The Lawnmower: Tips for Managing One Small Patch of Life

If you’re new to mowing a lawn, or it’s been a while, here are some lawnmower basics before you start:

Basic Lawnmower Parts

1. Blade Control: Squeeze to start the blade spinning. Release it to stop blade.
2. Recoil Starter: Pull while squeezing blade control to start mower.
3. Drive Control: Engages the drive to propel the mower.
4. Cutting Height Adjustment Lever: Keeping front and back settings at same relative position ensures an even cut.
5. Mulch Plug: Distributes clippings back to lawn to nourish grass.
6. Side Discharge Chute: Attach to discharge clippings, rather than bagging or mulching.

Lawn Mowing Tips 

Let it dry:
Don’t water your lawn for 1-2 days before cutting to get a cleaner cut.

Clear debris:
Pick up anything that may damage the mower blade, the engine, or you.

A little off the top:
Set the blade height to no more than 1/3 of the top of the grass height. (about 2-4”)

Mow at a steady pace:
Too fast and the blades may miss spots.

Overlap each pass:
So you don’t miss any patches.

Mix it up:
Vary your cutting path so the soil won’t compact and your grass grows straighter.

Mulch it:
Only use a grass catcher for the first and last mows of the season.

Mow often:
Keeping your lawn the right height keeps it healthier during peak growing season.

Keep blade sharp:
A dull blade will tear up your grass.

That covers the basics of lawn care and maintenance. Need any other lawn mowing tips?