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Good lawn care promotes lush, green grass that you can sink your toes into. While fertilizing, aerating, and irrigation all contribute to a healthy lawn, there's another factor that plays a big part. How you mow the grass can determine whether you end up with a thick green lawn or a half-dead one.
If you see any of the six signs below, your lawn mower is damaging your grass. We'll explain how to modify your lawn-mowing practices for a healthier lawn.
Ragged, Tan Edges On Grass Blades
Take a close look at the blades of grass a few days after you mow. If the edges look ragged with tan or white tips, your mower blade is at fault. Dull blades tear and damage grass. Get the blade sharpened before your next mow so you'll have a nice, clean cut with minimal damage.
Brown Or Yellow Stripes
Brown and yellow stripes can result when you scalp the lawn, especially with a cool-season grass like bluegrass or fescue. Cutting the grass too close removes a lot of green and exposes the brown thatch beneath. The grass becomes stressed and can't recover easily because it has less ability to photosynthesize. Try raising the deck up one level and see how the health of your lawn improves.
Bare High Spots And Crowns
Scalping the grass also results in an ugly-looking lawn with bare spots or crowns. Most lawns aren't perfectly flat. You end up shaving the grass off high spots when you pass over them with the mower. The grass eventually dies out, making it easy for weeds to infiltrate. Use the proper mowing height for your type of grass. If your lawn is very uneven, you may need to raise the deck another step higher.
Fungal Disease
During periods of excessive moisture and humidity, mowing too short can make your lawn more susceptible to fungal problems. Signs of a fungal infection include distinct brown or yellow patches on the lawn. Change your watering practices if needed, and never mow right after a rain or irrigating the lawn. Mow at the appropriate height with a well-sharpened blade.
Wheel Tracks And Ruts
Can you see wheel tracks or ruts in your lawn? This usually occurs if you mow while the lawn is wet. The wheels sink into the soft mud and rip out the grass. Following the same mowing pattern each time you cut the grass can also promote this. Switch up the direction you mow in, and wait for the lawn to dry before you pull out the mower.
Big Clumps Of Dead Grass On The Lawn
If you wait until the grass is really long before mowing, you'll leave big clumps of clippings all over the lawn. Mowing while the grass is wet also leads to clumping. These clumps can smother grass and promote disease. You need to mow more frequently—and while the grass is dry—so that clippings can filter into the lawn. If you miss a mowing, only remove 1/3 of the blade height, then come back later and cut the grass to your desired height.
Read the original article on Southern Living
