If you prefer to leave the clippings on your lawn, mulching mowers chop the clippings into small pieces that quickly disappear. The key to getting clippings to break down, even with the mulching mowers, is to mow often enough that clippings don’t build up on the surface.
Grass clippings are full of water and nutrients that can act as a natural fertilizer for your lawn. It is important to mow often enough to not let clippings build up on the surface. Mulching mowers will cut pieces small enough to break down quickly.
Cutting the grass too short can be very harmful to the plant, limiting its ability to absorb sunshine through photosynthesis, weakening the plant, and leaving it more prone to disease.
A mower setting of 2" to 2 ½" in height should be used. Mow whenever the grass reaches 3" tall.
Grass will grow faster in the Spring and Fall than in the hot Summer months. Mow often enough to maintain the grass between 2" to 3" in height, careful to never cut off more than 1/3 of the blade each mowing. Cutting off too much of the plant at any one time will put it into shock.
Mowing is stressful to the plant. It is best to mow in early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and the grass can recover faster.
Always keep mower blades sharp to get a clean cut. Dull blades will actually tear the grass causing what is called "white tipping." Torn blades are more likely to become infected with disease.
When always mowed in the same direction, grass will tend to lean in the direction mowed. To get a clean cut, change the direction each time you mow.
One of the most important aspects of lawn care is proper mowing. Proper mowing help create a healthy, dense turf. The best weed prevention is a dense turf that will choke out threats from weeds.
If your grass becomes too tall before mowing, raise the mowing height and gradually lower it down to the recommended height during the next few mowings. Cutting off too much of the grass will put it under stress and turn it yellow.