I’m a gardening expert – 4 biggest mowing mistakes you’re making which are ruining your lawn

IN the summertime, most of us want to take advantage of the good weather and spend time outdoors.

That’s why it’s important that we keep our gardens looking nice and fresh for all our picnic parties and pool days this month.

The experts at said there are four common lawn mowing mistakes you’re probably making that are ruining your backyard.

MOWING WITH DULL BLADES

“Dull blades are the easiest way to a brown lawn,” the site claimed.

Working with dull blades means you’ll tear the grass instead of slice it clean – and this tearing causes the tips of the grass to become damaged and brown.  

Brown tips will unfortunately make the whole lawn look thirsty and weak.

Be sure to sharpen or replace the blades once a month to avoid this damage.  

“Walk through your lawn a day or two after mowing. If the tips of the blades are all torn and brown, it’s time to sharpen!”

CUTTING TOO LOW

Another major mistake people make is they cut the grass too low.

This is especially damaging in the summer months, when the sun’s intensity can dry out the turf quickly.

“Without adequate cover, the bare soil is an open invitation to allow weed seeds a place to settle and sprout.”

Instead, mow higher and more often – aiming for about 3.25 to 4 inches.

The height and thickness will shade the soil and prevent weeds from growing.

Additionally, never mow more than one-quarter off in a single cutting, as removing too much at once will create a mess of clumped dead grass.  

If you do happen to notice clumping, there’s a way to get rid of it.

“You can run back over a clumped yard at the highest setting in the opposite direction to slice up clumps from a heavy mowing.”

BAGGING THE LAWN

Most of us head straight for the garbage bag once we’ve cut the grass.

Experts at thisismygarden.com said this isn’t the best idea.

“Put those clipping back into the yard and not into a bag! Grass clippings contain valuable nutrients that feed your lawn.”

Rather than starve your lawn, fertilize it.

“In every single cut green blade, there are trace amounts of nitrogen and additional important minerals. Nitrogen is what gives a lawn a healthy green hue.

“As clippings break down over time, the nitrogen and trace minerals are slowly released back into the soil. 

“As they do so, they re-feed the roots of the grass, helping to keep it green, healthy and strong.”

MOWING WET GRASS

The final mistake many people make is they mow the yard when it’s still wet after rainfall.

This will not only cause damage to your lawn, but also to your blades and the mower itself.

It will weaken the blades and force the machine to work twice as hard.

Like dull blades, wet grass also tears the grass rather than cuts it – leading to brown tips.

Let your lawn dry out before you start trimming.