If you’d like your home’s lawn to be healthy and the envy of your neighbours, there are two vital things you need to know. The first is how to mow your lawn correctly, of course – and the second (which is equally important) is knowing the best times to mow your lawn.
The Best Time To Mow Your Lawn
The right time really makes a massive difference to how your lawn looks and feels.
The frequency at which you mow your lawn depends on the season. Generally, it’s enough to mow your lawn every two weeks in the summer and every 3 – 5 weeks during the colder months.
However, pay close attention to the rainfall during spring, and mow only as needed.
When it comes to the best time of day to mow your lawn, we say that mid-morning is the perfect time. It’s not too hot, and the morning dew has evaporated away.
If that isn’t possible, then you can mow your lawn during the late afternoons, when it’s not too hot anymore.
The Worst Time To Mow Your Lawn
Just as there is a good time to mow your lawn, there are bound to be times when that’s the last thing you should be doing.
1. When it’s too dry
No matter if you have time on your hands or not, mowing your lawn when it’s too dry or during a drought is one of the worst things you can do.
This is because when there is a lack of water, grass tends to become stressed and can be easily damaged.
2. When it’s too wet
If it’s too wet due to rains or even dew in the early mornings – mowing your lawn becomes quite challenging.
Also, when the blades of grass are weighed down with water, it becomes tricky to get a straight cut. While this doesn’t damage the grass, it could make your lawn look a bit shabby once dry.
Also, when the grass is wet, grass clippings will clump together and will not distribute evenly.
Finally, much like how too much humidity indoors can lead to mildew growth, similarly, grass that is too wet when it’s cut is prone to disease.
3. When your mower blades aren’t sharp enough
You know how chefs hate chopping with a dull knife? That’s because a dull blade is less efficient and results in a poorer cut.
This holds true for lawn mower blades that are too dull. It takes a little longer, can result in nutrient and water loss, and your lawn will not have a neat, straight look but an uneven, chewed one.
As a best practice, you should sharpen your lawn mower blades at least twice a year.
4. In the afternoon
If you’re working from home or have free time in the afternoon and want to knock something off your to-do list, lawn mowing is not the one to choose.
The afternoon is the hottest part of the day, which means dry, stressed grass.
5. At odd hours of the day
Mowing your lawn at night, late evening, or during quiet hours in your neighbourhood isn’t fair to your neighbours, who might be trying to relax after a long day.
Plus, you could get in trouble with your council too. Most councils in New Zealand specify the most socially acceptable times for lawn mowing. For instance, in Auckland, no maintenance noise is permitted before 6.30 am and after 8 pm during the week.
And on weekends, start a little late, and end a little early.
Helpful Tips To The Perfectly Manicured Lawn
Aside from knowing the best time to mow your lawn, here are a few handy tips to help you get the job done quickly and efficiently!
1. Know when your lawn needs to be mowed
As a rule of thumb, mow twice a month in summer, 3 – 5 times during winter and autumn, and as needed in spring.
However, if you’re unsure if your lawn needs some maintenance in between, the easiest way to figure it out is by simply looking at it!
If your lawn has begun to look unkempt, that means it’s ready!
Or, take a walk barefoot on your lawn. If it feels like you’re sinking into the grass, it’s time to get that mower out.
2. Know the right height
How high your lawn should be depends on the kind of grass itself.
To make it simple, you should only clip around 30 – 40% of the blades of grass.
If it’s too high, it won’t look right; too low, and you could adversely affect your lawn’s health.
3. Know how to use grass clippings
Myth: Leaving clippings on your lawn after mowing can cause thatching (a layer of organic matter lying between the grass and soil).
Fact: Leaving lawn clippings on the ground is beneficial – as it allows valuable nutrients to return to your soil, resulting in healthy, well-nourished grass. You see, freshly mowed grass clippings contain nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that act as natural fertilisers.
And in leaving grass clippings behind, you’ll save a whole lot of time and energy too. Talk about a win-win situation!
4. Know how to pick the right lawnmower
When you’re picking a lawnmower, have these in mind:
- The type of grass on your lawn
- The terrain of your lawn
- The size of your lawn
A wide-cutting lawn mower allows you to mow through large areas quickly. Ride-on lawnmowers can handle large areas, too, although they do need regular servicing and fuel.
Electric or hand lawnmowers are perfect for smaller spaces and irregular use.
Oh, and remember to protect yourself when you mow your lawn. Ensure that you wear protective eye goggles, gloves, and closed-toe shoes to prevent stray clippings, stones, etc. from harming you.
Also, inspect your lawn to ensure there isn’t anything (like toys or stones) that could interfere with your mowing.
And always turn your lawn mower off before you empty the catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, cross a gravel path, or when you are inspecting underneath your lawnmower.
