Professional lawn mowing techniques. 7 Lawnmowing Tips for a Perfect Mid-Michigan Lawn

Lawnmowing Tips for a Perfect Mid-Michigan Lawn

It’s often said that grass looks greener on the other side of the fence. But have you ever wondered just how your neighbors get their lawn so full and green? Why isn’t their lawn full of weeds, bare patches, and browning grass?

It all comes down to proper lawn care. And the most frequently performed lawn care task is mowing your lawn. Done properly, lawnmowing can make the difference between a lush patch of healthy turfgrass and a brown, dusty patch of weeds.

Learn the simple steps you can take to help your lawn look its best through Mid-Michigan’s highly variable growing season. Best of all, these small changes to your current mowing practices are quick, easy, and don’t require additional tools or lawn care products!

Lawnmowing Tips for a Perfectly Cut Lawn

#1 – Cut Grass High

It might seem like a Smart plan to mow grass as short as possible so you don’t have to mow as often. Yet, the reality is that mowing too low can reduce your lawn’s ability to manufacture food and therefore reduce the vigor of the turfgrass. Not to mention that a scalped lawn never looks good.

So, what’s the best height to mow your lawn? You might be surprised to learn that the recommended lawn height for the types of turfgrass we have in mid-Michigan is between 3 and 5.5 inches. That’s much higher than most people mow their lawns!

Cutting your grass higher reduces stress and helps green the lawn without needing extra fertilizer. Taller grass shades the soil, which keeps vulnerable grassroots cooler, preserves soil moisture, and shades out weeds so there’s less need for herbicides.

#2 – Follow the One-Third Rule for Lawn Mowing

Time your lawn mowing with the goal of cutting off only the top one-third of the grass blades. Cutting off more likely won’t kill your lawn, but it may force the turfgrass into dormancy. Plus, it’ll probably clog up your mower and leave large clumps of cut grass on the lawn.

In practice, following the one-third rule of mowing might look like this:

• Wait until the grass blades reach about 5 inches tall.
• Mow off 1/3 (a little over 1.5 inches).
• Your lawn grass will then be 3.33 inches tall, putting it within the recommended height parameters for a greener healthier lawn.

#3 – Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades Regularly

A very important, yet often overlooked, lawn mowing tip is to sharpen your mower blades often. This is a safety practice as well as a technique for a more beautiful lawn. Dull mower blades can weaken your grass plants by leaving ragged, injured, torn edges. While this is an unattractive look for the lawn, it is also a place for disease and pests to enter or attack the plant. A quality grass cut means you are shearing off the top of the grass cleanly.

Sharpen mower blades after every 20 to 30 hours of use time. How do you know how many hours you have mowed weekly? Time it! Then put a reminder on your calendar letting you know when it’s time to give a quick sharpen to the mower blades.

You can easily sharpen blades with a tool like a bench grinder, angle grinder, drill grinder, or tiger paw. No time or tools? No worries. Just send your blades out to a local lawnmower shop for professional sharpening. Some local hardware stores will also sharpen mower blades for you.

#4 – Change Your Mowing Pattern Each Time

We all know that a large riding lawnmower is heavy, but even a push mower will flatten and break grass blades and compact the soil. Mowing in the same direction every time will “train” the grass to lean to one side and cause stripes of dead or damaged lawn. And mower wheels can pull up grassroots if you make tight turns.

Minimizing backtracking and turns, as well as varying the mowing pattern, will:

Whether you choose to mow in a diagonal pattern, in spirals, rows, or something else, make the pattern a feature of your lawn. Just remember to change it up each time.

#5 – Leave Grass Clippings for a Healthy Lawn

Leave healthy grass clippings on your lawn. Despite what you may have heard, lawn clippings do not cause thatch!

This technique is an environmentally friendly lawn maintenance act that also reduces the amount of work you have to do. Not only do you not have to rake and bag, but leaving lawn clippings for the season means that’s one less fertilizer application you need to make.

If you have a mulching mower, it will double-cut the clippings more finely. Grass clippings will drop down through the grass onto the soil where they’ll decompose and supply nutrients to your lawn.

Rake lawns only when the grass clippings are so deep that they stick together and clump on the surface of the grass. You’ll also want to remove and dispose of clippings if the lawn is diseased.

#6 – Wait Until the Lawn is Dry Before Mowing

Mowing your grass when it’s wet is most likely to cause clumping and build-up. This will look unsightly and block airflow to the lawn, creating brown spots and encouraging disease.

Wet lawns are also harder to cut evenly; blades are bent over or stuck together with moisture so some are cut while others aren’t. The end result is something like a really bad haircut.

Riding mowers can damage soil, roots, and grass when the lawn is wet, create deep ruts. It can also be a danger if your lawn is slippery.

#7 – Keep Up with Regular Lawn Mower Maintenance

Every lawn mower needs to be regularly maintained in order to extend the life of the machinery. By maintaining your lawnmower, you’ll also be saving money while keeping your lawn in great shape for years to come. Take your lawnmower to a lawnmower shop or do it yourself with the below tips as a guide to get started.

• Follow an annual lawnmower maintenance schedule – Whether you perform most of your maintenance at the beginning of the season or prefer to do it before you store your mower in the fall, it’s important to have a regular schedule. We like a good spring cleaning; it will kick off your mowing season safely and reliably.
• Read the lawnmower manual – If you are doing the maintenance yourself, read the manual first. People often skip this important step, yet it can give you important insight into the needs of your lawnmower.
• Perform annual lawnmower engine upkeep – It doesn’t take much to keep your mower engine in working condition.

• Replace the spark plug annually
• Change the oil annually
• Clean or replace the air filter every year (at least)
• Reduce corrosion by spraying fogging oil into the carburetor annually

Questions About Lawns?

Do you have questions about your lawn or lawn mowing for the Bay Landscaping team? Just ask the Bay Landscaping Experts! We’ll answer your question online or, if you prefer, we can schedule an appointment to come out and diagnose and solve your lawn issues.

Bay Landscaping offers excellent landscape fertilization, weed management, and pest control program at an affordable price. Our lawn care experts provide custom lawn service to suit your needs (although we don’t mow lawns, we’re happy to give you advice on that too!). You can also buy our custom grass seed blends online or at our nursery in Essexville, Mi.

How To Mow a Lawn: A Complete Guide

Imagine driving up to your home and seeing a beautifully cut lawn with clean, trimmed edges. Well, dream no more. With a few easy tips, you can learn how to mow a lawn like a pro. Follow our step-by-step guide for mowing the grass, plus some helpful lawn-mowing tips.

Why Do I Have to Mow the Lawn?

If you’ve ever forgotten to mow the lawn for a few weeks and returned to find an overgrown backyard, you understand the importance of maintaining a regular mowing schedule. Mowing the grass regularly offers a few key benefits:

• Increases the curb appeal of your property
• Improves the health and strength of your lawn
• Prevents weed growth and bare spots
• Allows you to enjoy activities and relaxation in your yard
• Enhances the look and feel of your neighborhood

How Much Does It Cost to Mow the Lawn?

The average cost to mow a lawn is under 10 if you have a lawn mower and weed wacker. A new lawn mower costs between 80 and 3,200, depending on the type and special features. A professional lawn service typically charges between 48 and 206 per visit. Most local lawn care companies charge a flat fee per visit based on the size of your lawn. For an extra cost, they can also weed and aerate.

How to Prep for Mowing the Lawn

Having your mower and tools ready helps ensure you get the look you want without the hassle.

Tune Up Your Mower

Before preparing your mower, turn it off and put protective wear on, Ensure your mower has enough gas or is charged (if it’s electric). You also need to ensure your mower blades are free of debris, so remember to brush or rinse away any buildup on the underside of the mower and in the blades.

You should make sure your blades are sharp, no matter the mower type. Dull blades can cause jagged cuts, which can cause browning at the tips and make it harder to cut the grass. You should sharpen your mower blades one to two times per year, depending on the size of your lawn and how often you mow. With regular lawn mower maintenance, you can achieve cleaner cuts and prolong your mower’s lifespan.

Set the Mower Height

Based on your grass type, set your mower at the highest preferred setting, typically between 2 to 3 inches. Ideally, you should only cut the top ⅓ of the grass blades each time you mow. Allowing your grass to keep some height helps it grow a deep, healthy root system. Taller blades also shade the soil and prevent weeds from growing. Cutting the grass too short can shock the grass and cause the blades to FOCUS energy on regrowing instead of deepening the roots.

Plan Your Timing

It’s best to mow your grass when it’s dry. Look ahead at the weather forecast for a day when there’s no rain and make sure any morning dew evaporates before mowing the grass. Wet grass can clog your mower and make it harder to cut.

The best time to mow your lawn is in the morning or evening to prevent mowing during the hottest time (usually midday). Mowing at peak temperatures can cause stress to the lawn (and you). Take breaks and drink water if you feel overheated or too tired to continue.

Always make sure you have plenty of light when mowing the grass to prevent injury. If you’re mowing newly sodded grass, wait at least two to three weeks before moving to ensure the sod has rooted into the soil.

Make a Plan for the Grass Clippings

You can bag your grass clippings to prevent thatch or add them to your compost. Clippings can contribute to rich soil for gardening, landscaping, or potted plants.

You can also leave your grass clippings where they fall as long as they aren’t too thick or long. This grasscycling technique helps your grass because the clippings can provide extra nutrients for your lawn.

Clear the Lawn

Clear your yard of branches, rocks, toys, furniture, fire pits, tools, and other obstructions. Make sure there are no pets or children nearby. Some mowers can fling rocks and debris at dangerous speeds and cause injuries.

Determine Which Direction to Cut

The final prep step is to map out your cutting path. It’s best to alternate the direction you mow your lawn each time. Changing your mowing direction reduces wear on your grass and prevents blades from leaning in one direction. It also prevents ruts from forming in your lawn or soil from getting compacted. You can also mow your lawn in new patterns or designs for the same effect and a little extra fun.

Grow and maintain a green and healthy lawn

How to Mow a Lawn

The best way to mow a lawn involves cutting the perimeter, mowing in straight lines, and edging for a clean finish. Here’s how to mow a lawn like a pro.

Cut Around the Perimeter

Mow around the perimeter of your lawn once or twice to cut in the area. Create square or rectangle shapes for easy mowing by first taking care of any odd-shaped or small areas. Mow a path around trees, outdoor play sets, garden beds, patios, and fire pits. That way, you can maneuver the mower easier in straight rows during the rest of your mow.

Don’t worry about getting too close to the edge of hard surfaces that could damage the mower, such as stones around your garden bed or brick fire pit. You can trim and edge those tight areas later.

Mow in Straight, Overlapping Lines

In each rectangle or square area, start on one side and mow in a straight line to the other end. Turn your mower at the end of the row. Pivot the rear wheel of your mower and set your mower up to make an adjacent row going the other direction.

You should overlap your mower slightly with the previous stripe you just made. With most mowers, that means putting the wheels about two inches into the cut line of the previous row. Send your grass clippings (if you’re not using a bag) into the previously-cut row so they don’t clog your blades.

Mow another line, and continue doing so with a slight overlap on each line until the area is complete. Some lawn stripes will have blades bending slightly in one direction, while the others will have blades bending slightly the other way. This creates an alternating pattern of light and dark stripes, making your lawn look professional. You can also cut other patterns into your grass, such as a checkerboard design or zigzag pattern.

If you’re mowing on sloped ground, mow it side-to-side perpendicular to the slope to ease the wear on you and your mower. You don’t want to mow up and down a slope unless it’s a low one. If you have an angled slope in your yard, consider using a string trimmer on that area instead.

Trim and Edge the Lawn

With a string trimmer or weedwacker, trim any areas the mower couldn’t reach, such as near trees or the driveway. To get crisp edges along your walkways and garden beds, run your edger or string trimmer vertically along the crack or edge. The string trimmer should cut slightly into the ground as you walk along, creating a distinct line. Start from an angle that shoots the grass clippings into the lawn, instead of your garden bed or walkway. Move slowly and keep your arms and the trimmer level as you go.

Trimming and edging ensures all your grass is the same height and gives it tidy edges and clean lines. Some homeowners edge before mowing, but it can leave your lawn uneven and take more time.

Clean Up Clippings and Debris

With a leaf blower or broom, send any stray grass clippings from your driveway, walkways, and other landscaping into your lawn or a yard waste bag. Cleaning debris and clippings gives your lawn a nice finishing touch. Plus, lawn waste can wash into drains, leading to clogs, and can even make its way into rivers and lakes.

Lawn-Mowing Tips

Follow these tips if you want your lawn to look professional, lush, and crisp.

• Cut approximately ⅓ of the height of your grass each time.
• Mow a slope side-to-side instead of up and down.
• Mow when the grass is dry to prevent clogging your blades.
• Alternate the direction you cut your lawn each time, so your grass doesn’t lean.
• Clean the fuel line if your gas-powered mower has problems starting or running.
• Sharpen your mower blades when they’re dull or twice a year (spring and mid-summer) to prevent harm to your grass.
• Check the oil levels, tire pressure, and blades a few times per season.
• Mow your grass regularly to prevent an overgrown yard, weed growth, thatch, and stress to your lawn and mower.
• Wear closed-toed shoes and sunglasses or protective eyewear for safety.
• Wear sunscreen, long-sleeve shirts, and wide-brimmed hats to protect yourself from the sun.

Keep your lawn lush and green

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

You can mow a lawn yourself and get great results with a mower, edger, and a commitment to mowing regularly. But if you find your lawn sits on the back burner or you want a more polished look, consider hiring a local lawn mowing service to tackle the grass. Working with a lawn-mowing service allows you to schedule regular cuttings and maintenance appointments to ensure your lawn always looks top-notch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you mow for beginners?

As a beginner, start by mowing your lawn in symmetrical rows by turning the mower at the end of each row and overlapping with the previous row. Use an edging tool or weedwacker to make your lawn look sharp and crisp around the edges, and then sweep the debris back into the yard. Take it slow, and know that you can adjust your approach or pattern the next time your grass needs a clip.

Is there a wrong way to mow a lawn?

You can mow a lawn the wrong way by cutting off more than ⅓ of the grass’s height, causing stress to the lawn and weak roots. If you don’t cut your grass often enough, you’ll get weeds and cause damage to your mower and grass. But if you regularly mow your lawn and create straight lines in alternating directions, you’ll see great results.

Should I mow or water first?

You should mow your lawn first and water it afterward, in most cases. You should not mow when your lawn it’s wet as it could clog the blades. If you haven’t been watering your lawn for an extended time or your area is experiencing a drought, water your grass first. Mowing thin, wispy grass can be difficult, so allow it to become fuller and thicker before mowing. Once it looks more lush and dry, go ahead and mow.

How to Mow Your Lawn

Knowing how to mow a lawn can make the difference between a lawn that you’re proud of and one that looks weak and stressed. Proper mowing leaves your lawn looking finished and attractive, and it promotes thick, lush growth. On the other hand, improper mowing makes your lawn more susceptible to environmental stresses such as heat and drought.

These lawn mowing tips can help you have the best-looking lawn on the block:

How to Choose the Ideal Mower

Choosing the right lawn mower for the job provides a smooth, clean cut, and makes the most of your mowing time. Choose from these common lawn mower types:

• Manual reel mower – Environmentally friendly and quiet, manual push mowers rely on your strength and energy to mow. They’re a good choice for small, flat lawns.
• Electric mower – Available in corded and cordless models, electric lawn mowers are less noisy than gas mowers and great for small yards. Corded mowers stay plugged into electrical outlets as you mow. Rechargeable cordless models offer more freedom, but they may need a recharge mid-mow.
• Gas-powered push mower – Walk-behind, gas-powered mowers have more power and maneuver more easily than manual and electric types, especially when they’re self-propelled. They are ideal for medium-sized lawns.
• Riding mower or lawn tractor – For large or sloped lawns, a riding mower or lawn tractor is the best option, allowing you to get a big job done fast.
• Mulching mower – Designed to chop up grass clippings as you mow, mulching mowers leave small clippings on your lawn. Mulched grass clippings left on healthy lawns add nutrients and encourage beneficial microorganisms in the soil. 1

When to Mow and How Much to Cut

While regular mowing is important to a healthy lawn, avoid setting a firm mowing schedule for your grass. Base how often you cut your grass on its growth, not on the day of the week. Weather, the season and your grass type all affect how fast it grows.

As a general rule, maintain established lawns so you never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. Cutting more than that reduces the carbohydrates that support healthy grass growth. Remove too much at once, and your lawn becomes more vulnerable to stress from weather, insect pests, diseases and weeds. 2 Always mow when grass is dry; wet grass clumps and won’t cut evenly.

Proper mowing height for established lawns is especially important during summer months. During periods of warm weather, opt for the higher mowing heights to help shade grass roots and support deep root growth. Gradually lower your mower blades back to normal mowing heights as temperatures cool. Stop mowing your lawn in fall when your grass stops growing.

Guidelines for when to mow a new lawn after seeding or when to mow new sod are different than for established lawns. Newly seeded lawns may take one to two months of establishment before they’re ready for mowing. Wait to mow new grass until all of the seed has sprouted and it reaches one and one-half times its recommended height. Start mowing new sod about two weeks after it is laid.

Use the following chart to determine grass height ranges and mower settings for specific grass types. 2, 3, 4, 5 If your lawn grass should be kept at 2 inches high, for instance, set your mower to that height and mow when it reaches a height of 3 inches.

How to Maintain Your Mower and Your Grass

Proper maintenance of your mower and your grass help keep your fresh-cut lawn thick and healthy. These maintenance basics help ensure your lawn always looks its best:

• Sharpen mower blades. Sharpen mower blades whenever they grow dull. Do at least one thorough or professional sharpening before the mowing season begins each year. Dull blades create ragged cuts that increase the risk of pests and diseases.
• Change lawn mowing patterns. Grass tends to lean in the direction it’s mowed. Encourage upright, even growth by mowing in different directions each time you mow. Lawn pros may mow diagonally one time and in straight stripes the next. Choose any lawn mowing patterns you like, just switch it up each time.
• Feed your lawn after mowing. Wait until after mowing to fertilize your grass with high-quality lawn foods such as Pennington UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer 34-0-4, so you don’t dislodge fertilizer as you mow.
• Avoid over-fertilizing. Fertilizing too often or using too much can burn grass or lead to thatch buildup—that thick, brown layer where grass stems meet roots. That means dethatching your lawn and more work for you. 3

A properly mowed lawn looks beautiful and feels great underneath your feet. By following these lawn mowing tips, you can help your lawn grow thick, lush and green. Pennington is here to help you grow the lawn of your dreams.

Pennington and UltraGreen are registered trademarks of Pennington Seed, Inc.

C.R. Wilson and T. Koski, Eliminate Grass Clipping Collection, Colorado State University Extension, March 2014.

M. Jones, et. al, Mowing Your Lawn, Iowa State University Extension, August 2009.

T. Koski and V. Skinner, Lawn Care, Colorado State University Extension, March 2012.

Lawn mowing patterns: 6 inspiring designs plus tips on how to create your own

Have you ever experimented with lawn mowing patterns? If you’re feeling creative, they’re a fun way to add personality to your plot. And, with the proper know-how and a little practice, it’s not too difficult to create them.

With a roller attached to your mower and a bit of planning, you can bring a totally unique look to your yard. Different height settings and small, hand-held trimmers can also be used to create more intricate details.

And even if you only have a small plot, you can still have a go. As Andrew Wain, the Head Gardener of Euridge Manor and an expert in creating stunning lawn mowing patterns says, ‘You don’t need a big lawn to create an effective pattern.’ So, why not mix your usual lawn care routine up a bit and give it a try?

stunning lawn mowing patterns for pepping up your plot

You may already know how to mow a lawn in the usual way, but adding in some unique designs is way more fun. And as these ideas show, the results can be spectacular.

Criss-cross

A criss-cross effect looks super Smart and modern. And it’s way easier to create than it looks, especially once you’ve invested in one of the best lawn mowers.

Just keep those lines as straight as possible and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning result. We love how it elevates this incredibly green scene, adding extra visual interest that contrasts against the surrounding natural textures and forms.

The experts at Flymo explain how to do it:

• To start, mow the perimeter neatly around your garden.
• Next, mow the lawn in different directions taking care at the end of each row to prevent any turf damage.
• Now travel perpendicular to the direction of the original pattern, meaning if you were mowing north and south, this time mow east and west.
• Finally, mow the perimeter again to remove any stripe irregularities and complete the pattern with a clean look.

Overlapping curves

Instead of overlapping straight lines, go for gentle curves instead. This design looks complicated, but really it’s just two semi-circles – and isn’t the finished result impressive?

It’s perfect if you’re looking for unique lawn ideas for a larger space. Line with clipped evergreen hedges for a formal aesthetic, and don’t forget to position some seating nearby so you can admire your hard work.

Stripes

Ah – the classic stripe. If the above designs feel overly fussy, you can’t go wrong with this timeless look.

It’s a good starting point for those who are new to creating lawn mowing patterns. But, even if you’re a pro, it’s still a super stylish approach for a manicured look.

It can also make a plot look longer as it naturally draws the eye. And if you position a lawn decoration, such as a statue, at one end, it will make it even more of a focal point for your space.

Intricate and ornate

If you fancy a challenge then try a more elaborate design for your lawn. Sure, it will take a bit of planning, and maybe some additional tools if you want to really up the level of intricacy, but it’s bound to be a talking point. And, it will look wonderful viewed through the Windows of your home, too.

Complete the fairytale look with topiary – another way to get creative in your garden.

Curved paths

Here’s a more straightforward way of getting creative with your mowing. Let your lawn grow long, then carve out winding garden paths.

The contrast in textures will look stunning, and of course, it’ll be practical too, allowing you to get from A to B with ease without spending a fortune on expensive hardscaping materials.

It’s good for encouraging pollinators and other small creatures to your plot, too, so ideal if you’re creating a wildlife garden.

Circles

Creating concentric circles on your lawn is another option and relatively simple to do. Start in the center, then work outwards, round and round, changing direction at the start of each circle.

Try this approach around trees, ponds, and round flower beds, too, for a tidy look.

How do you create lawn art?

Andrew Wain explains his tips for creating lawn art on his YouTube channel – The Fully Charged Gardener:

• Plan your design and mark it out before you get started. Knowing the width of your mower will help with this.
• Consider the overall length of cut carefully – you don’t want to cut too short as a longer length will enhance the look of your designs.
• For intricate detailing, such as words, you can use different heights of cuts to create definition. This is easier than using the traditional ‘stripe’ method (by flattening the grass) as you don’t need to rely on the sun’s light to create reflections. You can use small, cordless, hand-held shears (try the HSA 26 from STIHL) to do so.
• If you don’t want to cut different lengths or don’t have a suitable tool, you can use a hand brush to create the effect. Simply push sections of the grass flat.

How long does lawn art last?

If you’re going to the effort of adding lawn art to your garden design ideas, you’ll probably be wondering how long it will last.

‘You have to mow the lawn at least once a week to maintain the pattern, ideally twice a week,’ says Andrew. ‘The more you mow, the more vivid the pattern will be.

‘It’s not really a case of mow it once and the pattern stays. It takes a couple of weeks of mowing to get the pattern to set – then regular mowing to maintain it. If you leave it for a couple of weeks it will fade as the grass grows. It really is a labor of love!’

We think it’s definitely worth it for such an eye-catching display.

Mowing Patterns. Tips from a professional

The eye-catching pattern of a lawn adds to its beauty. It may seem like stripes and patterns are created by cutting the grass at different heights or growing other seeds. This is not the case. The reflection of light causes stripes and patterns. When the grass is cut, the grass blades bend in that direction. Grass mowed in different directions reflects the light differently, which creates aesthetically pleasing patterns.

In general, mowing patterns do not require extra time or effort. The most common mowing pattern is striping created by cutting the grass in different directions, creating adjacent lines or stripes. Start by cleaning the outside edges, and make your first straight stripe by using a sidewalk or driveway as your guide. Mow adjacent to the first stripe by lining up the mower with the first stripe in the other direction. Once you master the striping pattern, you can achieve any mowing pattern with ease.

This article will give you information about different mowing patterns and why mowing patterns are important for your lawn. It will also discuss some of the benefits of the mowing patterns and the types of grass that are suitable for creating mowing patterns. It will also give you a step-by-step guide to use for mowing patterns on your lawn. So, if you are looking forward to adding to the beauty of your lawn by creating mowing patterns, be sure to keep reading.

• 1 Why are lawn mowing patterns important?
• 2 Benefits of creating mowing patterns:

• 2.1 1. Makes the grass healthy
• 2.2 2. Mowing patterns hide imperfections in the lawn
• 2.3 3. Minimize the wear-and tear-damage

• 5.1 Step 1: Cut the edges first
• 5.2 Step 2: Create the first stripe
• 5.3 Step 3: Use the first stripe as your guide
• 5.4 Step 4: Repeat the pattern
• 5.5 Step 5: Mow the outside edges again

• 6.1 Pattern 1: Stripes or rows
• 6.2 Pattern 2: Checkerboard
• 6.3 Pattern 3: Spirals
• 6.4 Pattern 4: Diamond

Why are lawn mowing patterns important?

You don’t necessarily need a perfect lawn to use mowing patterns. It is a common misconception that a lawn can be mowed in patterns only if it is perfect. Lawns can be mowed in patterns to make them look nice and maintain them with ease. Simple grass-cutting patterns make it much easier to maintain a healthy lawn. Grass mowed in patterns is healthier, contains fewer weeds, and is easier to maintain.

Mowing the grass in the same pattern wears out the areas of grass. The tire tracks can cause dead spots in the yard, making the lawn prone to weed invasion. Using the same mowing patterns every time you mow makes the grass compact, and the new grass blades find it challenging to grow. Changing the mowing patterns minimizes the damage caused by the lawn mower’s tires.

Mowing in patterns requires the grass to grow a little higher to achieve the best effect. Cutting the grass a little taller is better for the grass as it saves the grass from getting heat stress. Mowing patterns hide the weeds in the lawn and give it a perfect look.

Benefits of creating mowing patterns:

Along with providing an aesthetic look to your lawn, mowing patterns have some other benefits. Some of the advantages of creating patterns in your lawn are as follows:

1. Makes the grass healthy

Mowing patterns require the grass to be cut at higher heights. Mowing grass at higher heights makes the grass healthier. According to the one-third rule, cutting more than one-third of the grass blade during a single mow damages the grass.

When the grass is cut low, the surface area of its leaf is reduced, and it absorbs less sunlight during photosynthesis for the production of its food. This weakens the grass and makes it more susceptible to disease and weed invasion.

Cutting the grass too short inhibits the root growth of the grass, and the roots become shallow. The shallow root growth system cannot support the grass during severe drought conditions. Grass that is allowed to grow tall has a stronger and deep root system that easily helps the grass survive the drought conditions.

2. Mowing patterns hide imperfections in the lawn

Having dry spots or a small disease-infected area in the lawn is common. Mowing patterns help you hide the small imperfections in your lawn and give an illusion of the perfect lawn.

3. Minimize the wear-and tear-damage

Mowing in the same pattern every time you mow causes the mower tires to create tracks over the yard’s surface. This can compact the grass and reduce the airflow. The grass becomes more prone to diseases. Eventually, the tire tracks can create dark spots in the lawn, making the lawn prone to weed invasion and diseases.

Changing the mowing patterns minimizes the wear and tear damage caused by the repetitive tire tracks. It prevents the grass from becoming compacted and keeps the grass growing healthy.

Lawn cutting techniques

To maintain a perfect-looking lawn, learning the basic patterns is important. A few simple techniques can help you achieve a perfect mowing pattern on your lawn. Many lawn mowing patterns are used to add to the beauty of the lawn.

Creating stripes in your lawn is the most basic and the easiest one to start with. Once you manage to gain expertise in the stripes pattern, it becomes easy for you to create other designs. Checkerboards, diamonds, and criss-cross diagonal patterns are other designs that are most commonly used in lawns. All these complex and fancy designs are essentially variations of the striping design and can be achieved easily after learning the striping pattern.

There is no perfect lawn mowing pattern to use on every lawn. Mowing patterns can be chosen based on the area and shape of your lawn. If you have a large area, you have plenty of space for experimentation, and you can use different mowing patterns every time you mow. However, if your yard is oddly shaped or has less area, then it is recommended to select one or two mowing patterns that are easy for you to create and look best in your yard.

Mowing the grass like a pro, some helpful tips:

Mowing patterns do not add to your work while mowing. You don’t have to mow over and over again to create stripes or other designs on your lawn. Mowing in patterns requires a little planning and a bit of extra thought to visualize what you are trying to achieve. It is all about how the grass bends or lays after you mow it.

When a mower is moved over the grass, the grass blades bend in that direction. If you mow in the other direction, the grass bends in the other direction. This is the basic idea behind the striping pattern. The light from the sun reflects the blades differently in each direction. This reflection makes the lines or stripes. It is recommended to mow the grass a bit higher to show up the stripes better. The longer grass blades bend more than the shorter blades, which makes the reflection more noticeable.

A step-by-step guide to mowing patterns in your lawn

Mowing patterns in your lawn does not require any special equipment. Just your regular push or riding mower is fine. Here is a step-by-step guide to mowing patterns on your lawn.

Step 1: Cut the edges first

First, mow the outside edges of the lawn to create a boundary of the yard.

Step 2: Create the first stripe

Use a landmark to keep your first stripe straight. A sidewalk, driveway, or patio could be used as a guide to line up the first stripe.

Step 3: Use the first stripe as your guide

Turn the mower around on the outside edge of the lawn after you make your first stripe. Line up the mower’s wheel on the edge of the first stripe and follow the first line while mowing to create the next stripe.

Step 4: Repeat the pattern

Continue mowing in the same pattern by lining up your mower with the last stripe you created. Each new stripe must be in the opposite direction to the previous one to create nice and clean lines.

Step 5: Mow the outside edges again

To get rid of any turn marks left, go over the outside edges of the lawn again. This will also remove any grass clumps dropped by the mower during cutting.

You can skip the last step if you are happy with the way your lawn looks. This step only gives a more polished look to your lawn. Once you are confident in creating straight stripes, you can play around with other patterns to choose the one that looks best on your lawn.

Different lawn mowing patterns, some helpful tips:

Here are some of the most common lawn mowing patterns:

Pattern 1: Stripes or rows

It is one of the most common mowing patterns. It creates contrasting rows in your lawn which make it look beautiful and gives it a finished look. This pattern is created by mowing back and forth in straight lines and changing the direction of the mower in each adjacent row.

Pattern 2: Checkerboard

A checkerboard pattern can be created by starting with a stripe or row pattern. Once the row pattern is achieved, turn at 90 degrees to the first row pattern and mow another row pattern perpendicular to it.

Pattern 3: Spirals

Mowing in a spiral pattern requires starting at one point outside the lawn and mowing the lawn in a large square. You make smaller and smaller passes as you mow inside the previous square until you reach the center of the lawn.

Pattern 4: Diamond

The diamond pattern is also achieved with the help of a striping pattern. Once the rows or stripes are complete, make a second pass and mow the top of the stripes diagonally from end to end.

Grass-type and lawn mowing patterns, some helpful tips:

How prominent your stripes will depend upon the type of grass you have on your lawn. Cool-season grasses have longer blades and are thicker and lusher than warm-season grasses. Mowing patterns are more prominent when they are used over cool-season grasses. If you have cool-season grass like Kentucky Bluegrass, you can easily achieve dark and lovely mowing patterns.

Warm-season grasses have more stems than grass blades. These grasses do not bend nicely after mowing due to their shorter blades. Because of this, if you have warm-season grass, the patterns won’t be prominent. It may be possible that your mower may not leave any stripes at all after mowing.

Mowing patterns tips and tricks:

Mowing the grass in patterns does not require extra time or effort once you master the trick. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you improve your result:

• Use different patterns: Use different mowing patterns or change the direction of stripes after every 2 to 3 mows to avoid any wear and tear damage caused by the mower tires. This will also make the grass grow healthy.
• Mow the grass taller: To create more prominent stripes and patterns, always mow the grass taller so that its blades can bend nicely after mowing and reflect the light properly. Shorter grass blades do not bend nicely, which affects the darkness of the pattern.
• Use a hardscape as your guide: To keep the lines and patterns straight, use a sidewalk or driveways as your landmark. This will help you to achieve perfectly straight lines.
• Look for the best pattern: Each yard has its own dimensions, size, and shape. Once you practice creating patterns, experiment with different patterns to look for the one that is best suited to your yard.

General tips for mowing the lawn:

Here are few tips that must be kept in mind while mowing the lawn.

• Change your mowing patterns: Change your lawn mowing pattern every time you mow your lawn.
• Mow low in Spring: The growth rate of grasses is higher in Spring. In Spring, cut the warm-season grasses to lower cutting range to remove dead winter blades.
• Mow high in Summer: During drought Summer conditions, reduce the stress on your lawn by raising your blade to the upper cutting range.
• Prepare your lawn for Winter: To prevent snow mold, mow the cool-season grasses shorter for the final fall mowing.
• Sharp blades are important: Use sharp blades while mowing the lawn to prevent grass blades from getting damaged.
• Mow the dry lawn: Always mow the lawn when the grass is dry.
• Mow to a suitable height: Don’t mow the grass to keep it shorter but to make it even.
• Mow low after dormancy: After dormancy, cut the grass to a lower cutting range to remove dead, dormant blades.
• Mow regularly: Don’t wait too long to mow your lawn. Mow regularly so that you are cutting only one-third of the blade each time you mow.
• Do not cut the grass too short: Avoid cutting the grass too short. Short grass has shallow roots, which makes it hard to withstand drastic weather conditions.

Final Remarks

Mowing different patterns is a unique way to set your yard apart and make it look unique and beautiful. Mowing patterns not only enhance the beauty of the lawn but also have several benefits. Mowing patterns in lawns allows the grass to stay healthier and minimizes the wear-and-tear damage caused during mowing. Each yard has its own shape and size. Therefore, you must select the mowing patterns that are suitable for your lawn and change your mowing pattern after every 2 to 3 mows.