A well-manicured lawn starts with smart mowing. But even the best intentions can lead to damage if you’re not careful. Many homeowners unknowingly make mowing mistakes that stress grass, invite weeds, and ruin that clean, green look.
Let’s break down seven of the most common lawn mower missteps and show you how to avoid them.
1. Mowing Too Short (Scalping)
Cutting your grass too low might seem like a time-saver, but it actually weakens your lawn. Short grass exposes soil to the sun, which dries it out and encourages weeds.
How to avoid it:
Follow the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade’s height in a single mow. Set your mower height higher, especially in summer when grass needs shade to stay healthy.
2. Using Dull Mower Blades
Dull blades tear grass instead of slicing it cleanly. This leads to ragged edges that turn brown and make your lawn more susceptible to disease.
How to avoid it:
Sharpen your mower blades at least once or twice per season. If you notice torn or frayed grass tips, it’s time for maintenance.
3. Mowing With the Same Pattern Every Time
Going over your lawn in the same direction every mow causes compaction and ruts. Grass starts leaning in one direction, and tire tracks can leave permanent marks.
How to avoid it:
Change up your mowing pattern each time — alternate between vertical, horizontal, and diagonal passes. This encourages upright growth and reduces compaction.
4. Mowing When the Grass is Wet
Wet grass bends, clumps, and can clog your mower. Worse, it can spread disease and lead to uneven cuts.
How to avoid it:
Wait until your lawn is dry before mowing. Early evening or late morning after dew evaporates are usually safe times.
5. Ignoring Your Mower’s Maintenance
A neglected mower can lead to uneven cutting, poor performance, and premature failure. Common oversights include not checking oil levels, ignoring air filters, and leaving old fuel in the tank.
How to avoid it:
Before each season, inspect and service your mower. If you want hassle-free upkeep, consider a cordless model like the Greenworks 80V 22″ Self-Propelled Mower that requires minimal maintenance.
6. Bagging Clippings Every Time
While bagging can keep your yard looking tidy, doing it all the time robs your lawn of valuable nutrients.
How to avoid it:
Try mulching your clippings instead. Mulched clippings break down quickly and return nitrogen to the soil, reducing the need for fertilizers.
7. Mowing at the Wrong Time of Day
Mowing during peak heat can stress your grass. Mowing too early in the morning means dealing with wet grass and potential disease spread.
How to avoid it:
Aim to mow in the late afternoon or early evening when the heat has eased but the grass is dry.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these seven mistakes can make a world of difference in the health and appearance of your lawn. Combine smart mowing habits with the right equipment for the job. Our top pick remains the Greenworks 80V 22″ Self-Propelled Mower, known for its clean cuts, easy operation, and eco-friendly power.
Stay tuned for more tips, reviews, and how-to guides from The Mow Master. Your perfect lawn starts here.
