Share on ThriftyFunThis page contains the following solutions. Have something to add? Please share your solution!
When I'm out mowing on the riding the tractor and come across twigs/small branches, I use my grabber that I use inside for getting things out of the cabinets. Even though I've already gone around and picked up a majority of them, it is kind of hard with 2 acres. It beats getting on and off the tractor repeatedly.
By alice from west Brandywine, PA
We no longer buy chemicals for our lawn. We learned through our cooperative extension office that using a mulching mower makes natural fertilizer. We've done this for a few years now , and the crab grass is gone! We have a very thick healthy lawn. We also sprinkle free used coffee grounds from Starbucks on it for a little extra fertilizer. I don't miss bagging those leaves! Any overage we rake and pile around the trees...they love this composting mulch.
Many people think that by cutting their lawn really short, they will have to mow their lawn less often. Most grass types can safely be moved to 2 to 2-1/2 inches tall. Any shorter than that and you risk stunting your lawn's growth. Really short grass does not retain as much water as longer grass. Different types of grass require a different mowing heights. For more information on what height to cut a specific type of grass, contact your local college extension.
Don't Cut Too Much at Once
Don't mow more than 1/3 of the grass height in one mowing. If you need to cut really long grass, mow it over a couple of days, cutting 1/3rd of the grass on each day. If your grass is growing too quickly, try scaling back how much you water it. You may also be using too much fertilizer.
Sharp Blades
It's important to have sharp mowing blades. Dull blades don't cut the grass, they tear it. This causes stress to your lawn and makes it more susceptible to disease and insect problems. When grass is torn rather than cut, it can also develop a brown appearance.
Mow in Different Directions
Mow in a different direction each time you mow your lawn. This will help prevent wear patterns that can develop when grass is always pushed in the same direction. Mow at a right angle to the previous direction that you mowed.
Don't Bag It, Use It
Use the grass clippings to help feed your lawn. The clippings will work as slow release fertilizer for your lawn and help encourage growth. If the grass clippings are in clumps, use a rake to spread them out. Clumps of grass will create a thatch problem which will smother the grass and discourage its growth.
Don't Mow Wet Grass
Try to avoid mowing your lawn when it's wet. The clippings will stick to the blade and interior of the mower and will clog it. Also, clippings will clump together, and won't disperse throughout the lawn. If you are letting clippings fall back into the lawn, rather than bagging them, you won't want the grass clumped together. If you do mow grass when it's a little wet, spray the blade with some spray cooking oil (like Pam) to help prevent sticking.
Cleaning Up After Mowing
Use a blower or broom to clean grass clippings off of walkways and make sure to remove grass from any drains to prevent clogging. If you are bagging your grass clippings, be sure to compost them instead of throwing them away. If you don't want the grass clippings, you probably have a neighbor with a compost pile that would love them. Use a broom or blower to clean under the mower.
Post your lawn mowing tips below.
Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.
Can I use an old fashion reel type push mower on a Bermuda grass lawn?
Proper care can revitalize your grass and make your lawn beautiful. This page is about rejuvenating a tired lawn.
Mowing the lawn can be a chore that is easy to avoid. This is a page about 8 ways to make mowing your lawn easier.
Taking good care of your lawn doesn't have to break the bank. This page is about saving money with good mowing practices.
This is a page about filling bare spots in a lawn. Bare spots can ruin the overall appearance of your lawn.
This is a page about environmentally friendly lawn mowers. There are numerous ways to maintain your lawn that don't negatively impact the environment.
Your lawn's appearance and health can be compromised by an intrusion of moss. The fuzzy green plant can begin to replace your grass. There are methods you can use for successfully removing moss from your lawn. This is a page about getting rid of moss in your lawn.
This is a page about choosing the best lawnmower height setting. Most lawnmowers have height adjustments to use when mowing your lawn. Manicured lawns tend to be cut shorter although the height of your grass can affect its health.