Mowing the lawn is essential to keeping the yard looking presentable. Similar to trimming tree branches, mowing the grass will also keep the blades healthy and the landscape looking lush. According to the lawn equipment specialists at Gene & Matt Tractor Sales in Winder, GA, a few common mowing missteps could cause major damage to the turf. Below, they share three tips to ensure you mow the lawn correctly.  

3 Tips for Proper Mowing From Winder’s Lawn Equipment Specialists

1. Sharpen Mower Blades 

Caring for lawn equipment is an important step in maintaining a healthy landscape. If the mower blades are dull, you won’t achieve a clean cut. Leaving the turf jagged means it won’t recover quickly from the stress of mowing. The tears are also like open wounds, leaving the grass vulnerable to fungal infections and pest infestation. To prevent these problems, sharpen the blades at least once each season. Your local lawn equipment service can do this for you.

2. Avoid Cutting the Grass Too Much

To maintain a manicured appearance, many people continuously cut grass close to the soil. Doing so can leave the turf vulnerable to malnutrition, soil compaction, and thinning. The harmful effects of a close cut are especially felt during the height of summer. When the grass is cut low, it means the root system is shorter. This causes roots to fight with nearby weeds for water. To ensure grass gets the nutrients needed to remain healthy, never cut more than 1/3 of the blade while mowing. To avoid heat stress and dehydration, keep the blades four inches tall during summer.   

3. Leave the Clippings Behind

After mowing the lawn, you might be tempted to dispose of the clippings in the trash as part of the cleanup process. Instead of removing the clippings, keep them scattered throughout the yard. The blades give the turf an extra boost of vitamins and minerals. Holding on to the clippings also comes in handy if you have a vegetable garden, as the grass contains enough nitrogen and potassium to serve as mulch. 

If it’s time to upgrade your lawn mower, Gene & Matt Tractor Sales is a one-stop shop for high-quality landscaping gear by Kubota® and Bush Hog® in addition to other heavy equipment. The knowledgeable staff will also provide safety tips for proper operation. To learn more about riding mowers available in Barrow County, call (770) 867-3179, or stop by the showroom. Visit the lawn equipment and tractor dealer online for merchandise details, and like them on Facebook to see pictures of the inventory.