“What should I do after cutting my grass?”. This is a question that runs through everyone’s mind once they are done mowing their lawns for a while. And it’s also a question we get asked a lot when we complete a lawn mowing service. Well, naturally, you simply have to take care of it. 

You see, as each season passes by, your lawn inevitably goes through a lot. And sure, some things are out of your control, and very little you can do to prevent these things from happening. However, there are some things you can do to repair the damage. Here are a few common causes of lawn damage and some nifty tips to help fix them.

Types Of Lawn Damage – And How To Repair Them

Usually, kids, pets, vermin, house parties, and the weather are the main reasons a lawn gets damaged. 

Not to worry, these ugly patches can be fixed by:

  1.  Determining the type of damage and the reason,
  2. Implementing the right solution. 

Cause Of Damage – Kids & Pets

It’s a joy to watch kids and pets playing outside, getting fresh air, and getting plenty of exercise. However, pets can be destructive, and constant use leads to wear and tear on your lawn.

What You Should Do After Cutting Grass

Kids

  • Use sand under swings and other play equipment. This way, you will not have any bare, damaged spots, and your kids will also have a soft landing ground. 
  • Talk to your kids and let them know how they can help take care of your lawn. 

Pets

  • Ensure they are trained and know which areas they can dig and which ones they cannot. 
  • Make sure your dog knows where it can use the bathroom outside. This eliminates the possibility of yellow spots. Though this might be an excellent natural fertiliser, dog waste has high concentrations of nitrogen in it – which can overload the soil and cause damage.
  • An easy fix: Soak the area with plenty of water to dilute and remove the waste as much as possible, so it doesn’t remain in one area. 

Cause Of Damage – Vermin

Insects, rodents, birds etc., can cause damage to your lawn by digging, nibbling grass and disrupting the soil. 

While there are many pest-control products available, it won’t stop them from at least visiting your lawn. 

What You Should Do After Cutting Grass

  • Keep your lawn dry and free of food residue and other bits that can attract these insects. 
  • When you see insect or rodent damage, search for the tunnel or holes and locate the culprit. And then re-fill the tunnel.

Cause Of Damage – Summer Parties

If you love hosting people in your home, then this one’s for you. When people are having a great time and walking about your lawn, it can cause damage to the grass. Plus, food and drink spills can also cause your plants to be unhealthy – and attract pests. 

What You Should Do After Cutting Grass

  • Create walkways and designated areas where your guest can move around and mingle. 
  • Keep ample space between food and drink tables and flower bushes and plants. 
  • For evening get-togethers, ensure your lawn has ample lighting, so there are no instances of tripping. 
  • When not in use, move heavy lawn furniture off the grass to prevent sunken spots.
  • Clean up after parties to avoid leaving food bits lying about and inviting vermin in to cause damage.

Cause Of Damage – Weather

Harsh weather conditions affect the health of your lawn quite severely. 

Heat causes stress on the leaves and causes them to dry out, while the cold doesn’t allow enough water and light to go through.

What You Should Do After Cutting Grass 

  • In winter, try to use calcium magnesium acetate over de-icing salt (sodium chloride) as a more environmentally safe option. 
  • Use screens or snow fencing to protect areas of your lawn close to roadways to avoid salt sprays.
  • Don’t mow your lawn in the middle of the day when it is very hot. Instead, choose to do this chore in the early morning, after the morning dew has dried.
  • If you cannot cut your grass in the morning, you can also do so in the evening before it gets too dark. 
  • Never mow your lawn when wet to avoid tearing and breakage to the grass.

Cause Of Damage – Weeds And Lawn Disease

Weeds prop up between blades of grass and compete with them to survive. While you can use commercially made weed-killing products, this may affect the overall health of your lawn. 

What You Should Do After Cutting Grass 

  • Mow regularly, and don’t cut it too short so that it stays tall enough to block sunlight from getting to the weeds. 
  • Regularly weed your lawn.
  • Aerate your lawn to allow oxygen to reach through the soil to the roots. 
  • When you’re done mowing your lawn, sprinkle grass clipping evenly across your property. As these dead clippings decompose, they will become natural fertilisers, enriching your soil. 

General Tips

  • Before you start mowing, check your lawn for any large stones, debris or obstacles that could get in the way.
  • Rotate the pattern each time you cut your lawn. This will promote even lawn growth in the long run. 
  • Regularly sharpen your lawn mower’s blades. Blunt blades are inefficient in cutting and make a lawn look shabby and unkempt.  
  • Mow your lawn when you feel that it needs some help. You can stay on a flexible schedule since plants grow at different speeds depending on their environment. 
  • Take your time, and don’t rush the job. If you hurry at it, you could end up forgetting certain areas or causing damage to your lawn. Go slow, and carefully mow your lawn to have it looking as healthy as ever!

And if you’d prefer to put your feet up and leave the work to someone else, you can hire a lawn care service. With their professional knowledge and commercial-grade equipment (meaning you don’t have to own a lawn mower!), they’ll be able to do the job swiftly and efficiently!