Whether your mow your own lawn, a neighbor’s or friend’s, be sure you know these lawn mowing tips. For more information about mowing and lawn maintenance in general, call the sod and lawn experts at Park Avenue Turf.
How often should you mow your lawn?
Newly sodded lawns should not be mowed for at least ten days. Thereafter, mow often enough to keep clippings short 1/4 to 1/2 inches. Long clippings left on the lawn can lead to “thatch,” choking the lawn and inhibiting water penetration. Sod grows best when maintained at a height of 11/2 to 2 inches.
How much grass should be cut?
Grass goes into shock from curtailed food production if more than 1/3 of the grass blade is cut off at any one time. Even if your grass has grown quite long, cut only a third, then wait a few days before mowing again.
How to mow a lawn:
After ten days, mow newly sodded lawn at a 45 degree angle to the sod strips. Use a sharpened mower, because a dull mower frays grass tips, making the lawn look brown. Be careful to avoid “scalping“ when mowing around flower beds or over uneven ground.
Mowing should be frequent enough so clippings are not longer than 1/4 to 1/2 inches in length. If they are kept this short, they can remain on the lawn, as short clippings decompose more quickly into healthy compost. Long clippings can develop a “thatch” effect and possibly choke the lawn or inhibit water penetration.