What Type of Lawn Mower Should I Use?

There is a wide selection of lawn mowers to chose from for residential use. Gas powered and electric models in a wide variety of types are available. For those that wish to combine exercise with their chores there are people powered reel-type push mowers.

Determining exactly what type of lawn mower to use is dependent on a variety of circumstances. The size of the lawn, the topography of the land (flat, rolling or somewhat hilly) and the number of obstacles to cut around (trees or flower/garden beds) are some of the considerations. The physical ability of the individual mowing must also be considered. An older individual with a rather large lawn may want a self-propelled or riding lawnmower – on the other hand even an older individual who is interested in maintaining their health and vigor may look forward to a bit of a workout when mowing with a push type mower. Price is also a consideration and prices range from about $75 to several thousand dollars depending on the particular model and the attachments that can be used. Another consideration, particularly for smaller yards may be environmental friendliness. Electric models or people powered mowers are non-polluting whereas the gas models do emit green-house gases. Finally, a lawn mower needs to be stored to avoid exposure to the corrosive effects of weather. Obviously the larger the mower and the greater the number of attachments, the larger the space for storage will need to be.

Large or small wheels, with or without grass catchers, mulching blades, width of cut, reliability and dependability of a particular manufacturer and the personal desires of the individual who is actually doing the lawn mowing are among the other variables.

Perhaps the best way to determine the type of lawn mower to be used is to listen and observe what is occurring in your own neighborhood. Talk to neighbors about their particular likes and dislikes with the mower they are using. They will likely have advice about different models and manufacturers as well as information about efficiency. Once information is gathered, it might be prudent to consult a buyer or consumer guide and read about the different models being considered.

One thing is certain, lawn mowing will be among the many home owner chores that will have to accomplished at very regular intervals. Selecting the right product to meet your needs is an essential element of possessing an eye-pleasing lawn.

Best Time to Mow Your Lawn

Mowing lawns for some may be drudgery, but it is a labor of love for those that wish to maintain a healthy and well manicured lawn. Regular mowing insures healthy turf and mowing at the appropriate intervals will not only insure a beautiful lawn, but will provide sustenance for the root systems.

Most grasses should be maintained at a height of about 2 inches during the spring and fall and at 2½ -3 ½ inches during the hot summer months. The reason for the higher height during the summer insures that shade is provided for the underlying growth and higher growth enhances the retention of moisture in the soil, thereby reducing requirements for watering. Higher blades of grass also serve as a natural barrier to weed growth. The higher the grass is allowed to grow in the summer (without reaching excessive heights) the better it is.

The most critical rule for determining the best time to mow is to insure that no more than 1/3 of the grass blades are cut at any one time. Cutting more than this length will damage the grass. First, it will deposit more thatch in the form of cuttings on your lawn than is healthy and second, the root system and small shoots of growth will be quickly exposed to the harsh summer sun which causes stress on the plants.

The 1/3 rule means that grass will likely require more frequent mowing in the spring and fall when the grass has just been fertilized and is growing rapidly and less often during the hot summer months when growth is slower.

The best time of the day to mow is late in the day or during the evening. The fact is that mowing damages the plant and it will take a day or two for the grass to fully recover. Mowing in the evening provides about 12 hours of respite for the grass from the sun. Mowing in the morning means that the stressed grass will be subjected to the sun much quicker and if there is morning due on the lawn the grass will be cheated from the rejuvenating effects of the moisture because mowing will hasten evaporation.

In short, the best time to mow the grass is when it needs it – keeping in mind the 1/3 rule and one should mow in the evenings to reduce stress on the grass.

Everything You Need to Know About Lawn Mowing

In the spring time when your lawn breaks out of the winter dormancy stage, another year of lawn mowing begins. If your followed any of our winter lawn care tips you’ve probably got nice, thick, green grass to tend to. Here’s a quick guide on mowing your grass to keep your lawn in tip top shape all year long.
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