Everything you'll need to know about mowing your lawn
If you bought a home with a lawn, it will need to be mowed. It’s the most important thing for keeping your lawn looking good (and to stay out of trouble with your neighbors and HOA). Mowing will keep your grass healthier, and help to avoid things like weed-overgrowth. Mowing your lawn is the most basic of lawn care, and it doesn’t cost a lot to maintain.
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Scroll down to learn about when to mow, types of mowers and different grass varieties and the benefits of using them!
What kind of mower do you need?
You’ll want to consider a few factors when determining what kind of mower you buy for your lawn.
- How big is your lawn? Generally, if your yard is 1/2 an acre or less, you’ll want to go with a push mower over a riding mower. Riding mowers range from $600 to $12,000+ based on power and size.
- What does your yard look like? If you’ve got a flat yard, a riding mower is a more comfortable option. If your yard has a lot of hills, a riding mower is not an excellent option for your entire yard because of lack of ability compared to push-mowers.
- Do you even mow-bro? Physical fitness is something to consider when it comes to mowing. Mowing a lawn is not easy! Riding mowers are an option for some, but keep in mind you’ll still be outside and in the summer that could mean you are outside on very hot days. Electric mowers are an excellent option for most people with moderate physical ability because they don’t require the same exertion of a non-electric mower. Mowing a lawn requires a lot of physical effort in some cases, you’ll want to be cautious and do what is best for you and your physical ability.
- How much do you want to spend? Like we mentioned above, mowers can end up costing a lot. Standard reel, non-electric or gas-push mowers will cost you between $70–$90. Electric and gas push mowers cost between $150-$450. Riding mowers range anywhere between $600-$12,000.
When should you mow your lawn?
When you should mow your lawn depends on the how fast your grass grows. The aim is to wait till grass blades are a certain length — which will determine when you mow your lawn. You’ll want to avoid mowing your lawn when the grass is too short, which can weaken your lawn.
Our lawn care providers recommend using the one-third rule. What is the 1/3rd rule? It means you shouldn’t cut grass more than 1/3rd of their height. For most people, this means mowing every 1–2 weeks in the off (spring and fall) and weekly in the summer.
The lawn mowing companies on Zaarly can help you get started on a great lawn-care routine that you can maintain! Find a pro!
Tips on how to mow your lawn:
- Keep your lawn mower blades sharp!
- Switch the direction of which you mow each time you mow the lawn.
- Leave the grass clippings on your lawn — the only time you don’t want to do that is if your lawn was overgrown and the grass clippings are very long.
- Use the 1/3rd rule
- Mow your lawn when it is dry.
- Regularly mow your lawn in the fall, spring and summer.
- Hiring a lawn care company to get you started or to do continual mainteance is a great way to preserve your lawn!
Variations of grass and mowing
Different types of grass require different care. If you have questions, a lawn care professional can tell you which kind of grass you have and the best care for it.
The most common types of grass and when to mow:
This is a guide on when to mow and the benefits of different varieties of grass. When your grass reaches the following in inches, that is when you’ll want to get the lawn mower out.
Looking for advice on which type of grass is best for your lawn? Contact one of our lawn care service providers!
Bahiagrass: cut when it reaches 2–2 ½ inches
Why choose Bahia grass?
- Best in full sun
- Drought and high-heat tolerant
- Low water and nutrient requirements
Bermuda grass: cut when it reaches 1½–2 inches
Why choose Bermuda grass?
- Durable
- Pest-resistant
- Drought tolerant
Bluegrass: cut when it reaches 2–2½ inches
Why choose Bluegrass?
- Can survive the winter
- Rich, emerald to blue-green color
- Lush
Centipede grass: cut when it reaches 1½–2 inches
Why choose Centipede grass?
- Heat tolerant
- Easier to maintain
- Lower nutrient requirements
Fescue grass: 2–3 inches
Why choose Fescue grass?
- Grows a fine-textured green lawn
- Not as much mowing required
- Adapts well to a variety of soil
Ryegrass: 2–3 inches
Why choose Ryegrass?
- Germinates faster than most grasses
- Disease and pest resistant
- Creates a dark green, lush, fine-bladed grass
Zoysia grass: 1–2 inches
Why choose Zoysia grass?
- Great for high-traffic areas
- Weed resistant
- Drought tolerant
It’s best to ask an expert — either at your local lawn and garden store or by sending a message to a lawn service company on Zaarly.
Keeping your lawn healthy and mowed will help to maintain or increase property value, prevent pests and weeds and keep your curb-appeal in tact!
Are you looking for a pro to mow your lawn or answer questions about lawn mowing? Our service providers are ready to help and will get back to you in three hours or less! Contact a lawn-mowing service today.