Spring is in the air so, if you haven’t already, now is the time to prepare for the first grass cut of the year. A well-maintained lawn not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of your property, but also contributes to the overall health of your grass. Before you bring out your lawnmower for the first cut of the year, several things must be considered to ensure you get your first mow right; a little prep beforehand goes a long way. In this article, David Truby, the managing director of Greensleeves, will share eight tips to consider before you cut your grass this year.
1. Check the weather
Before starting your first grass cut of the year, it is important to check the weather forecast to see if the ground is dry enough to mow. Mowing wet grass can cause several problems, such as grass clumping under your lawnmower, which can then clog up the blades and the chute. This can be frustrating and time-consuming to fix, plus it can also spread disease. Wet grass is more susceptible to disease and fungal growth, which can spread quickly if you mow over it. From a health and safety perspective, waiting until the grass is dry will also reduce the risk of slipping and falling while mowing.
2. Remove debris
Removing debris such as branches, twigs and stones from your lawn before mowing is an essential step to ensure that your lawnmower functions properly and that your lawn looks neat and well maintained. If you do not remove debris from your lawn, it can cause several problems, including damaging your mower blades or causing your lawnmower to get stuck. Stones and other hard debris can dull your mower’s blades, leading to an uneven cut and a damaged lawn. Branches or twigs on your lawn can become tangled in the blades of your mower, causing it to stop working altogether.
3. Check the mower
Before you begin mowing your lawn, you must check that your lawnmower is in good working condition. This involves checking the oil level, blade sharpness and fuel level. Checking the oil level helps you identify whether your lawnmower’s engine is properly lubricated, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring it runs smoothly. Sharpening the blades is essential to ensure a clean and even cut. A dull blade can tear the grass, leaving it marred and unsightly. Finally, checking that your lawnmower is fuelled up and ready to go ensures that you will not have to interrupt your mowing halfway through to refill the tank.
4. Consider using a quality rotary or cylinder mower
Using a quality rotary or a cylinder mower for the first grass cut of the year can offer several benefits. One of the primary advantages is a better cut quality, as a high-quality mower can cut the grass more cleanly and evenly, leaving behind a neater, more manicured lawn. This is especially important for the first cut of the year, as it sets the tone for the rest of the season. Additionally, a clean and even cut can help improve the overall health of your lawn by reducing the risk of damage or disease caused by uneven or ragged cuts, which is another benefit of using a quality mower. Another advantage is the potential to increase lawn density, as regular use of a quality mower can help encourage the growth of thick, lush grass by cutting the blades cleanly and promoting healthy regrowth.
5. Cut at the right time
Believe it or not, cutting your grass at the right time is significant to helping your lawn thrive. As the weather slowly gets warmer, it is recommended that you cut your grass in the morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler. When you mow during these cooler times your grass will be less likely to wilt and can recover more quickly. By cutting your grass at the right time, you can ensure that your lawn looks its best and is healthier overall.
6. Don’t cut too short
Avoid cutting the grass too short because it will decrease the surface area of each blade of grass, reducing its ability to grow and nourish itself. Cutting too short can stress the lawn and make it more susceptible to weeds and disease. At Greensleeves, we recommend not going any shorter than five or six centimetres. This way, you reduce the chances of scalping the lawn.
7. Dispose of clippings
Disposing of grass clippings properly is vital to the health and appearance of your lawn. Leaving grass clippings on your lawn can lead to a build-up of thatch, smothering the grass and making it more difficult for water and nutrients to reach the soil. To dispose of grass clippings responsibly, you can compost them or bag them for disposal. Composting grass clippings is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of them, providing a valuable source of organic matter for your garden or vegetable beds. Grass clippings can also be added to your regular compost bin to create nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
8. Maintain your mower
Regular maintenance of your lawn mower, particularly its engine, will not only extend the life of the machine, but will help it work at its best all season long and for many years to come. After each mowing session, cleaning the blades thoroughly is vital to prevent rust and other damage from grass clippings and debris build-up. When grass clippings and debris are left on the mower and blades, they can trap moisture, leading to rust and other forms of corrosion. Cleaning your mower and blades after each use can also help guarantee they are ready for the next mow. As mentioned earlier, regular cleaning can help to prevent clogs and blockages in the blades and chute, which can affect the performance of your lawnmower. In addition to cleaning, it is also important to perform regular maintenance tasks such as changing the oil, checking the air filter and sharpening the blades.
With the first mow of the year on the horizon, taking these necessary steps will help you to save time and money in the long run by preventing damage to your mower, avoiding stress to your lawn and promoting healthy growth. It is therefore crucial that you get the first grass cut of the year just right to set your lawns up for a summer of use.
To find out more, please visit: www.greensleeves-uk.com.
