How To Mow And Manicure Your Lawn Like A Pro

A well-kept, manicured lawn is one of the most important steps to boost your home’s curb appeal. Fortunately, keeping it working, polished and fresh is simple. With some research, it’s easy to learn how to mow your lawn like a professional.

Select The Right Grass Type

Mowing your lawn is not just essential for keeping it aesthetically pleasing. It also keeps it healthy and green. It all starts with purchasing quality ground coverage from a reputable source like Nature’s Seed which can help you find the right seed for your geographical location and needs.

Once you’ve selected the perfect seed for your lawn and it is mature, mowing will keep it in good shape. Mowing the lawn is similar to pruning. Mowing helps to remove weak or old grass shoots and encourages new growth.

An overgrown lawn is unattractive. Much of the growth will likely appear stringy and dry, leaving your home looking abandoned.

How To Cut Grass Safely

Cutting grass might sound like a straightforward task, but there are a few steps to take to ensure you don’t damage the grass.

Height

Determining what height to mow your lawn to depends on where you live and what season you are in. In areas that don’t receive as much rainfall, it’s important not to mow shorter than about two and a half to three inches.

Here are the details you need to nail down before mowing your lawn:

• Grass type
• Hardiness zone
• Average rainfall 
• Season

Best time of day

Most experts agree that the best time to mow your lawn is mid to late morning. At that point, the grass is saturated from the morning dew and will have a few hours to heal before the hottest part of the afternoon.

If mowing in the morning isn’t an option, late afternoon to early evening is also a good time. Between 4 and 6 PM, you should be past the hottest part of the day, giving the lawn plenty of time to recover before dark.

Aftercare

After mowing your lawn, you might be tempted to douse it with water immediately. Although watering after mowing can be a good idea, it could be ineffective.

For example, adding more water will do little for recovery if the grass is already moist. Plus, if you mow in the morning, you could end up watering in the middle of the afternoon, which also won’t do much for the lawn since the sun can dry it out. If you water regularly and the yard looks healthy, you can stick to your regular watering schedule.

Proper equipment 

Using high-quality equipment will also make a massive difference in lawn care.

Mower blades should be sharp and clean before you start your work. Otherwise, you could run the risk of an uneven cut. Using clean tools is also a good practice. Plants, like people, can also become infected when you fail to practice proper care.

Notice the details 

Giving your lawn a finishing touch will set it apart from other homes on your block. A quick pass with the lawnmower isn’t enough to achieve that perfectly trimmed look. The best way to create this is by paying meticulous attention to the details.

Before you mow, take the time to plan a route and remove any debris that might be in your way. It’s also wise to consider checking for any weeds at this point.

Once you finish mowing the lawn, remember to go around the edges to pick up any strays hanging over the walkway. You should also check sidewalk and driveway cracks for overgrowth.

Creating Lawn Art

Once you’re ready to put the blade to the grass, consider using the mower to create an aesthetically pleasing design. Try thinking of your lawn as a canvas. Remember, the way you mow your lawn can play a role in how the space is perceived.

Perfect lines

If you prefer simple, parallel lines, you are not alone. To achieve this, plan which direction you like and follow that path in each direction until you’ve covered the whole yard. Practice keeping your lines straight and looking ahead of you rather than at the ground.

Waves

Mowing your lawn in waves is an excellent option if your yard has a lot of curved lines and wandering spaces. To achieve soft, meandering waves, consider following walkways and guiding your path around trees or bushes. Repeat these curved patterns until you cover the entire space.

Circles

Circles are a great option if you have enough space to do them. The vital thing to keep in mind is to keep your radius circular rather than wandering into an oval. Start with a focal point and move outward from there. A tree or a bush is a great place to start. If you don’t have a focal point, start from the outside and move toward a specific point.

Zig-zag

Creating a zigzag pattern might take extra time, but the result is well worth it. This design is a striking pattern to put on your lawn and is sure to catch the eye of any passerby. To create this pattern, you follow a zigzag path by moving forward in one direction, turning 90°, and heading in that direction. Once one roll of the design has been completed, make a 180° turn and follow it along the same line, slightly overlapping on the way back.

Checkerboard 

A checkerboard pattern looks more intricate than it is but creates a classic, clean look for your lawn. You must head across the yard in one direction, turn 180°, and build parallel lines. Once you finish the entire yard in one direction, do the same thing in the other direction at a 90° angle to the first lines.

Parting Shot

Taking care of your yard is a chore with many benefits. Not only will it improve your home’s appearance, but it can even increase the resale value of your home if you keep it in good condition for the duration of your time there. Fortunately, it’s easy to learn the simple tips and tricks professionals use to make a lawn look spectacular.