You can either be excited to start or grudgingly do the work. However, these tasks will help make lawn care more efficient and produce better results. These tips and advice will help you plan your lawn care and maintenance.
First, is the grass still growing? If it isn't, you can wait for a while. There is no set date for when you should start mowing. When the new growth is between 2 and 3 inches long, it's the best time to start mowing. You should inspect your lawn every now and again until that time. Are there any bare spots or thin areas? Is there even growth? You should now put seed or sod if you notice a spot of uneven growth or a bare spot. This will give the grass time to grow and take root before it is cut.
If the grass has grown more, you can take a look at your lawnmower. Is your blade sharp? A sharp blade makes mowing much more enjoyable and the grass is healthier. Is your lawnmower clean? Over time, dried grass clippings and dirt may build up and clog the chute and deck. This can lead to a significant increase in weight. It usually takes only a few minutes to clean any residue with a stick and putty knife. To avoid damage to the engine, the lawnmower needs new gas and oil. To ensure that your lawnmower continues to work properly, it is a good idea to regularly check and lubricate all controls.
When the new growth has reached at least 2 inches, you will know it is time to mow. Do not let your lawn grow too high as it will make it more difficult and take longer to cut. A common mistake is to cut too much grass at once. To keep your lawn green and healthy, you should not cut the grass to less than one-third of its length. Although there may be strong opinions about which mowing method is best, the best way to maintain a healthy lawn is to switch it up every few weeks. This will prevent you from leaving pattern tracks and marks.
Aerating your lawn every other week is a great way to promote healthy growth. This can be time-consuming and not everyone is able to do it.
Do you bag or let the clippings fall? Mulching mowers are usually the best for lawn health. The special mulching blade cuts the clippings multiple times, allowing them to decay more quickly and provide additional nutrients. This mulching method is not very effective if the clippings get too long. This is why it's important to keep the lawn at the optimal height. Too long clippings can cause clumping and choke areas of the lawn. If the dying grass clumps are left to stand, they can cause brown patches.
It's a good idea to clean up any grass clippings or debris after you have finished mowing. If the grass was damp or slightly wet, you can use a hose or a brush to get rid of any grass clumps that might have stuck to the mower's undercarriage.
A freshly cut lawn is complete with edging. It's not necessary if time is tight. This depends on how long ago you cut the lawn. It's possible to save time if it has been a while since your last cut. To prevent fungal growth, it is best to wait for a few days before watering. Light watering is not necessary unless rainfall has been very rare and/or sporadic.
How does your lawn look like? A freshly-cut lawn can bring back fond memories and give us a sense of accomplishment.