As the weather warms up, many Britons will be looking forward to al fresco dining, gatherings and barbecues in their gardens, but patchy grass could put people off.
With the sun threatening to come out and temperatures likely to rise, Brits are gearing up for outdoor parties and barbecues in their gardens.
But an unkempt, patchy lawn can be a real party pooper when it comes to summer get-togethers. If your lawn isn’t looking its best, you might be mowing it incorrectly. Prestige Lawns has weighed in with some sage advice, pointing out four common lawn mowing mistakes and how to fix them.
Prestige Lawns’ gardening experts said: “Many of us want our lawns to look thick, lush and beautiful.” They added: “But simple mistakes can leave your lawn looking patchy and hairless. Here are four common lawn mowing mistakes and how to fix them.”
1. Cutting the grass too short (scraping) Mowing your grass too close to the ground can remove too many leaves, which will stress the grass and leave the soil bare. In harsh weather conditions, your grass won’t be able to survive without the nutrients it needs to stay strong. To avoid this, follow the “one-third rule” – never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
2. Using dull lawnmower blades It’s easy to forget to sharpen your lawnmower blades, but if you’re after a lush, green lawn, doing so is a must. Dull blades slice through the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which can lead to unsightly brown spots or edges. To prevent this, it’s recommended to sharpen your lawnmower blades regularly at the start of each mowing season or after every 20 to 25 hours of use.
3. Mow the grass when it is wet – This is a serious mistake that can lead to grass becoming clumpy and unevenly cut. Additionally, gardeners may find themselves with a clogged lawnmower, which can be a hassle to clean. It is essential that gardeners wait until the grass is completely dry before mowing.
4. Mow in the same direction every time – Specialists have pointed out that this is an “easy mistake” for those looking for a well-kept lawn, the Express reports. However, it can lead to soil compaction and create ruts. To avoid this, change the mowing pattern every time you mow to promote uniform grass growth and reduce soil compaction.
