Mowing the grass is one of the basic maintenance tasks that contributes to maintaining a beautiful and healthy lawn . Regular mowing has many benefits, such as encouraging the growth of healthy roots, retaining water during dry periods, and keeping the grass green for longer. In this article you will learn how to mow the grass properly to achieve the desired effect.
Correct mowing height and frequency
The height at which we cut the grass and the frequency of mowing are of great importance for the health of the lawn. Many people mistakenly believe that cutting the grass short will make it grow slower and we will have to mow it less often. However, this approach may cause weeds and moss to grow on your lawn . Therefore, it is important not to cut the grass too short. The optimal length of the grass is approximately 40-60 mm, depending on the season and weather conditions.
During periods of moderate temperatures, i.e. in spring and autumn, the lawn should be mown no shorter than 40 mm, i.e. approximately two fingers' length. However, during the period of high temperatures and water shortages, i.e. in summer, the grass should be mown no shorter than 50-60 mm, i.e. about three fingers. It is also important not to cut the grass by more than 1/3 of the total length of the blades, so as not to weaken the plants and cause them to die.
Preparing the mower to mow the grass
Before you start mowing the grass, it is worth ensuring that the mower is properly prepared. Check whether the knives are properly sharpened and in good technical condition. If the blades are blunt or damaged, they can cause the grass to cut unevenly, which can lead to damage. It is also worth checking the oil and fuel levels in the mower to avoid possible breakdowns during operation.
Before you start mowing the grass, it is also a good idea to clear the area of stones, branches and other obstacles that may damage the mower or cause it to block. For larger lawns, you may also want to consider dividing the area into smaller sections and mowing them alternately to make the job easier and avoid overloading the mower.
Grass mowing technique
When mowing the grass, it is worth paying attention to the mowing technique to obtain even and aesthetic results. It is important to hold the mower straight and level to avoid uneven cutting of the grass. Mowing should be done in parallel strips to ensure even coverage of the entire lawn surface. For larger lawns, it is also worth changing the mowing direction each time to avoid creating paths and uneven areas.
Lawn mowing should be adapted to current weather conditions. During periods of drought and lack of rainfall, the lawn should be mowed slightly higher to retain moisture in the soil. However, during periods of heavy rainfall, the grass may grow quickly and require more frequent mowing. It is also important that mowing is done in dry weather to avoid damage to the grass and disruption during mowing.
Safety when mowing the grass
When mowing the grass, remember basic safety rules. Wear appropriate protective clothing such as ear protectors, safety glasses, gloves and safety shoes. It is also important to avoid mowing the grass near obstacles such as trees, rocks or other hard objects that may damage the mower or cause accidents. If you use a petrol lawnmower, remember to properly discharge exhaust gases and avoid working in closed rooms.
Using grass clippings
After mowing the grass, it is worth considering what to do with it. Instead of throwing it away, you can use it as a natural fertilizer for your lawn. Grass clippings can be turned into compost, which can then be used to fertilize the lawn, mulch flower beds or even as fertilizer for the vegetable garden . Before putting the grass into the composter, however, it is worth letting it dry for a few days to avoid rotting and unpleasant odors. It is also useful to lay down grassy layers of compost, alternating wet and dry layers, to maintain proper balance and speed up the decomposition process.
