Backyard Oasis

It may seem like mowing your backyard and landscaped area is just a process of turning on a machine and cutting the grass but there is a right way to mow.

photo credit: TRAINUT
Proper Mowing Techniques

For example, with the exception of the first mowing of the season, never cut more than one-third of the grass leaf blade during a single mowing. Leaving grass longer aids in reducing water needs and helps grass absorb sunshine for photosynthesis. Grass mowed at two to three inches maintains a deeper root system than grass mowed at one inch.

And during dry spells your grass will not brown as fast if its left a little longer.

Before mowing, its best to check the lawn for debris, branches or trash that could become harmful projectiles. Branches can also wear or break mower belts so take the time to pick up the yard.

The best time to mow is during the day when the grass is dry, never when the light is dim or the lawn is wet. But I also try not to mow during the hottest time of the day. The mower will get hot, particularly if you are mowing more than an acre.

It’s best to leave grass clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil. In many areas this practice is frowned upon but you could make compost out of the grass clipping and other mulching materials, which would be beneficial to the gardens and landscaped areas.

Children should also never be allowed to ride on a mower. There have been many unfortunate accidents where children have fallen off a mower and been severely injured.  We has such an accident in our family, so please, watch your children and practice safe mowing habits.

To avoid soil compaction and wear, vary the direction the lawn is mowed. For example, mow vertically one week, horizontal the next and diagonally the week after. This is especially beneficial to small areas.

With my yard with the slopes it has I am forced to mow in one pattern. My mower would tip over if I mowed the hills horizontally. This year I am going to use ground cover and plants in these areas to make them prettier and healthier.

Mowing Equipment

Keep extra gasoline on hand and make sure it is fresh and stored in a clean container. And always check the oil before mowing. I mow a large yard, five acres, so I also check the tires to see that they have the proper air pressure.

It’s important to keep mower blades sharp. You get a more even cut with sharp blades and the grass is stronger with a clean cut. Have the mower blades professionally sharpened once a year to avoid tearing or wounding the grass stems, making them vulnerable to pests and damage.

To prevent residual grass clippings from interfering with the mower blades’ motion, remove the spark plug lead from the engine and hose away any grass sticking to the deck. This will help keep dirt and debris off the engine to insure it doesn’t overheat.

And at the beginning of the season, have a tune-up and safety inspection performed on the mower. Change the oil after every 50 hours of use and the air filter every 25 hours. Always use fresh fuel in a clean, approved container. This step is very important after sitting all winter when gas can go stale. If your mower sputters in the spring the first time it is started it may be due to stale gas.

I try to get the mower as empty of gas as possible and add fresh gasoline in the spring.

Following these simple mowing tips and mower maintenance practices will help produce a hardy, healthy lawn that easily withstands even the most vigorous family pastimes. Your mower will also benefit from maintenance and safety checks.

If you have any questions about mower maintenance, check your owner’s manual for specific information on your equipment. My manual is kept close by the mower.

By keeping your mower maintained and practicing good mowing habits your lawn abd backyard areas will be beautiful and healthier.