Stop mowing your lawn this way - an expert says you could be killing your grass
Tom's Guide • • technology
Key Points:
- Over-mowing stresses lawns by removing too much blade surface, weakening grass and slowing growth, which can lead to browning, thinning, and susceptibility to weeds and disease.
- Under-mowing causes grass to grow unevenly and shade lower portions, resulting in thinning and heavy clippings that block sunlight and airflow, further stressing the lawn.
- Most damage from improper mowing is short-term and reversible with corrected mowing habits, but persistent mistakes can cause long-term issues like weaker roots and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
- To fix an over-mown lawn, raise mower height, follow the one-third rule by cutting only a small portion at a time, water consistently, feed lightly, and keep the lawn free of debris for better airflow.
- Mow according to grass growth, typically once a week during peak growth, maintaining a height of 2.5 to 3 inches, and keep mower blades sharp, water deeply but infrequently, and use seasonal fertilization and aeration for a healthy lawn.
