Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. However, there's one outdoor task that many people dread: mowing the lawn. If you want to make this chore a little less daunting, avoid making these seven mistakes. From mowing the grass too short to throwing out your grass clippings, read on to learn how to make mowing your lawn a breeze.

Mowing Too Low

person mowing lawn

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No lawn is complete without a healthy dose of care. But there's a right way and a wrong way to go about it. One common lawn care mistake is mowing too low.

Cutting your grass too short can damage your lawn, making it more susceptible to disease and pests. It can also make your lawn look patchy and unkempt.

The ideal height for most lawns is between 2 and 4 inches, but if you're unsure of how high to mow your lawn, ask a lawn care professional or take a look at the recommended mowing height for your type of grass. And remember, when in doubt, it's better to err on the side of caution and mow a little higher rather than too low.

Mowing Wet Grass

Wet grass not ideal for lawn mowing

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When the grass is wet, it can be more difficult to mow evenly. The blades of the lawnmower can also clump up the wet grass, which can cause streaks or bare patches on your lawn. In addition, wet grass can stick to the wheels of the lawnmower and drag mud and debris onto your lawn. This can leave your lawn looking messy and untidy.

If you wait until the grass is dry, you'll have an easier time getting a clean, even cut. Your lawn will also look neater and cleaner.

Mowing in The Same Direction Each Time

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If you're like most lawn care enthusiasts, you probably have a pretty good routine down when it comes to mowing your lawn. But there's one small mistake that you might be making that can actually have a big impact on the health of your lawn - and that's mowing in the same direction each time.

While it might not seem like a big deal, mowing in the same direction all the time can cause your grass to start leaning in that direction. Over time, this can lead to ruts and an overall unhealthy lawn.

So, what's the solution? It's actually pretty simple, just switch up the direction that you go at least every couple of times you mow your lawn. This will help keep your grass healthy and looking its best.

Using a Dull Blade

Dull Blade On a Lawn Mower

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When you use a dull blade, you're more likely to shred the grass than cut it. This can leave your lawn looking patchy and unhealthy. It can also cause bare spots where the grass has been scalped. Not only does this look bad, but it can also damage the health of your lawn.

So how do you avoid making this mistake? By sharpening your blade regularly.

A sharp blade will make clean cuts that are less likely to damage the grass. That's why it's important to check the condition of your blade before each mowing. If it's starting to get dull, take the time to sharpen it before you start mowing.

Mowing Over Obstacles

Small rocks close to a lawn

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When you mow over an obstacle, you run the risk of damaging your lawn mower blades. If the blades hit a rock or root, they can become bent or broken. This can lead to uneven cuts and bald spots on your lawn.

Additionally, mowing over obstacles can compact the soil on your lawn. This can make it difficult for grass to root properly and grow. As a result, you may end up with patchy or thin areas on your lawn.

You should take the time to remove obstacles from your lawn before you start mowing. This will help protect your lawn mower and ensure a beautiful, healthy lawn.

Mowing Too Often

Dead grass on brown lawn

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Mowing too often can cause physical damage to your lawn. This is because each time you mow, the blades of your lawn mower cut off a small layer of grass. Over time, this can add up and leave your lawn with unsightly brown patches.

Additionally, mowing too often can create conditions that are perfect for diseases to take hold.

So, how often should you mow your lawn? Generally speaking, you should only need to mow once every week or two. However, this will vary depending on the time of year and the type of grass you have. For example, during the summer months, your lawn will grow faster and will need to be mowed more often.

Chucking Your Grass Clippings

Grass clippings for mulch

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You've been lawn mowing for years now. You know the drill. Mow the lawn, bag up the grass clippings, and chuck them in the trash. But what if there were a better way?

That's right -- throwing away your grass clippings is a mowing mistake to avoid! Here's why:

  • Grass clippings are actually good for your lawn! They add nutrients back into the soil, which helps your lawn stay healthy and green.
  • You can use your grass clippings as mulch for your garden. It’s a cheap and easy way to keep your plants cool during the summer months.
  • Bagging up grass clippings takes extra time and effort. Why go through the hassle when you can just leave them on the lawn?

Start Mowing The Right Way

Now that you know how to avoid the seven most common mistakes people make when mowing their lawn, it’s time to get out there and start cutting!

Do you have any tips or tricks of your own? Drop them in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family, so they can get in on the lawn-mowing action, too!