Keep an extra set on hand.
When mowing across a hill, use a walk-behind mower and mow up and down with a riding mower. As the lawn goes into the dormant season, make the last cut. For example, before the winter season.
Each grass kind has a recommended mowing height. So, find which kind of grass exist in your lawn so you can mow at the appropriate height. Stick to the 1/3 rule by never removing more than 1/3 of the grass blade length at any one time. Avoid repeated close mowing as this produces a brown lawn and has several harmful side effects, including:
• Damage to the crown, hindering growth generation and depletion of nutrients.
• Increased vulnerability to disease and pests.
• Risk of soil compaction
• Odds of sunlight reaching weed seeds, allowing their germination.
Carefully read the operator’s manual when mowing with a riding mower. Take note of all warning labels. Wear the right protective gear, including long pants, tucked-in shirt, closed toed shoes with good traction etc. when cutting the grass. Secure any loose clothing or jewelry before the start of mowing to avoid it being caught on the moving machine.
