Push mower long grass. How To Cut Extremely Long Grass In 5 Easy Steps

How To Cut Extremely Long Grass In 5 Easy Steps

If you’ve been away on a long summer vacation and returned to a garden that looks more like a meadow than a lawn, don’t worry.

It’s happened to all of us.

Sometimes it doesn’t even take a month-long vacation to face such a situation.

All you need is a week-long rainfall and, before you know it, your lawn starts to look like the Amazon jungle!

Want to get tips on how to cut extremely long grass? You’ve come to the right place.

I’ve put together everything you need to know and do to tame your wild lawn.

Key Takeaways:

By the way, our site is supported by visitors like you. Some links on this page may be affiliate links which means if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! You can find out more here.

Tips for Tackling Your Overgrown Lawn

• Prepare your protective clothing: You’ll need gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, safety glasses, rubber boots, and ear protection when using the mower and trimmer.

• Inspect the lawn for debris: The area of the lawn that requires cutting must be free from tree branches, rocks, and any other debris. Otherwise, your grass-cutting machinery will get damaged.

• Keep pets and children away: Make sure your children and pets are moved to a safe area while you’re cutting the grass. In fact, no one should be nearby to avoid injury. You should also watch out for any creatures in your lawn, such as snakes, armadillos, or moles.

• Pause often: When tackling an overgrown lawn, remember to take a breather frequently as your mower or trimmer can easily overheat. Gas-powered mowers tend to stall out when they’ve been running too long.

• Cut the lawn in spring or summer: As a rule of thumb, never cut your overgrown grass in winter. The stress of regular trimming during the cold seasoncan wreak havoc on the grass’s recovery.

How you cut your overgrown lawn now will affect it for the rest of the season!

This is why you should carefully follow my recommendations to achieve the best results.

How To Cut tall Grass: A Step By Step Guide

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when tackling an overgrown lawn is to try and cut all the grass on the first pass.

NEVER attempt to cut more than 1/3 of your long grass in one session. It will damage the roots and encourage the spread of weeds.

Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, this task won’t be a day’s job to accomplish. So remember to only cut the top layer of your overgrown lawn and leave the rest for later.

These are the tools you’ll need for cutting tall grass:

• A string or blade trimmer
• Lawnmower
• Rake
• Safety equipment (see my protective clothing section)

Step 1. Start by cutting long grass with a trimmer or weed eater. You can use a strong.080 or 0.95 trimmer line or blade trimmer before mowing your grass. Cut down a fraction of the grass (up to one-third) at a time.

Step 2. Once you’ve removed the top layer of the grass, use the trimmer again a couple of days later for the second round. Even if your grass is bent (this happens if the lawn has not been maintained for a year or so) a trimmer or scythe will efficiently cut the grass.

Step 3. To allow the lawn to recover, water it before leaving it for a week. This is a good opportunity for you to take a rest and put your feet up.

Step 4. After a week, it’s time for a second trim. Again use your trimmer or scythe to cut the grass down to less than 6 inches.

Step 5. Don’t forget to gather the grass clippings with a rake. You can always use them as mulch later.

Some people aren’t comfortable with the idea of using a string trimmer or weedeater to cut their overgrown lawn.

If you’re one of them, I have other suggestions. Go to the next part to learn how to cut extremely long grass using hand tools.

Tools To Cut Long Grass By Hand

Aside from a string trimmer, you also have the option of using basic grass-cutting tools to remove the top layer of your overgrown grass by hand.

The most common hand tools are scythes, garden sickles, and shears.

But how do cut extremely long grass with hand tools?

How To Use A Scythe

Stand in a comfortable position and hold the scythe by its horizontal handle. Using the muscles in your hips and thighs, start by swinging the blade with a back-and-forth motion and work your way through the grass.

For the best results, hold the cutting edge of the scythe parallel to the ground. This tool is ideal for cutting grass up to 2 feet tall.

But unless you are experienced at handling this tool it may be best to try shears or a sickle.

How To Use A Shear

This small hand tool is ideal for cutting small sections of the lawn. Hold the handle the same way as a scythe so that the blades are parallel to the ground.

Squeeze the shear blades together to close the blades and cut as you move slowly across the yard. Click to buy shears at Amazon.

How To Use A Sickle

Hold the sickle with your right hand as though you want to play golf. Use gentle back-handed strokes so the blade moves away from your body (no, I’m not teaching you how to play tennis!). Make sure no one is nearby as the blades are very sharp! Buy at Amazon.

Next comes the fun part…mowing tall grass. Follow the final steps and soon your jungle-like lawn will be back to how it should be.

Mowing Tall Grass

The mowing process will help get your grass down to the desired height. A previously trimmed lawn will be much easier to mow, though the task will require quite a lot of effort on your part.

Depending on the type of mower you have, you’ll need to adjust the height setting to between 4 and 6 inches. The goal is to make sure the final result is completely even.

A word of caution: don’t mow your lawn while the grass is wet. This will make it extra difficult to cut down plus your mower won’t even work properly.

If the grass is wet, wait a few days until it’s completely dry before starting to mow.

(Well, we did say the whole thing will take time…so be patient).

Here’s our step-by-step process for mowing tall grass:

Step 1. After adjusting the mower to the highest setting, make the first pass to reduce the grass height.

Be warned: this will be a long and slow task as the mower might struggle to work through the long grass. In case the machine stops, clean the blade area regularly to remove any blockage.

Now grab yourself a cold drink and take a pause.

Step 2. Time for the second pass. After you’ve reduced the grass height to a more manageable size during the first pass, change the mower setting by reducing the height of the blade before making a second pass.

Step 3. Remember to take your time just like you did before and clear out the blade during the cutting process. Otherwise, your mower just will not work properly.

Leave the lawn now for a few days to help it recover.

Step 4. After a few days have passed, the new haircut you’ve given your lawn will look more respectable.

Now it’s time for the third pass in order to get the lawn to its final height. Adjust your mower to its usual height, which is between 2 and 3 inches. This is the ideal setting for your lawn.

Now go over your lawn one more time so you can achieve a nice even finish.

Before you pat yourself on the back and put all your tools away… there is the dreaded clearing of grass clippings. It’s all part of the process.

Step 5. For larger lawns, a leaf blower will efficiently clear up the clippings from the sidewalks. A broom will suffice for smaller lawns.

Depending on the size of your lawn, the cleaning part could well be a day’s job so you might want to leave it until the following day.

Must-Have Tools For Cutting Tall Grass

When cutting tall grass there are four stand-out tools. If you have access to power tools, start off with a string trimmer or weed eater and trim down to around 4-6 inches.

If cutting grass by hand, start off with a sickle or grass scythe, working your way down to a mowable length of around 3-4 inches.

Lawnmower

For large lawns, opt for a gas-powered mower. An electric lawnmower is best used for small yards within the restriction of cable length.

A push reel mower is ideal for thick grass but it does require a certain amount of energy. There is also the battery-powered self-propelled mower that comes with 7 height settings and 20 inches of cutting diameter.

If you’re looking for the best gas or electric lawn mowers, we did a detail review of each one. Check them out.

Weed Eater Or Trimmer

You have the option between gas, electric, or cordless weed eaters. This tool makes the job of cutting long grass easier than a mower and is perfect for clearing areas of long overgrown weeds or brush.

Once you get the hang of using a trimmer, you’ll be able to maintain your lawn preventing it from turning into a micro-jungle.

A battery-powered grass trimmer provides you will complete flexibility and movement around your lawn and yard.

Corded models generally leave you restricted to the cord length and the potential of the cord catching on objects or damaging flower beds.

For detailed insight into how to choose the best trimmer for your garden check out the article below 8 Best Cordless Battery Operated Weed Eaters, featuring a detailed buying guide and giving a first-hand review of the best premium and budget weed eaters on the market right now.

Sickle

This is a single short-handled tool made to be used with one hand. The inner curve of the sickle’s blade is the sharp part.

A sickle is easy to store and much lighter than a trimmer, but it’s typically used for cutting small patches of grass.

With each slash, you can easily remove the overgrown grass, even if it’s up to a meter high!

Grass Scythe

The final tool we will look at is one of the most common hand tools for cutting long grass. Unlike a sickle that has a single hand, a scythe is a two-handed tool.

It consists of a metal or wooden shaft, which is around 6 feet in length with an S-curve or straight shape.

The handle of the scythe is adjustable and the size of the blade can be anywhere from 2 to 4 feet long.

Stop Overgrown Grass Before It Happens

By now, you’ve become familiar with how to cut extremely long grass using some of the tools I’ve mentioned above. But wouldn’t it be better to avoid getting yourself into this situation in the first place?

Setting up regular mowing at intervals is all it takes to help you prevent an overgrown lawn.

The next time you put your doctor’s visit or a party date on your phone’s calendar, don’t forget to include the mowing task as an alert.

Tip: If you’re going on vacation, mow the lawn the day before you leave. You don’t want to return and face the arduous task of mowing tall grass in your backyard.

My Final Thoughts On Cutting Overgrown Grass

When you’re dealing with an overgrown lawn, learning how to cut extremely long grass with the right tools is essential to prevent damaging your lawn and affecting its recovery.

Once you get the hang of using a weed eater or a scythe, you’ll easily accomplish the task without hiring professional help!

FAQs about how to cut extremely long grass

What is the easiest way to cut long grass?

The easiest way to cut long grass is by using a string trimmer or weed eater to gradually trim the top layer of the grass. This prevents overloading the mower and allows for more manageable cutting.

How do I cut long grass in my backyard?

To cut long grass in your backyard, follow these steps:

Use a trimmer or weed eater to cut the top layer of the grass in sections.

Wait for a few days to allow the grass to recover.

Make a second pass with the trimmer or a lawnmower set at a lower height.

Repeat the process until the grass is at the desired height.

Use a rake to gather the grass clippings.

Can grass be too tall to mow?

Yes, grass can be too tall to mow. If the grass is excessively tall, it can overwhelm the lawnmower, clog the blades, and result in an uneven cut.

In such cases, it is recommended to gradually trim the grass with a string trimmer or weed eater before attempting to mow it with a lawnmower.

This approach ensures better results and prevents damage to the mower.

Can A Zero-Turn Mower Cut Tall Grass?

As long as you don’t let the grass get more than 6 inches tall you can use a zero-turn mower.

When dealing with taller grass and weeds, your zero-turn may get damaged or clogged. Use a gas-powered string trimmer instead for better results.

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Manage Tall Grass: How Tall Of Grass Can a Lawn Mower Cut

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Are you a new homeowner who wants to learn more about lawn care? If so, you may wonder how tall grass your lawn mower can cut.

Knowing this information is important for ensuring that your grass stays healthy and taken care of and for understanding when it’s time to break out the clippers or buy a bigger mower.

The good news is that with some basic knowledge of the subject and perhaps even a straightforward test, you can determine precisely how tall your lawnmower can safely handle it!

In this blog post, we’ll walk through what factors go into determining maximum cutting height and talk about strategies for successfully managing taller grass.

How Tall Grass Can Lawn Mower Cut

Mowing your lawn can be overwhelming, especially for those with yards full of tall grass.

While most lawnmowers have a maximum cutting height of four inches, there are ways to extend this to accommodate taller grass.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the ideal height for cutting grass, the maximum height your lawn mower can cut, the benefits of keeping your lawn at a reasonable height, and the types of lawn mowers that can cut taller grass.

We’ll also look at safety tips and the best time to cut your tall grass with a lawn mower. Finally, we’ll offer some tips on maximizing efficiency when cutting tall grass with a lawn mower.

What is the Ideal Height for Cutting Grass?

The ideal height for cutting grass depends on your grass type. For cool-season grass such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, the general rule of thumb is to cut the grass to a height of two inches.

The ideal height for warm-season grass such as Bermuda and zoysia is slightly taller, usually between three and four inches.

Keeping your grass at an appropriate height helps maintain a healthy lawn and allows more air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.

What Are the Benefits of Cutting Grass to a Specific Height?

Cutting grass to a specific height has several benefits.

First, it helps to keep weeds from taking over your lawn. Weeds thrive in taller grass, so keeping the grass mowed helps to suppress weed growth.

Additionally, cutting the grass to a specific height can help promote healthier and more vigorous growth.

Different grass varieties have different optimal heights for mowing; however, the general rule of thumb is to cut no more than one-third of the grass blade at any given time.

Cutting your grass too short can rob it of food-producing chlorophyll, weakening plants, and possible disease.

Lastly, cutting your grass to a specific height is essential for aesthetic purposes. A well-maintained lawn can add curb appeal and value to your home.

What is the Maximum Height Your Lawn Mower Can Cut?

It is important to know the maximum height your lawn mower can cut before attempting to cut tall grass.

Generally, the top setting for most mowers gives a cutting height between 3.25 and 4 inches.

This is the ideal height for most grasses, and cutting no more than one-third of the grass at a time will help keep your grass healthy.

However, if your lawn is taller than this after the initial trim, it is possible to cut through dense grass with a mower like this Makita commercial strength set to the highest position possible.

Riding mowers like this Husqvarna below are designed to cut grass up to 8 inches tall, while robotic mowers can handle heights up to 4 inches.

Every variety of grass has an ideal cutting height; however, a common mistake people make with their lawn is thinking they have to mow all the grass down to the same height.

Inching into fall, mid-length grass is the preference. In winter, tall grass can get matted down by snow and will not suffer from being left in a slightly longer state.

By knowing your lawn mower’s maximum cutting height and familiarizing yourself with the specific needs of the grass in your yard, you can ensure that your lawn looks its best regardless of the season.

The Benefits of Keeping Your Lawn at a Reasonable Height

Keeping your lawn at a reasonable height has many benefits. Mowing your lawn regularly helps to maintain its overall health by promoting grass growth and preventing weed growth.

Your lawn will also look more aesthetically pleasing when mowed to an appropriate height, as it will appear well-groomed and manicured.

Additionally, cutting your lawn at a reasonable height helps to reduce the risk of pests and diseases taking hold, as long grass can become a breeding ground for harmful pests and diseases.

Lastly, keeping your lawn at a reasonable height will help promote water retention in the soil, reducing the need for water during dry periods.

The Pros and Cons of Cutting Taller Grass with a Lawn Mower

Cutting taller grass with a lawn mower has both pros and cons. On the one hand, it can be done in a pinch if you don’t have access to a larger mower or trimmer.

Additionally, it is easier to maneuver a lawn mower than other mowers, making it well-suited for cutting taller grass in small areas.

On the other hand, cutting taller grass with a lawn mower is more labor-intensive than with other mowers.

Then it would help if you considered that your blades may not cut through the grass evenly, and the cut pieces may be uneven and patchy.

Further, it is more difficult to make tight turns when cutting tall grass with a lawn mower, making it more challenging to achieve a uniform cut.

How to Adjust the Height of Your Lawn Mower Blades

Cutting grass to an ideal height is an integral part of lawn care, and adjusting the height of your lawn mower blades is easy and can be done quickly.

Most modern lawnmowers have a lever or knob that adjusts the height of the blade.

Check your mower’s manual for specific instructions on adjusting the blade height. Generally, you can adjust the blade height by adjusting the lever or knob on your mower.

Once you have adjusted the blade height, ensure all four wheels are on the same level before you mow. This will ensure that you get an even cut across your lawn.

Also, ensure you use the proper settings for your particular type of grass. Some grasses need to be cut higher than others.

For example, cool-season grasses should be cut at two inches, while warm-season grasses should be cut at the height of three inches.

Types of Lawn Mowers That Can Cut Taller Grass

When cutting tall grass, your lawn mower can make a big difference. Reel mowers and electric mowers are designed for cutting grass up to 6 inches tall while riding mowers are designed for grass up to 8 inches tall.

• Reel mowers, like this Fiskars brand, are an excellent option for small yards, as they’re lightweight and maneuverable. They’re also quieter than their electric counterparts.
• Electric mowers, like this Makita brand, are ideal for larger yards, as they’re more powerful and can easily cut through thicker grass.
• Riding mowers, like the Husqvarna one above, are the best for yards with tall grass, as they can cut through up to 8 inches tall.

However, they are more expensive and require more upkeep than a reel or electric mower.

When choosing a lawn mower, consider the height of the grass you’ll be cutting and the size of your yard.

Safety Tips for Cutting Tall Grass with a Lawn Mower

When cutting tall grass with a lawn mower, safety is essential. Always wear safety goggles and long sleeves to protect yourself from flying debris.

Take your time while mowing, as tall grass can be challenging to maneuver. Clear any obstacles, like rocks or sticks that may be in the way before mowing.

Inspect your lawn mower blades before using them, as they may become dull over time and require sharpening for optimal results.

It’s also important to pay attention to the weather conditions. Avoid mowing when wet or rainy, as this can be dangerous and lead to slippery surfaces.

Finally, always use caution when operating a lawn mower and read the user manual for instructions on proper use.

The Best Time to Cut Your Tall Grass with a Lawn Mower

The best time of year to cut your tall grass with a lawn mower depends on the type of grass that you have.

Cool-season grasses, such as fescues and bluegrasses, need to be cut at a higher height during winter. In spring, these grasses should be mowed at a height of about three inches. Your tall grass should be cut to about two inches in the summer months.

Warm-season grasses, such as bermudagrass, St Augustinegrass, and centipedegrass, should be mowed at a higher height during summer. In spring and fall, these grasses should be cut to a height of about three inches. During winter, your tall grass should be cut to about two inches.

It is important to note that the ideal mowing height for your lawn depends on the type of grass you have and the current weather conditions.

Check with your lawn care professionals to determine the best mowing height for your grass type and weather conditions.

Conclusion: Maximizing Efficiency When Cutting tall grass With a lawn mower

When cutting tall grass with a lawn mower, it is essential to adjust the blade height and the type of mower for the best result.

Knowing the ideal cutting height for your particular type of grass is critical, and understanding the pros and cons of cutting taller grass can help you make an informed decision.

Additionally, selecting the correct type of mower and following safety tips are also important factors that should be considered.

By taking these points into account, you can maximize efficiency when cutting tall grass with a lawn mower.

Posted on Published: December 29, 2022. Last updated: April 29, 2023

About Me

I bought my first house in Elk Grove right after the housing implosion in 2008, I got a good deal but prior had only experience with apartments and definitely learned loads.

We sold there and moved to Texas later to follow employment and I was able to get a far nicer space built for enjoyment and entertainment and continue to learn little tasks and needs.

This site is my way to share them with you and hopefully help you skip out on the pitfalls and problems I have experienced!

Mowing very long grass, this is the best method

Dealing with long grass can be a tricky process. It is not as simple as pushing a lawnmower over it, as it might damage your lawn and the mower. When you mow very long grass, the mower can get clogged or overheated. Mowing long grass can also tear the grass instead of cutting it, which affects the lawn’s overall health.

Mowing very long grass, this is the best method:

Mowing very long grass requires more effort and patience. First, trim it to a manageable height with a brush cutter or string trimmer before cutting it with a lawnmower. Allow the grass to recover for a few days. Once your lawn is at the right height, you can finally mow the grass in your lawn with your lawnmower at its highest setting. Cut very long grass at a slower pace to ensure less stress and a healthy lawn. It might be tempting to go full throttle with your lawnmower, but it will not lead to a healthy lawn.

This article will provide you how to cut your overgrown grass. It will also provide you a step-by-step guide to mow very long grass without damaging your lawn and lawnmower.

Problems with long grass

Before discussing the steps to mow long grass, let’s look at the problems that arise when the grass is kept too long. Tallgrass is unattractive as its blades grow with arbitrary and irregular heights, adding to your lawn’s inconsistent appearance. It is also not advisable as it makes it difficult for the grass to hold itself up, and if it drops on the surrounding grass, it can suffocate it. If the grass is long and you use it for your kids or other activities, it takes more time to dry.

Long grass also traps moisture in the lower areas, making the lawn more prone to fungus and other diseases. This makes the grass grow unevenly, and your lawn may look rough. over, there is also a high chance that the grass may turn yellow or brown.

Not mowing for a long time may cause the grass to go to seeds where its blades look more like weeds than grass. Long grass may overwhelm your mower and dull your mower’s blades faster. Clippings left behind after mowing the longer grass are also longer. The amount of clippings is higher and difficult to manage. Often you will need to rake it.

Longer grass clippings often sit on the top of the lawn and are difficult to remove. over, longer clipping blocks the sunlight to the turfgrass, which affects its health. During regular mowing, the short clippings easily fall on the ground, where they decompose and add nutrients to the soil.

What happens when long grass is mowed too short at once?

It is recommended to cut your overgrown lawn in steps. Cutting in a single attempt may cause damage to your lawn. Mowing too much at once makes your lawn more vulnerable to weather stress, weeds, and diseases. Cutting the grass too short also inhibits root growth.

When grass is mowed too short, the leaves’ surface area is reduced. This is where the grass makes food and relies on it for the roots to grow. If too short, it will weaken the roots, and they are less able to endure rain and drought. Shallow roots require more water and make it difficult for the grass to maintaining moisture. A grass mowed too low has fewer leaves available for photosynthesis, which damages the grass.

Mowing the long grass too short exposes the turf to direct heat which causes it to dry quickly, especially in summers. Therefore, extra care is needed for the lawn by watering it frequently to protect it from drought. over, grass cut too short struggles to fight the intruders and succumb to diseases, weeds, and pests.

Cutting extra-long grass, step by step:

You will always need a bit more patience while handling overgrown grass than a lawn that is maintained properly. It is a bit more challenging to get the lawn into a perfect shape after not mowing it for so long.

Commercial lawn companies have the equipment to deal with such lawns, but it can be costly to hire them for this job. over, you might have to wait for a long time to schedule your appointment with these professional companies.

Let’s have a look at the tools required to cut long grass:

• Lawn Mower
• Depending on the height: String trimmer, sickle, scythe, or a brush cutter
• Broad fork
• Sand
• Lawn fertilizer
• Working gloves
• Safety goggles
• Scarifying rake

Following these basic steps will help you to mow very long grass without damaging your lawn.

Step 1: Removing the top layer of the grass

The first step depends on the starting height of the grass. If the grass is very high, it will be a problem to mow it with your lawnmower. It will cause your mower to clog up and likely will stall and shut down or may get overheated. Mowing long grass straight away with your mower can cause damage to your mower as well as to your lawn. So, try to avoid using the mower to cut very long grass.

In case the grass is very long, it is advisable first to use a brush cutter, trimmer, or scythe to reduce the grass to a more manageable height. Only after that use your lawnmower. Depending on your garden’s size, you can either use a brush cutter, string trimmer, or sickle if you don’t have access to a scythe. These tools will help you reduce the long grass to a reasonable height and make your lawnmower work much more manageable. However, remember that the string trimmers and sickle tend to tear the grass a lot, and the grass may get caught up in the tool.

It is recommended to take off a small section at a time and then remove the waste. Once you have removed the top layer, it is recommended to water your lawn and leave it to that height for some time to recover during that time.

If you do not have the equipment first to cut the grass to a more manageable height, you can try to use your lawnmower for this. Set it to the highest setting and cut with only a small part of the mowing deck. It means that most of the deck moves over an already cut area, and only a small part will move over the long grass. It means you will have to go around much more often.

Step 2: Second Trim

Once you have left the lawn to recover from the first trim for a week or so, it is time for a second cut. It is not recommended to trim your grass sooner than around one week after the initial trim. You should now have a lawn that is short enough to mow with a lawnmower at this time.

For most of the lawnmowers, the typical highest setting is 4 inches. If your grass is still taller than 6 to 7 inches after the first trim, it is best to trim it again with a grass trimmer before using your lawnmower. If your grass is short enough to be mowed by a lawnmower, there is no need to trim it again.

Set your mower to the highest settings before you start mowing. This will reduce the stress on your lawn and prevent it from damaging. You must make sure that everything is even. Mow the long grass with a sharp blade so that your mower doesn’t damage the grass blades. Keep this reality in mind that after you have finished mowing it, your lawn may look terrible and dreadful but don’t worry about that. It will take some time to improve.

If you are dealing with a very rough patch of lawn or a very large lawn, it is recommended to use a gas mower. But if your lawn is small, an electric mower is the best as it works well in tricky areas.

Step 3: Scarifying the lawn

Once you are finished with the mowing, the next step is to scarify or score your lawn. This step also requires a lot of effort. Rake the lawn one meter at a time. Try to get all the weeds and moss off the lawn. You can hire a machine for this job if you have a large area to cover.

Step 4: Dealing with the drainage

The areas in your lawn that are persistently wet must be prodded with a fork and then must be filled with sand to fill the holes in the lawn and create drainage.

Step 5: Feeding the lawn

You should feed your lawn after the above steps as the grass has gone through a lot of stress. It requires nutrients. Fertilizing your lawn is important as fertilizers supply nitrogen and nutrients, which helps it to remain green. Lawn fertilization also helps the grass to grow thick and healthy. A lawn with thick and healthy growth of grass creates a natural resistance against weeds. Fertilizers enrich the soil with the necessary nutrients that it lacks and make the grass grow faster, healthy and strong.

Usually, fertilizers are applied in springs, early summers, and fall. During this period of time, mowing is also a regular activity. Mow at the right time after fertilization and ensuring that the fertilizer has absorbed in the soil and performed its task efficiently.

Step 6: Reseeding the lawn

If you have bare patches on your lawn, you can reseed the patches to grow new grass. Prepare the soil for reseeding by removing old grass and weeds. Use a rake to remove any large debris, level the ground, and break large clumps of dirt. Then spread the grass seeds over the patch and fertilize to provide much-needed nutrients to grow the root system deeper and faster. Water the patches daily, and don’t let the seeded patches dry out. Try to keep the ground moist until seedlings grow to a height of 2 inches.

Tips for mowing an overgrown lawn

Advice from the experts is always valuable. We have collected several tips which will ensure that you get through the overgrown lawn quickly.

• Tune-up: If you have a gas mower, tune-up the engine properly for the heavy job ahead.
• Sharpen the blades: Sharpen the blades of your mower to handle the heavy stress.
• Mow slow: Mow slowly and patiently. A slow pace will cause less stress on your grass, ensuring a healthy lawn.
• Multiple passes: Don’t try to cut all the long grass in a single attempt.
• Trimmer: Use a trimmer to cut off the top layer and remove trimmings when finished before mowing it with a mower.
• Recover: Allow your lawn to recover and begin growing again before you cut more.
• Wet grass: Avoid mowing when the lawn is wet. Mowing a muddy or wet lawn will damage the grass.
• One-third rule: Always follow the one-third rule, and never cut more than one-third of your grass during a single mow.
• Spring or summer: Try to mow the overgrown lawn in the spring or summer season as the grass grows faster in these seasons.
• Stop when the grass is standing up: Stop mowing as soon as your grass is standing up straight.
• Not in the winter: Don’t mow the overgrown grass in winter because it may not cope with the stress of mowing short in cold weather.
• Change the pattern: Change your lawn mowing pattern every time you mow your lawn.

Push Mowing Tall Grass For Fun And Profit (Oddly Satisfying As Always)

Final Remarks

If you have a lawn with very long grass and are not looking forward to cutting it, there is nothing to worry about. Just follow the directions given in this blog post, and you will have a well-maintained lawn soon. Do not remove all the long grass at once. This can damage your lawn as well as your lawnmower.

Mowing long grass requires patience. If it is really long, the best method is to cut the grass’s top layer with a grass trimmer (sickle or string trimmer) or a brush cutter to a manageable height first. Then allow your lawn to heal and recover from the initial trim. Once it is healed, mow the lawn to your desired height with your lawnmower. You may reseed the bare patches if there are any. If you follow the directions given in this article, you will most likely have a lush, healthy, and well-maintained lawn quickly.

The best hand push mowers in 2023

Our round up of tried and tested hand push lawn mowers.

If you’re looking for a straightforward lawn trim, then a traditional hand push mower could be the garden tool for you. With no battery, fuel or electricity to worry about, manual lawn mowers are a more environmentally-friendly option.These pedestrian powered machines are pushed along the lawn and the cylinder blades rotate to trim the grass as you move. They do require a little more push power than automatic mowers, and walking briskly will give a better cut so you’ll get a workout and burn calories each time you mow. And although a push mowers isn’t for every garden – they’re best for small to medium-sized (up to 250m²) lawns on flat ground with few bumps, the exercise will help keep you fit and they’re generally much more of a budget option compared to their high-tech counterparts. They’re kind to your neighbours too, as they’re much quieter than powered mowers. Cylinder mowers generally give a smoother, sharper finish than rotary mowers and their rear roller creates elegant stripes. Usually small, they’re easy to store and light enough to manoeuvre well around the garden,

Mowing our Clover Lawn! #shorts #clover #cloverlawn

If you’re not sure which type of lawn mower is best for you, take a look at our reviews of the best electric lawn mowers and the best cordless lawn mowers.

Best hand push lawn mowers at a glance

Our expertise

To help you find the right hand push mower, we tested a range of these traditional machines. Everymower has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to setting up and storage, ease of handling, performance and value for money. Every mower in our round-up has scored a minimum of three out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

In every review we award outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best cordless lawn mowers, below.

Best Buy hand push lawn mowers

Webb 30cm Autoset sidewheel

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Comfortable to push and hold
• Cuts all grass smoothly and tightly
• Front loading grass bag catches clippings well
• Quiet

Easy to put together and use this simple hand push mower is comfortable, thanks to rubber grip handles, even when pushing over longer grass. It has six cylinder blades offering four cutting heights that are easy to change. The mower cuts from 40mm right down to 10mm, so it gives a precise, neat clip but also cuts longer grass well. It’s quiet, copes with even bumpy ground easily and the 17 litre front collector was the best at collecting clippings in our test. We gave it a BBC GardenersWorld Magazine Best Buy for the best budget push mower in 2023.

Gardena Comfort Hand Cylinder 400C

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Very easy height-of-cut adjuster
• Large grass collector that catches clippings well
• Feels sturdy and well designed
• Cuts well

While there is more to assemble with the Gardena push mower, our tests found the instructions for putting it together clear to understand. The shaped handle was comfortable to use and folds down simply for easy storage. Our experts were impressed with the four easy to adjust cutting heights displayed on a clearly visible scale. The grass collector has a 49 litre capacity but is sold separately. This mower is guaranteed for two years and we gave this a BBC GardenersWorld Magazine Best Buy for the best push mower all round in 2022.

Cobra HM381

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Compact and light
• Quiet
• Comfortable
• Easy to adjust the height of cut
• Good value

We awarded this a BBC GardenersWorld Magazine Best Buy for the best value push mower in 2022 and found it easy to put together with clear instructions. It’s compact and lightweight making it easy to push and operate and the handle is padded for extra comfort. There are four cutting heights ranging from 13-38mm, which can be simply adjusted and a 26 litre grass collector is included. It comes with a two year warranty.

Webb WEH18

Our rating: 4.5 out 5

• Quiet
• Nine heights of cut
• Wide cut
• Very simple height-of-cut adjustment
• Tackles long grass
• Effective front grass collector

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best for performance, this traditional cylinder mower design has a solid, heavy rear roller and a 22 litre collection box. The instructions for assembling it are clear and it’s light, easy to manoeuvre and quiet to use. There’s a generous choice of nine cutting heights, which are easily adjusted and range from 25-76mm, which is the highest in our test and ensures it handles long grass well. The front-loading grass collector on this model collects clippings well and it comes with a warranty of two years.

The best of the rest

Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.

Husqvarna HiCut 64

Our rating: 4.25 out of 5

• Comfortable handle and adjustable heights
• Light and easy to manoeuvre
• Good, efficient cut, and tackles longer grass
• Height of cut adjustment difficult
• Roller doesn’t touch the ground
• Grass collector sold separately

This Husqvarna hand mower requires more assembly than most and tools are required plus, our testers found that the instructions could have been clearer. However, the mower is comfortable to use with handy flexible handle heights and it’s a quick and efficient mower. Testers weren’t keen on the height of cut adjuster. The grass collector has a large capacity of 45 litres but it’s sold separately and doesn’t collect all the clippings, especially when windy. It comes with a one year warranty but if you register, this is extended to two years.

Einhell GE-HM 38 S-F

Our rating: 4.25 out of 5

• Lightweight
• Quiet
• Simple to change height of cut
• Adjustable handle height
• Grass collector doesn’t catch all the clippings and they fall out when emptying
• Not as smooth a mow as some

Our expert testers liked that the handle on this manual lawn mower had a choice of two heights and that it was padded for extra comfort while in use. Clear instructions are included and assembling the model is relatively simple. There are four cutting heights to choose from which can be easily swapped using a lever. The grass collector is included and has a 26 litre capacity. It’s guaranteed for two years.

How to choose a push mower

Before you choose a push mower think about the following:

Have you got the right lawn?Cylinder mowers need an even surface for the scissor action of the blades to work well, so your lawn must be fairly bump free and 250m² or below. Simpler shapes are easier, unless you opt for a compact model with a smaller cutting width that can be manoeuvred more easily around trees and island beds and under shrubs.

Do you like mowing the lawn?Hand push mowers take more effort than powered mowers, but they are easier to push if the grass isn’t too long. Cylinder mowers work best on fairly short grass and will struggle or not cut long grass at all. So you need to cut regularly or choose a mower with a high height of cut to let you catch up if you miss a mow now and then.

Can you look after your mower?Cylinder blades need regular checking and adjusting to ensure a precise cut and prevent the mower chewing the grass rather than cutting it. Adjustment isn’t difficult, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re not mechanically minded.

Do you need a grass collector?Most mowers come with one, but some are sold separately and nearly all the grass collectors in our test failed to catch clippings well, particularly when windy. Although front collectors work best, they block your view. If you’re happy to mow regularly (twice a week in the growing season), you may not need one at all and can simply let the short clippings fall down onto the grass and act as a mulch.

Do you have storage?These mowers must be kept indoors to prevent the blades rusting, so if storage space is tight, choose a model that’s light enough to hang up or has folding handles.

Cut in long straight lines, walking briskly – the faster you walk, the better the mower will cut.

To create stripes, mow around the edge of the lawn first, then start in one corner, mowing up and down. When you finish a stripe, turn and line up the mower with the completed stripe, as

When adjusting or cleaning the mower, stand it on a flat surface with a block in front of the wheels to prevent ir rolling forwards.

How we tested push mowers

All the mowers in our test are cylinder-type, with blades and a rear roller. Each mower was unpacked, assembled snd tested on a flat, circular lawn and on a sloping, less even, shaped lawn to see how ell they performed. They were assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:

• Setup and Storage. Assessed the ease of assembly and clarity of instructions and how easy the mower is to store.
• Handling. Focused on comfort and ease of use, handle height adjustment and how to change the height of cut, its weight, the effort needed and manoeuvrability.
• Cutting performance. Looked at cutting width, the range of cutting heights, collection capacity and the quality of cut.
• Value for Money. Considered all the above as well as quality and design, warranty and price.

For more information on our testing process see How We Review.

This review was last updated in May 2023. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.