Lawn care: Tips & tricks for cutting the grass

by Ann Hayward 10/23/2022

Did you know there’s more to mowing your lawn than just cutting the grass? While the process itself is simple, there are plenty of ways you can make it easier for yourself while also benefiting your lawn. Here are some expert tips to help you get the most of your lawn mowing:

Keep the blades sharp

Making sure the blades of your mower are sharp enough will save you time and effort. With dull grass blades, you might have to make multiple passes over the same portion of the lawn. Sharpening dull blades at the beginning of the season will ensure more efficient mowing.

Check your fuel

If you use a gas powered mower, always check the tank before you start mowing. Running out of fuel in the middle of the lawn is a pain, especially if you don’t have any reserves handy. Keep at least one extra tank’s worth of fuel available to avoid getting stranded.

Sweep for debris

Errant objects and debris can be worse than just a lawn mowing interruption. Getting sticks or rocks in your mower blades can cause serious damage to the mower. Depending on the size of the debris, it can also be a huge safety risk. Before you start mowing, do a careful sweep of the lawn to remove any debris and prevent a mishap.

Adjust your mowing schedule

It can be easy to settle into a regular mowing schedule along with other household chores. However, weather conditions and changing seasons mean you’ll need to adjust to keep your grass healthy. For instance, hot weather means slower growth of cool-season grass varieties, so you can reduce your usual mowing frequency.

Time of day is also important for an optimal mowing pattern. Mow the lawn in the morning or early evening when the weather is cool, but avoid mowing wet grass.

Reuse lawn clippings

If you have a compost pile, make sure to add your grass clippings. Even without composting, grass clippings serve as a free, organic fertilizer for your lawn. Scatter clippings in areas you’ve already mowed for an easy dose of nitrogen and other essential nutrients.

For a healthy lawn, it’s important to do more than simply cut the grass. Keep these lawn care tips in mind to avoid problems and ensure your lawn continues to flourish.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]