Lawn care tips and pro techniques for expert mowing results

Achieving a lush green, thriving lawn requires regular maintenance and care and proper mowing techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or budding lawn care enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and pro techniques needed to achieve expert mowing results.

Choosing the right mower

The right mower will help make your lawn mowing experience a whole lot easier. For a lawn mower to meet your specific needs, consider the following:

Lawn size: Assess the size of your lawn. For most suburban yards, a push mower or electric mower should be all you need, while much larger lawns may require a ride-on mower for efficiency.

Type of lawn mower: Choose between electric, cordless, petrol or ride on. Do you research and evaluate the pro’s and con’s of each to find out which one will best suit your needs.

Cutting width and height adjustment: Consider the cutting width of the mower and whether it aligns with your lawn size and desired mowing time. Also, ensure the mower offers easy height adjustment to accommodate different grass lengths and preferences.

Mulcher vs catcher mowing: Determine if you prefer mulching (recycling grass clippings back into the lawn) or catcher (grass clippings are collected and stored in a bag or catcher attached to the mower).

Budget: Determine how much you would like to invest while evaluating features, reliability and performance.

Best techniques for expert lawn mowing results

Proper mowing techniques can make a big difference in the appearance and health of your lawn.

Safety first! Wear protective equipment when operating a lawn mower to minimise the risk of injury.

• Closed toe, non-slip shoes
• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
• Safety gloves
• Long, close fitting pants

Set the right lawn cutting height

Ensure the optimal cutting height for your lawn by adjusting your mower according to the grass type and the season. For cool-season grasses like Bentgrass, Rye, and Fescue varieties, aim for a mowing height of approximately 2.5-10 cm. For warm-season grasses such as Kikuyu, Couch, and Buffalo varieties, maintain a shorter height of 2-7.5 cm.

During the warm season, it’s advisable to keep the turf slightly longer to help the roots stay cool and retain moisture. During the cool seasons, mow the lawn shorter to mitigate the risk of lawn diseases.

Keep blades sharp

Regularly sharpen your mower blades to ensure a clean cut and healthier grass. Dull mower blades tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leading to a ragged appearance and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.

Follow the 1/3 rule

Mow your lawn when it’s one-third taller than the desired height. This practice helps maintain a consistent lawn height and promotes healthy growth, while minimising plant stress.

Alternate mowing patterns

Change your mowing pattern with each session to prevent grass from leaning in one direction and to avoid creating ruts in the lawn. Varying your patterns between horizontal, vertical and diagonal patterns ensures even growth and a professional finish.

Avoid mowing a wet lawn

Wet grass can damage your mower and lead to uneven cutting so you should mow when the grass is dry to achieve cleaner cuts and prevent clumping.

Be patient

Avoid mowing too quickly, as this can result in missed spots and uneven cutting. Instead, maintain a steady pace to ensure thorough coverage and a consistent cut.

Trim edges and obstacles

Trimming will give your lawn a well-cared for and polished look. Use a line trimmer (eg Whipper Snipper) or lawn edger to define borders and maintain clean lines.

Keep your mower well maintained

Keep your mower well-maintained by cleaning the deck, checking the oil and fuel levels, and inspecting spark plugs, air filters and blades regularly. Replace worn out and faulty parts promptly. Proper maintenance ensures optimal mower performance and longevity.

How often should you mow your lawn?

The frequency of mowing depends on a few things including grass type, growth rate, weather conditions and the season.

For cool season grasses (such as Fescue, Ryegrass) mow every 7-10 days during the growing season (spring and autumn). For warm season grasses (such as Couch, Buffalo and Kikuyu) mow every 5-7 days to keep up with rapid growth during peak season (late spring to early autumn).

The mowing frequency may decrease to 2-5 weeks, during non-peak seasons. Monitor and mow as needed to maintain an optimal height.

Do’s and Don’ts of lawn mowing

Do:

• Mow when the grass is dry. This will help achieve cleaner cuts and prevent clumping
• Regularly cut lawn to maintain its health and appearance (refer 1/3 rule above)
• Vary your mowing pattern with each session to promote even growth and prevent soil compaction
• Trim edges and around obstacles for a neat and polished appearance
• Sharpen mower blades regularly for crisp, clean cuts and healthier grass
• Adjust cutting height and frequency according to grass type, season and weather conditions

Don’t:

• Mow wet grass to avoid clumping, uneven cutting, and potential mower damage
• Don’t allow the lawn to get too long between mowing as the long grass will shade and weaken the grass below, leading to brown, unhealthy looking lawn after cutting
• Scalp the lawn by cutting grass too short, as it weakens the root system and promotes weed growth
• Neglect mower maintenance, including blade sharpening, oil changes and air filter replacements
• Rush through mowing, as it can result in missed spots, uneven cutting and a poor finish
• Don’t overlap mowing passes excessively, as it can lead to uneven cutting and scalping in some areas

Lawn care tips for a healthy, lush grass

• Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
• Aerate the soil annually to improve air circulation, water absorption and nutrient uptake.
• Overseed bare or thin areas to promote a dense and lush lawn
• Fertilise regularly with a slow-release fertiliser to provide essential nutrients
• Monitor for pests, diseases, and weeds and address them promptly to prevent damage to the lawn.
• Follow proper lawn care practices based on the specific grass type and local weather conditions

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