Today is the day. If you’ve been with us for a while, you may know a little fun fact about Brandi… she has never mowed a lawn. I know, many of you must be in disbelief! It seems like a chore most kids would do growing up. However, there’s also a percentage of you that are in the same boat and can relate. We’re going to talk about when to mow, the equipment you’ll need, and proper technique. Let’s mow a lawn!
Let’s Talk Basics…
Weather
The best time to mow your lawn is during a dry period, preferrable right before rain. Dry grass is easier to cut and safer to walk on. Like with any plant, pruning will send grass into shock, so getting water on it right away will help heal it. Always be aware to watch your local weather network to ensure you’re mowing during a safe time.
To Mow, or not to Mow
The question isn’t “how high should it be before I cut it”. The question is “how short should I cut it to achieve the height that I want over time?”. Determine your desired height and work backwards. Keep in mind that a shorter cut can be tougher to maintain. You should remove a third of the height each time you cut, kind of like trimming split ends. That will promote a healthy grass throughout the season.
What do I do if I have personal weeds like crab grass, dandelions, chickweed, etc. Should I mow?
You don’t have to completely avoid the patches of weeds when you start mowing. However, be aware of dandelions that have gone to seed. Those poof balls, when mowed, will spread everywhere. Either remove by hand or mow before they get to that point.
Let’s Talk Equipment
What is a Trimmer?
Trimmers are used to get places the mower just can’t, like fences and edges. They use a piece of special string that rotates at a fast speed snipping grass like a whip. You may have heard it called a “whipper snipper”.
Caution: These machines run at high speed and can be dangerous. Whenever you are maintaining the machine, always ensure it’s unplugged.
Difference between Gas, Electric, and Push Mowers
Lawn mowers are typically comprised of a blade that rotates under a cover to prevent grass from getting everywhere. There’s is a bag that sits on the back that collects grass.
- Tumbler mowers: Probably the best way to mow as it pulls the grass up and clips it cleanly, leaving the blades behind to act like ground cover, or thatch.
- Gas Mowers: You may have grown up with your parents owning one of these. They are known for being heavy and loud, but effective for an even cut. You don’t need to dabble with charging batteries
- Electric Mowers: Newer on the market and gaining traction. These machines are lighter and will run off rechargable batteries. The cut is said to be weaker depending on the model.
- Robot Mowers: Yep, just like roomba’s, there are “smart mowers” that run off apps to get the job done.
Let’s Talk Process (Simulation)
While processes are fairly similar between mowers, for this example, we’ll be using an electric mower.
- Survey the land and weather: What do we have going on? Weeds, grass, debris, etc.
- Dress Appropriately: Ensure that you are protected from the sun and wearing proper footwear.
- Trim the edges of your lawn to clean them up. Move in the direction of the rotation to keep areas clean.
- Review your lawn mower
- make sure it’s in working condition and you know how it works.
- Are the batteries charged or do you need fuel?
- Set the height. This could vary depending on model, but make sure to set both sides. You’ll want to cut 1/3 of the current height.
- mow
- Start your mower
- Mow the outside edge of your area twice.
- Choose a direction and mow a line to the other side. Remember which direction you chose and switch it up next time.
- Once you get to the end, tip your lawn mower back and swing it around 180 degrees.
- The left wheel should run along the portion you just mowed to ensure you don’t get any grass mohawks.
- Continue to mow until you’ve completed the entire area.
- All done!
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