When should you start to cut your lawn?

There are some things you can do to make the lawn maintenance process more enjoyable and provide better results. While the exact time for lawn care and maintenance depends on where you live, these tips and advice can help.

Before the First Mowing

First, does the grass have a chance to grow yet? If not, wait a moment. There is no time limit on when you can start mowing. The ideal time to mow your lawn is when it is 2 to 3 feet long. Before that, go out and inspect the lawn. Are you seeing bare or thin patches? Do you see even growth? If there is a bare spot on the lawn or uneven growth, it's a good time to plant seed or sod. The new grass will have a few weeks to germinate and grow before you mow again.

How does that Mower work?

Take a look at the lawnmower when the grass is thicker. Is your mower blade sharp? A sharp blade will make mowing easier and healthier. Is the mower clean or grubby? Dirt and grass clippings can accumulate over time and cause a blockage of the chute and deck. You can usually clean the residue with a stick or putty knives in a matter of minutes. You will also need to check the oil level on your lawnmower regularly to prevent damage. To make sure that the controls work well, it's a good idea also to check and lubricate them.

Mowing Day

If the height of new growth is 2 inches or more, it will be a sign that it's time for mowing. Cut the lawn too often if it has grown too tall. This will make it harder and more time-consuming. The other common error people make is cutting too short. For a healthy lawn, don't cut off more than one-third of the existing grass. Some people might have strong opinions about the best mowing technique. However, there is no one right way. The best thing to do is to change it every few weeks. This will avoid pattern marks and tracks.

It is also beneficial to regularly aerate a lawn in order to encourage healthy growth. However, this is an extremely time-consuming task and one that not everyone can do.

To Mulch, or Not to Mulch

Are you going to bag or let the clippings go? A mulching mower is usually healthier for your lawn because the special blade cuts the clippings many times. This allows them to decompose faster, providing more nutrients for your lawn. The mulching process doesn't work well if the clippings become too long. This is another reason to maintain a lawn at an optimal height. Overly long clippings can clump up and overpower areas of the lawn. If allowed to clump, dying grass can leave brown patches.

After Mowing

After mowing the lawn it is a good idea for you to remove any debris and clippings before you put the mower away. You can also use a hose if your grass is slightly damp or wet. This will help to get rid of any clumps of grass stuck to the mower's undercarriage.

An edge always gives a lawn a finishing touch. However, edging is not always necessary depending on when the lawn was cut. You can save your time and do a quick edging if there have been several weeks between cuts. It is recommended to wait several days before you water your lawn to prevent fungal growth. If rainfall has been irregular and/or very sparse, then light watering won't cause any problems.

What does the lawn look like? Freshly cut lawns can create fond memories and give you a real sense of pride in your work.