How to Efficiently Mow Your Lawn...
- Keep the blades on your mower sharp and dent free. Dull blades don't clean cut the grass, they rip the grass which is does not promote a healthy lawn.
- I'm all for DIY!!! However, when it comes to sharpening blades, it really is best left to the professionals. The sharpening itself can easily be done. However, it's difficult for most DIYers to also keep the blades straight AND balanced. I bought a lawn mower blade sharpener attachment for my Dremel with the intentions of sharpening our mower blades and maybe other peoples'. That's easier said than done! It is extremely easy to take more off of one side and throw the blade out of balance. And if blades aren't balanced, the mower will not work efficiently. You will also notice a difference in the cut of your lawn. It will look extrememy uneven.
- It is also said that mowing in a circle from the outside in is the most efficient way to mow.
They say that if the mower clogs, stop, rake the grass, and then begin again. The next best way, "they" say is to mow from inside out in a circular pattern. Mowing in a circular patterns eliminates the corners and turns. Or so they say. Me, personally, I disagree with them. I like my lawn to have the 'golf course' look. I like the pretty lines. And I don't feel that it's efficient to have to rake my yard. In this area, the pattern of mowing, I feel that efficiency is based on personal preferences. What may be efficient to me may not be to you. There is no right or wrong.
- Using a mulching blades makes mowing extremely efficient...if you keep the grass mowed. Trying to mulch long blades of grass is not as efficient. It makes the mower work harder. Mulching blades virtually eliminate raking. To me, that's extremely efficient!!
- In my area, PA, it is best to keep the blades of grass cut at about 2 1/2 inches. You don't want the grass to be too short. The blades need to make chlorophyll to keep the lawn healthy. Yet, you don't want the grass to be too long. Higher grass tends to harbor more pests, especially ticks. Check with your local extension office to find out the proper grass height in your area.
- Do not mow the grass when wet. It makes the mower work harder to cut the grass. Some people even say that it will dull the blades.
Labels: Lawn Mower, Mowing Efficiently, tips
