People around the world spend over 384 hours of their lives on lawn mowing. This pastime can be a regular chore, or it can be a hobby if you love sweating in the sun and being one with nature.
But what if you just bought a house and you have no idea how to mow the lawn?
It’s not as hard as it sounds. If you have a basic lawn mower, you’ll only need to check the oil, fill up any empty gas cans, and start mowing!
Keep on reading for some lawn mowing tips that’ll help you cut the grass like a pro.
- Invest in Right Mowing Equipment
Having the right mowing equipment is key to being a successful lawn owner. The right equipment will help keep your yard looking great while also saving you time and energy.
If you’re a new homeowner, take some time to research and find the best mowing equipment for the type of terrain you have. The basic lawn mowing kit should include a mower, blade, lawn trimmer, edger, line trimmer, and aerator.
Before making a purchase, you should view here for more information on the quality of the products to consider. Make sure you’re buying from a reputable dealer, and avoid online deals that may not be trustworthy.
Combined with the right equipment, these landscaping tips will help keep your lawn looking great for years to come.
- Assess the Terrain of Your Lawn
Inspecting the lawn can help determine the work that needs to be done ahead of time. The terrain is important to note, as very steep inclines, dips in the terrain, or raised beds can potentially cause more damage to the lawn’s turf and mower.
Areas of the lawn that have large bumps and sticks should also be avoided when mowing. The terrain of the lawn can be changed by cutting small slopes or creating pathways that are appropriate for mowing.
Be sure to cut it in a pattern so that there are no missing spots or inconsistent mowing. Making sure the entire lawn is cut without leaving any missed spots or having an inconsistent cut is key.
Additionally, inspecting the lawn regularly allows the person in charge to make sure that the lawn is in good condition and that the terrain is properly managed.
This means looking for new weeds, bare spots, and mowing patterns that need to be changed. Doing these things regularly can not only identify any potential problems before they become bigger but can also help maintain the lawn’s look.
- Use the Appropriate Mowing Height
Mowing heights for lawns vary depending on the type of grass you have. Flowering plants, shrubs, and trees can also be a factor when choosing the correct mowing height.
Shorter mowing heights help the lawn look neat and tidy, while longer mowing heights can help the grass grow thicker, reduce the amount of yard work, and reduce stress on your lawn mower.
New homeowners should first decide the type of grass they have and use that as a basis to figure out their ideal mowing height. Some grass heights must be around 3 inches, meaning that the grass can still bend over without being cut.
Other grass types will require much higher mowing heights, so it is important to do your research.
Overall, being mindful of your grass type and the appropriate mowing height associated with it is essential to keeping your lawn looking healthy and well-maintained.
- Make Sure the Blades are Sharpened Regularly
Dull blades can tear the grass rather than cut it, resulting in an uneven and unsightly effect. A sharp blade is also safer, as it is less likely to throw debris when it strikes a stone or branch.
Keeping the blades sharp can also reduce mowing time, as it won’t take as long for each cut, and you’ll save fuel because the engine won’t need to work as hard.
To sharpen your blades, you should either take them to a professional to do it for you or you can use a sharpening stone or tool and do it yourself.
When sharpening, be sure to apply even pressure to maintain a uniform and consistent edge. Improper sharpening can dull the blade quickly and cause it to become prone to damage.
With these tips, be sure to keep your lawn looking neat and trim while avoiding a damaged blade.
- Don’t Mow Too Close to Sidewalks, Driveways or Any Other Structures
New homeowners should heed the warning of not mowing too close to sidewalks, driveways, or any other structures. If not, this can cause serious damage to the lawn mower, the concrete, and the surrounding landscaping.
The best practice is to set your mowing a few inches away from these structures. When approaching these edges, use a slow and careful approach in order to keep even lines and prevent accidentally gouging or marking the structures.
Furthermore, homeowners should always stay conscious of the presence of wiring or plumbing that could be located underground prior to mowing a lawn.
Being within a moderate distance from any structure when doing yard work will ensure that the area is safe. For some reason, you are liable for any damage to their property or that of someone else’s.
Plumbing and electrical systems that run underground can easily be damaged by an errant mower blade. Furthermore, the potential damage can be further exacerbated in drought conditions when the soil has become hardened.
Follow These Lawn Mowing Tips for New Homeowners
With these helpful tips, lawn mowing should be no problem for the new homeowner! Be sure to make sure all safety measures are in place, and take your time.
As you are mowing, keep in mind the right techniques to get the best results. Shop around for the best lawn care products to make your lawn the most beautiful on the block.
Try these lawn mowing tips and get them spicy and span!
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