How to Mow Like a Professional

​When it comes to mowing your lawn, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a professional mow. Remember that you do not have to hire a professional landscaper or grass cutter to make it look great. In fact, a few alterations to what you are already doing is often enough to make a big difference in the look and health of your grass.
 
Maintain Your Lawn Mower
 
When it comes to cutting your grass, your tools are just as important as your technique. Before you get ready to get some mowing done, give your lawn mower a quick look over and make sure that the moving parts, such as the blade, have nothing obstructing them. You should also look to see if they need some oil. About once a month, examine the blade to determine if it needs to be sharpened. This is a task you can do yourself with sharpening tools that are available at most hardware stores. Lastly, make sure that the blade height is proper for the type and height of your grass.
 
Make Sure Your Grass is Dry
 
It is important that you never attempt to cut your grass when it is wet. This can quickly result in your mower becoming clogged since the wet blades of grass will stick together. Mowing wet grass might also make it more susceptible to fungus, insects, certain diseases and other factors that can compromise its integrity. You can easily determine if your grass is dry or wet by running your hand across it. If you get moisture on your hand, wait a little longer for it to dry completely.
 
Use a Fine Trimmer for Places a Mower Cannot Reach
 
When you get a professional mow, they will bring several tools with them that operate as a grass cutter. In most yards, it is just not practical to use your lawn mower for all areas of your grass. For example, you do not want to get too close to structures or plants when you are mowing since you might accidentally damage them or your lawn mower. A fine trimmer is the perfect solution because you can get very close to plants and structures, make sure the grass is even with the rest of your lawn and it only takes a matter of minutes.
 
Mow at a Moderate Pace
 
There is a right speed when it comes to mowing your grass. If you go too slowly, there is the risk of the underside of the motor getting clogged with grass clippings. However, on the other hand, if you go too quickly, you might miss areas or mow your grass unevenly. Using the pace that you normally walk with is generally a good rule of thumb and can help to ensure that you are moving at the right speed.
 
Take Advantage of a Clipping Catcher
 
Many newer lawn mowers already come standard with a bag that attaches to your lawn mower and collects all of the clippings. If your lawn mower does not have one, you can often find an aftermarket option at a lawn or hardware store that will do the trick. This just makes it easier to keep your grass free from debris and you will not have to go back after mowing and remove all of the leftover clippings. If you do not yet have a clipping catcher, a leaf blower is often one of the easiest ways to gently remove the clippings from your grass. Get them onto a hard surface so that they are easily to sweet up. Whether you use a catcher or you remove the clippings manually, you can dispose of them in your regular trash.
 
Mow on a Regular Schedule
 
Depending on the amount of precipitation you are getting and how fast your grass is growing, you should schedule your mowing for every seven to 14 days, on average. Plan to mow either in the mid-morning hours or just before the afternoon sun gets high in the sky. You want to make sure that any moisture on the grass that might occur at night is gone, but the grass should still be cool to the touch.
 
Change Your Mowing Route
 
When you talk to a professional grass cutter, they will often talk about the route you take and why it is important for a professional mow. If you always mow using the same route, you might notice that your grass eventually starts to grow back irregularly or that weird stripe patterns start to emerge. This could have a negative impact on both the health and appearance of your grass. When you are mowing, use a vertical route one week and then the next week, opt for a horizontal route. This is a quick and simple way to avoid accidentally creating an unsightly pattern.
 
Be Sure to Water Properly
 
It is a common thought that grass should be watered on a daily basis. However, in most areas throughout North America during the growing season, most lawns should receive about an inch of water per week. Make sure that you are taking into account the precipitation that has happened recently when determining if you need to give your lawn a little extra hydration. If you do need to add a little water, you can do it after mowing. This way, it is easier to see and touch the soil to determine how dry it looks and feels.
 
Be Mindful of Grass Height
 
You do not want to cut your grass too short or this could compromise its overall health. In general, you want to keep your grass about three inches high. At this height, it usually has a healthier root system and it looks better. This can also help to discourage weeds from invading.
 
You can see that mowing your lawn in a way that provides a professional mow is not too difficult. The techniques here are mostly what a professional grass cutter would do if you hired someone to come in and take care of your landscape. You can easily implement these methods on your own and watch your lawn thrive.