Clean, sharp mower blades will give the best cut. You can sharpen rotary blades yourself, but be absolutely certain the mower is switch off and/or unplugged before going anywhere near the blades.Itâs best to takecylinder mowers to a professional.
Give your mower aquick clean after regular use and a full clean and check before putting itaway for winter. This will help to minimise the need for repairs and keep your mower running well for years to come.
When using an electric mower, be sure to fit a residual current device (RCD) to the plug, so the mower will stop if the cord is accidentally cut.
With petrol mowers, always store spare petrol safely and take great care when refuelling.
Check regularly that the dead man's handle is functioning correctly, so that the mower cuts out instantly if you let go.
Always wear robust footwear when mowing, however warm the weather.
When cutting rough grass or if there might be gravel, stones or other debris in the lawn, wear good eye protection.
When strimming, wear full protective gear, including steel toe cap boots, heavy-duty gloves and safety goggles, and check areas of long grass for wildlife, such as hedgehogs, before you start.
See our guide to using electricity safely outdoors:
FAQs
Flower-rich lawns can be mown every four to six weeks. Long-grassed lawns are best cut once or twice over the summer, usually not before June. In winter: mowing is usually not necessary, unless the weather is mild and the grass is still growing. In this case, mow occasionally on a high cut setting.
Why do landscapers mow diagonally? ›
the grass doesn't become compacted, and grass doesn't start to lean in a certain direction and form ruts. Switching it up helps grass stand up nice and tall. Mowing a different pattern into the grass can also help hide weeds.
What is the correct pattern for mowing? ›
Lawn Mowing Pattern: Circles
Cutting in concentric circles is an efficient pattern because all the turns you make are in the same direction. Since turns are more gradual, it's also easier to maneuver your mower. A circular pattern will match the cuts you make around trees and flower beds as well.
When not to cut grass? ›
When Not to Mow Your Lawn
- Don't mow when your grass is wet.
- Don't mow during a drought.
- Don't mow during the hottest part of the day.
- Don't mow just before the sunset.
- Don't mow when your mower blades are dull.
- Don't mow your lawn if it's struggling with a disease.
- Don't mow if the temperature is too low.
Here's an easy step-by-step way to start:
- Week 1: Mow horizontally (left to right or vice versa)
- Week 2: Mow diagonally, starting from one corner of the yard.
- Week 3: Mow vertically.
- Week 4: Mow diagonally in the direction opposite week 2.
What is Aeration? Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn. The main reason for aerating is to alleviate soil compaction.
What is the general rule of thumb for mowing? ›
A general rule of thumb is not to remove more than one-third of the total leaf surface when mowing your lawn. This may require mowing every four to five days during rapid growth in the spring.
What time should you not mow the lawn? ›
However, be mindful that mowing too close to nightfall (between 6 and 8 p.m.) will not give your grass enough time to recover, making your lawn more susceptible to fungus and turf disease. It's recommended to avoid cutting your grass in the early morning and midday.
What is the best angle to mow a lawn? ›
Mow the entire lawn in straight rows in one direction, then mow the lawn a second time at a 90-degree angle to the first mowing. Mow the perimeter again at the end to remove any pattern irregularities from turning at the end of the rows and give the lawn a neat look.
Why no mow may? ›
Have you heard about “No Mow May?” Many people have committed to not mowing their yards in May, allowing flowering plants to grow to help provide food for pollinators. Before you stow away your mower for May, let's look at what options you can take to help pollinators this Spring.
When you cut the grass during the spring and summer, leave the clippings on the lawn. As they decompose, they release up to 30 per cent of the lawn's required nutrients. Remove the clippings from the lawn at the beginning and end of the growing season when decomposition is slow.
Why shouldn't you mow your lawn every week? ›
Beware though, cutting the lawn too short may cause the lawn to become damaged and or discoloured. As your lawn growth starts to slow down in September and October you should be mowing the lawn every two weeks or so. ' Overall, you need to mow at a consistency that maintains the best height for your lawn.
What is the most efficient mowing pattern? ›
The most efficient way to mow is the spiral: start from the outside and do the border, spiraling in to the middle.
Is it better to mow fast or slow? ›
It's generally accepted that the best speed for effective mowing is in the 3-6 mph range. Going too fast can actually result in an uneven cut. How? As the leading edge of the deck pushes the grass forward, the grass doesn't have time to stand back up before being cut because the mower is moving so fast.
Should you mow or edge first? ›
Mow First
By mowing first, you know how short to trim grass along edges and will be less likely to scalp those areas, giving rise to bare or weedy patches.
Why is the diagonal cut important? ›
A diagonal cut provides a better visual for the ingredients inside the sandwich, and creates optimal eating angles which means you can start from each corner and work your way in.
Why cut grass at an angle? ›
This is important for two main reasons: First, it keeps the wheels of your mower from compacting the same area of the ground repeatedly. Second, it encourages the grass to grow properly. This is why many homeowners like to mow different patterns into their yard.
Should you mow clockwise or counterclockwise? ›
If a trail of clippings is forming on the right hand side of the mowing swath, use a clockwise pattern. If a trail of clippings is forming on the left hand side of the mowing swath, use a counterclockwise mowing pattern.
