Principles of Mowing a Lawn

Before you get started mowing your lawn, you are going to need a lawnmower. This might sound obvious, but once you start shopping for a mower, you’ll soon realise there is a vast range of different types and varieties.

The type of lawnmower you choose is an important decision. It must suit your needs. It will one of the most-used pieces of gardening equipment and there are things to consider.

Do you want a cylinder or rotary mower? Should it be a ride-on or hover mower? If this all sounds like nonsense to you, then don’t worry – you’re not alone! That’s why we’ve written this handy guide to get you started in the world of maintaining your lawn.

Which lawnmower should I buy?

• The most popular mower is the rotary mower. This can be petrol or electric powered. They are the most versatile and affordable mower that are used on the majority of lawns. Most rotary mowers move in straight lines. They are fine to use, however, if you have a slightly higher budget you can get a special type of mower called a cylinder mower, which will produce a classic striped lawn effect.
  
  
• As you look around you'll find different types of mower such as a cylinder mower and ride-on mowers. They are more expensive and are intended for bigger lawns and even fields or football pitches. They give a higher-quality cut and will collect the grass clippings.

Anything else I need to know?

• One thing to note is that if you want your lawn to be healthier in the long term, you can invest in a mulching mower. This mower cuts the clippings finer and leaves them in the grass as a natural compost. 
  
  
• Lawnmowers can be powered in three different ways: electric, fuel-driven and hand-push. For beginners with normal lawns, it is recommended to get a corded electric mower. This cuts out the hard work required for a hand-push mower and the additional running costs of using a fuel-driven mower.
  
  
• You need to consider how big your lawn is and how you wish your lawn to look e.g. A big lawn may mean you need to use a ride-on mower or a fuel-driven, cordless electric mower. It is well established that a cylinder mower gives a high-quality finish with a classic striped lawn effect.
  
  
• Blades will eventually get dull and it is recommended that they are sharpened every 20 to 25 hours of use or at least once during the cutting season. 

What do I do with the grass cuttings?

During spring and summer, you can leave the grass cuttings on your lawn because the nutrients are released onto your lawn. If you invest in a mulching mower, the cuttings will be put back into the soil to make it more healthy in the long term.

When should I mow?

Different times during the year require different frequencies of mowing the lawn. Starting with spring, a normal lawn can be mowed once a week – a tall grass lawn/ lawn with flowers can be left uncut if the growth is not high. During summer, a normal lawn should be mowed twice every week. In hotter and drier conditions, the lawn can be cut less frequently every week. In Autumn, it is okay to mow the lawn once a week. During the winter, mowing is not required.

However, if the grass is growing during winter it is recommended the grass be cut with a high cut setting. If the grass is frozen or wet, it is not recommended, to cut it because the lawn’s soil will be damaged. It is better to wait for the grass to defrost.

Following this advice, you'll soon begin to have a sharp-looking lawn. But, for more information and advice from our expert team - our free course - Seeds For Success - provides you with the tips and tricks over 6 weeks - so you can maintain your lawn to an expert level or even start your own gardening business. Register your interest below.