I have to talk about everyone’s favorite pastime: mowing the lawn. Okay, okay, maybe it’s not our *absolute* favorite, but hey, it’s gotta get done, right?
Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday morning, and I’m sipping my coffee, staring out at my wild jungle of a yard. Yep, been there, done that.
But here’s the thing: nailing the timing on mowing can actually make it a little less painful.
Figuring out the “perfect” time to break out my mower has truly been a game changer. I thought if I timed it right, maybe I wouldn’t have to do it as often. And it turns out, I didn’t!
Here’s what I discovered about this little hack:
Let’s Start With The Absolute Worst Time To Mow Your Lawn
I should first tell you about how I completely ruined my lawn simply by mowing it at the worst possible time.
If you thought I did it right after watering, you’ve guessed it right. Wet grass truly made for a messy mow. It was sticking to my mower and leaving unsightly clumps behind.
To make things worse, my mower left ruts in that soggy soil, which led to it compacting even more. Ugh!
The same thing goes about mowing after raining – it’s a big no, no!
Sure, an occasional wet trim won’t wreck your lawn, but it’s best to avoid it becoming a regular thing.
Also read: Here’s What Happens If You Water Your Lawn After Mowing
Wait Until It’s All High And Dry
After I messed everything up, I decided to ask my neighbor for some help (she has THE best lawn in the neighborhood!).
She told me to wait until the morning dew dries up before mowing. Yep, it’s as simple as that!
But hey, we know life can be hectic. If you can’t mow in the morning, no worries! You can still do it in the late afternoon around 5:30 or 6 PM. Trust me, your lawn won’t mind.
Now, here’s the big question: Does it really matter what time you mow? Well, yes and no. Your grass just wants to be dry when you mow it, regardless of the hour.
If you are a morning person that can wake up after dawn, then do it in the morning. If not, wait and admire that beautiful sunset whilst mowing the lawn.
Related: How Often To Water Grass Seed To Get A Lush And Green Lawn
Here Are Some Helpful Tips To Get You That Pitch-Perfect Lawn
Now, mowing isn’t the only thing that I asked my neighbor about. She was very nice and shared a couple of things with me.
She told me to keep those blades sharp. Turns out a couple of sharpening sessions per season ensures clean cuts instead of grass tearing. Not only does it look better, but it also helps grass stay healthy, keeping diseases and other issues at bay.
She also said not to overlook mowing at the right height. Keeping the grass at the right height helps it grow thicker and deeper roots, which ultimately makes the lawn better at handling droughts and other stresses. Plus, a dense lawn is harder for weeds to take over.
Now, the ideal height depends on your grass type and location. For instance, in parts of the Southeast, St. Augustine grass likes being cut at 2 ½ to 3 inches, while in warmer spots, it prefers 3 ¼ to 4 inches. If you’re dealing with mixed turf, aim for the height suited to the dominant species.
Not sure what grass you’ve got or how high to mow? Your local university coop extension service can point you in the right direction.
Thanks to my neighbor, I now have a beautiful lawn. And with these tips, I hope your lawn will look just as amazing!
Want more tips? Check out: If You Want Your Lawn Lush And Green, Follow These 7 Spring Care Steps