This article was reviewed by Grant Wallace and by wikiHow staff writer, Aimee Payne, MFA. Grant Wallace is a Landscaper and Owner of Grantlanta Lawn in Atlanta, Georgia. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in lawn maintenance and landscape installation. In 2012, he earned his BA from the University of West Georgia. Grant has been profiled in Shoutout Atlanta, Canvas Rebel, and Voyage ATL.
There are 28 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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When done properly, mowing the law supports green, healthy grass, reduces weeds, and helps prevent bare spots. This article covers when to mow, how to prepare your mower, and even how to mow eye-pleasing patterns into your lawn! Plus, we spoke with Expert Landscaper Grant Wallace to learn the best tips for mowing to get a healthier, better-looking lawn.
Tips & Tricks to Mow the Lawn the Right Way
- Mow your lawn in the morning when the grass is dry.
- Only mow your lawn when it needs it.
- Choose a lawnmower that fits your lawn’s size.
- Get familiar with how to operate your mower.
- Keep your mower blades clean, sharp, and set high.
- Check your mower’s tires and fill up the fuel and oil.
- Mow around the perimeter first, then in back-and-forth rows.
Steps
Mowing Process for a Healthy Lawn
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Set your mowing height based on your grass type(s) and climate. Mowing your lawn too short leads to brown lawns and more weeds. Measure from the ground to the bottom of your mower’s mowing deck, then from the deck up to the blades to find the mowing height. Adjust the height by lifting or lowering the levers on all 4 wheels when the motor is off.[22] Ideal mowing heights vary based on several factors but usually fall within the range of 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm). [23] Here are height recommendations for common turfgrass species:
- Bermudagrass: 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm)
- Buffalograss: 1.5 to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cm)
- Zoysiagrass: 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm)
- Kentucky Bluegrass: 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm)
- Perennial Ryegrass: 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm)
- Creeping Red Fescue: 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.1 cm)
- Tall Fescue: 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 cm)[24]
- Contact your local agricultural extension program for advice if needed.
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Check the tire pressure, fuel, and oil level before starting the mower. Wallace says, “People forget to check for gas. If the mower has old gas, get that out of there. It causes problems if it's been sitting in there for a year or longer. So replace it with fresh gas. And don’t forget to check the oil.” It’s not safe to add fuel to a warm mower engine, so give the fuel tank a fill-up before you start mowing. Check the oil level every 2-3 mows as well, and add oil as needed before firing up the engine.[25]
- Occasionally change the oil and clear the fuel lines or have a pro do this routine maintenance. Consider giving your mower a tune-up once a year at the beginning of spring.
- Don’t forget to check the air pressure in your mower’s tires. Maximum tire pressure is embossed on the side of each tire.
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Mow around the perimeter and any obstacles first. Unless you already have a square or rectangular lawn, create a squared-off mowing area. Go around trees or along curved planting beds, then create straight lines and angles in those areas. Turn your remaining lawn into one or several rectangles for easier mowing.[26]
- Mowing around the perimeter first helps you square off the lawn and gives you room to turn as you mow back and forth in rows.
- Go around the perimeter twice to create a wider turning area.
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Mow back and forth in straight lines with a slight overlap. In each rectangular area that you’ve created, start along one side and go in a straight line from end to end. Then turn your mower and mow an adjacent row in the opposite direction. Continue this process until you’ve mowed the entire section.[27]
- The amount of overlap depends on your mower’s setup. Generally speaking, though, place your wheels (on one side) just over the cut line you created with the previous row.
- Turning back and forth is easier with a zero-turn-radius mower. Otherwise, pivot on the rear wheel closest to the next row and readjust to get into position.
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Throw any clippings into the previously cut row. Wallace says that finely cut clippings help fertilize grass, so leave them scattered thinly throughout your lawn when possible. If you have a side-throwing mower, send the clippings onto the row you just cut.[28]
- Don’t leave clumps of cut grass sitting on your lawn, though — this is more likely to happen if you have a dull blade or if the grass is damp, Wallace warns. Either bag your clippings or use a rake to spread the clumps out.
- Reduce your lawn's thatch by using a bag that attaches to your lawnmower to catch the grass clippings. Add the clippings to your compost pile, use them as mulch, or dispose of them in a curbside trash or composting system.
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Move across sloped ground with a push mower. Mowing up and down a slope with a push mower may cause you to lose control. Never mow up and down a slope that’s anything more than gentle. Instead, go in straight lines that are perpendicular to the slope.[29]
- Take any sloped ground into account when creating your rectangular mowing areas.
- If you have trouble walking up or down the slope on wet grass without the mower, don't mow up or down it even when the grass is dry.
- Manual push-reel mowers are less dangerous than larger and heavier powered models on slopes, but injuries still happen if you slip and fall.
- Driving a riding mower side to side on a steep hill may cause it to tip over. Go up and down gentle slopes.
- Instead of mowing a steep slope, try using a string trimmer, or consider planting or placing something other than grass in that area.
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Change the direction of your mowing rows regularly. Don’t mow your square lawn in the same north-south lines every time. If you do, the grass starts to bend over permanently in its row’s direction, and you’ll wear track marks from your mower’s wheels into the grass.[30]
- Instead, consider alternating between north-south and east-west lines with each subsequent mowing session.
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Use your string trimmer and/or edger after you finish mowing. String trimmers or edgers aren’t as fast or efficient as mowers. Rely on your mower to cover as much of the lawn as possible. Then, use a string trimmer or lawn edger to get at the remaining grass the mower missed.[31]
- However, some people prefer to trim/edge first so that the clippings are chopped up and spread out by the mower. This is a viable option, but you may spend more time trimming and/or edging than necessary.
- These methods tend to be harsher on your grass than mowing — e.g., it’s easier to cut the grass far too short in spots.
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Sharpen your mower blades 1-2 times a year. Expect to sharpen your mower blades 1-2 times per year, depending on how often you mow, Wallace recommends. If you have warmer weather year-round, you may mow more often than someone with cold weather for part of the year. Dull mower blades cause jagged cuts in your grass. Jaggedly cut grass develops brown tips and invites grass diseases. A sharp blade makes a cleaner cut, says Wallace. If your lawn looks ragged after a mow, it’s probably time to sharpen your mower blades.[32]
- Remove and sharpen the blades yourself with a few tools and some mechanical know-how, or search for "lawn mower sharpening near me" to find local pros.
- Even if your blades don’t seem dull, inspect them for damage every 3-4 mows, and rinse away any built-up grass debris on the blades and underside of the mower with a garden hose. Wallace recommends unplugging the spark plug to safely check the mower blades.
Staying Safe While Cutting Your Grass
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Clear away lawn debris, pets, and kids before mowing. Walk around your lawn and pick up any branches, rocks, toys, pet waste, or other obstructions that may damage your mower or make a mess. Even more importantly, send your pets and kids inside, or at least to a secure area away from where you’ll be mowing.[36]
- Some mowers eject rocks or other flying debris at dangerous speeds, so it’s always best to keep other people and pets out of the area.
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Put on protective eyewear, ear coverings, and clothing. Wear safety glasses to protect yourself from flying debris, and use ear protection to muffle the loud mower engine. Also, put on closed-toe, sturdy footwear and long pants to protect your feet and legs.[37]
- Put on sunscreen and wear a hat, even on cloudy days or if it's early or late in the day.
- Make sure your ear coverings protect your hearing while allowing you to hear warning sounds, such as a car horn or a person shouting.
- Be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks if you're mowing a large lawn, feel overheated, or start to feel tired.
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Don’t use your hands to remove grass clippings or other debris stuck in the blades. Instead, turn the mower off and use water from a garden hose to dislodge the blade of a gasoline-powered mower. Disconnect the spark plug to make sure the engine can’t start for any reason while you’re removing clogs.[38]
- The mower blades may spin for a short time after you turn off the mower. Make sure they’ve stopped before turning the mower over.
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Read the manufacturer's instructions for your mower. Understand the mower's power, functions, and limitations. Review its safety devices, how they work, and how to maintain them. Understand how safe operation is distinct from unsafe operation.[39]
- Be sure to familiarize yourself with where all of the controls, gauges, and dials are located.
- Learn the speed, slope capabilities, braking and steering of your mower before turning it on.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionIs there a specific time, for instance 9 a.m., to mow?Lauren KurtzLauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
Professional GardenerThe best time is in the evening when the sun has gone down. The exact time will depend on the season and region. -
QuestionWhen is the best time of day to mow the grass?Lauren KurtzLauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
Professional GardenerThe best time to mow your grass is in the evening. Check the grass to make sure it's dry. -
QuestionShould I mow the lawn when it is wet?Community AnswerNo, if mulching, the grass will not fall back into the lawn well and could clog up the mower, bagging can be a bit more successful if you must mow that day. Also, with the lawn and soil wet, it's very easy to make ruts in the lawn and compact the soil. Neither are good for a perfect lawn or strong grass.
Video
Tips
Warnings
- To make starting easy and safe, only start the lawnmower on a sidewalk, driveway, or other solid ground.Thanks
- Keep pets and children away from the area being mowed and the operating lawnmower.Thanks
- Don’t pull the mower back toward you while it’s running. It’s possible to trip or fall and pull the mower over you. Turn the mower off if you need to move backward.Thanks
- Listening to music or a podcast while mowing distracts you at a time when total focus is required to operate your lawnmower safely.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-mow-a-lawn/
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/how-to-garden/how-to-mow-a-lawn/
- ↑ https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/eco-resilience/our-land-our-water/mowing-your-lawn
- ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/ESTABLISH/mowing.html
- ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/MAINTAIN/mowreel.html
- ↑ https://www.angi.com/articles/reel-lawn-mower-right-you.htm
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/lawn-mowers/gas-vs-electric-lawn-mower-which-is-better-a1057954260/
- ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/lawn-mower-cost/
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/riding-mower-vs-push-mower
- ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/what-is-a-mulching-lawn-mower/
- ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/lawn-mower-cost/
- ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/lawn-garden/a26431726/types-of-lawn-mower/
- ↑ https://garden.org/learn/articles/view/176/Lawn-and-Garden-Tractors/
- ↑ https://assets.einhell.com/manuals-pdf/900_435251/lmpc-301u%3B-ex%3B-uk.pdf
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-start-a-lawn-mower/
- ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/what-is-self-propelled-mower/
- ↑ https://renewablepedia.com/how-start-an-electric-lawn-mower/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/E1E5MAFVXIE?t=204
- ↑ https://youtu.be/NkvwHcah3fo?t=271
- ↑ https://youtu.be/2g_e8syF-Oc?t=168
- ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/lawn-garden/how-to/a21088/how-to-drive-a-zero-turn-lawn-mower/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/ttC28rn05xc?t=71
- ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/how-to-mow-a-lawn
- ↑ https://extension.illinois.edu/lawns/mowing-your-lawn
- ↑ https://www.angi.com/articles/got-gas-4-tips-fueling-lawn-mowers-and-landscaping-tools.htm
- ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/how-to-mow-a-lawn
- ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/how-to-mow-a-lawn
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/how-to-garden/how-to-mow-a-lawn/
- ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/lawn-mower-safety/
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/how-to-garden/how-to-mow-a-lawn/
- ↑ https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/how-to-cut-clean-lawn-edges/
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/how-to-garden/how-to-mow-a-lawn/
- ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/how-to-stripe-your-lawn/
- ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/how-to-stripe-your-lawn/
- ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/how-to-stripe-your-lawn/
- ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/how-to-mow-a-lawn
- ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/lawn-mower-safety/
- ↑ https://nasdonline.org/38/d001606/agricultural-mower-safety.html
- ↑ https://nasdonline.org/38/d001606/agricultural-mower-safety.html
About This Article
Before mowing a lawn, start by clearing it of debris and pet waste, and making sure that any kids and pets are in a secure area away from where you’ll be mowing. Additionally, protect your feet and legs with sturdy, closed-toe footwear and long pants. To mow your lawn, start around the perimeter to help square off the lawn and give you room to turn as you mow back and forth in rows. Then, start along 1 side of the perimeter, mow in a straight line from end to end, then mow an adjacent row in the opposite direction. For more advice from our Horticulturist reviewer, including how to mow your lawn into stripes and checkerboard patterns, keep reading.
Reader Success Stories
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"I'm a woman, nearly 50, and I've never mowed a lawn before. I just attempted it, and the results weren't what I was looking for. I got online and found this extremely helpful article. My next attempt will be much more successful, I'm sure."..." more