Here's How to Mow Your Lawn Like a Pro

Weeds

When you cut your grass too short, your lawn becomes vulnerable to weed growth. Sparse grass exposes more soil, allowing weed seeds to take root. It also allows for more sunlight exposure and water evaporation, which helps weeds grow.

Root System

Grass that is consistently cut too short has a poorly developed root system. This makes your lawn more vulnerable to damage from drought or high temperatures. Taller grass develops deeper roots for a tougher, more resilient lawn.

The 1/3 Rule

As a general rule, cut only 1/3 of the grass blade height at a time. For example, if you want your grass to be 3 inches in height, then you should mow your grass when it is 4.5 inches tall. If you cut more, each blade has less surface area to produce the photosynthesis that fuels leaf and root development.

Mowing Height

The ideal minimum mowing height for most turf grasses is 2 to 3 inches.

• Make sure grass is tall enough before you mow it, rather than mowing on a set schedule. For example, based on the 1/3 rule, if your ideal height is 2 inches, mow the grass only when it reaches 3 inches in height

• Mow in dry weather. Blades tend to stand upright and clump less for a more even cut, and they are less likely to clog your lawn mower

• Avoid mowing during the heat of the day to prevent heat stress on the grass. Early evening when the lawn is dry is a good time to mow as it allows for recovery overnight

• Reduce your mowing schedule during slow growth times such as seasonal hot dry spells

Make sure your lawn mower blades are sharp. Dull blades can tear grass and create jagged edges, which encourage pests and disease.

Keep grass in shaded areas taller. The grass blades will have greater surface area for conducting photosynthesis when less sun is available. Also, in areas with trees and other foliage, grass roots compete for water and nutrients and benefit from a higher mowing height.

Mix up your mowing pattern. This encourages upright growth, and it prevents ruts and compacted soil from occurring.

Mow around your lawn perimeter and obstacles (such as trees and flower beds) first. This creates a squared off area that is easier to mow, and it gives you ample room to turn your lawn mower.

Do grasscycling. Grasscycling is when you leave grass clippings on the lawn after you mow. This saves time and cost by eliminating bagging, and it returns nutrients to the lawn.

Grass seed A high-quality grass seed will yield the best results. Make sure to choose the best type of grass seed for your desired look and climate.

Lawn fertilizer Fertilizing your lawn helps to keep it healthy, green and lush. Choose a fertilizer that's made for the species of grass in your yard.

Grass Trimmer Ideal for weed trimming and lawn edging, a trimmer gets into spots a lawn mower often can’t. The result? A neat and tidy lawn. Choose from gas, electric, and cordless models.

Lawn tools. Make sure you have a rake, weed puller and other essentials on hand.

Sprinkler and hose. Watering is a critical part of lawn maintenance for new and established lawns.