Mowing and Lawn Maintenance Mistakes Many Homeowners Make

by Adam Divine | Aug 14, 2023 | Lawn Maintenance, Mowing

You put tons of effort into mowing and maintaining your lawn. Every summer, you spend countless hours cutting, pruning, raking, and pulling weeds. But it seems like the work never ends. Could you be doing something wrong? Chances are, yes. We'll explore three common mowing mistakes and lawn maintenance blunders homeowners make. Then let's check out some pro tips to keep a groomed property without giving up all your weekends.

Why Lawn Maintenance Takes So Long

Lawn maintenance can require a significant time investment because it involves multiple steps and several variables. For example, large yards may take hours to mow, and many need weed control, mulch, or aeration/overseeding. These steps can absorb an entire afternoon, depending on different factors. a close-up of green blades of grass growing from rich black soil

a close-up of green blades of grass growing from rich black soil

Multiply the workload by four, and you get a picture of the total time required for adequate lawn maintenance per month. The commitment can overwhelm some homeowners, causing them to cut corners, skip steps, and rush through mowing. Meanwhile, their time-saving techniques can be questionable.

What Some Homeowners Do to Save Time Mowing

While many people use patios, gravel paths, and hardscaping to reduce mowable property, other homeowners choose less productive methods. Here are some examples:

Placing large objects in the grass to prevent growth
Cutting grass extra short, extending maintenance schedules
Mowing infrequently to avoid recurring chores

Savvy homeowners hire professional landscapers and lawn maintenance experts to save time, budget better, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Ask your team why cutting grass too short or skipping a week can damage your lawn.

3 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Mowing

Summertime is a busy season for everyone. And just when you think you're all caught up, it's time to mow the lawn. You want to relax more and work less, but the work never ends. Perhaps you're making mistakes when mowing that cost you time, money, and energy. Let's check out three things you could be doing wrong:

Mistake #1: You're Not Maintaining the Equipment

Many homeowners assume they can drag their mower out of the shed after a long winter and start it up for a perfectly cut lawn. However, your mower could need a tune-up. Sharpen the blades for precise lines, change the oil for improved fuel consumption, and inflate the tires to ensure proper deck heights. Mowing Fact 1 Your local lawn mowing company likely has the latest equipment and weed control tools. Hiring their services is like renting top-notch gear and having to do the work.

Mistake #2: You're Bagging Up the Grass Clippings

Although many believe collecting and destroying grass clippings is a good idea, it's not the healthiest option for your lawn. Healthier lawns grow regularly and outperform weeds, reducing your burden with nutrient-dense soil by composting grass clippings instead. Mowing Fact 2 For optimal mulching, you should mow about 1/3 of the grass length during each session. Ask your team how to measure the height on uneven terrain.

Mistake #3: You're Cutting Grass When It's Wet

Wet grass is difficult to mow and even more challenging to clean up. Mower wheels can create a thick mat in your lawn, making it impossible for sunlight, water, and nutrients to reach grass roots. Mowing after rain also decreases blade sharpness and could be risky with push mowers on slippery surfaces. Mowing Fact 3 You might be on a tight schedule, but you don't want a clumpy and uneven lawn because of it. Hire mowers in El Dorado, Augusta, or Wichita to help you maintain a work-life balance.

Homeowner Mowing Tips for Easier Lawn Maintenance

a lush garden bed with bright red flowers and long Kansas grass overlooking a field

How do you save time and enjoy a well-groomed lawn without taking shortcuts? Let's explore some pro tips to help:

Schedule mowing to develop a manageable grass lifecycle
Monitor sun exposure on your lawn to avoid dead spots and scorching
Determine the grass species abundant on your property
Mow in different patterns to eliminate matting and compaction
Get snow removal in the winter to prevent excessive vegetation suffocation

How Pro Tips Help Homeowners Mow Better

Scheduled mowing services let you focus on other things and work around unpredictable weather patterns without negatively impacting your lawn. Knowing grass species helps determine the appropriate lawn treatments, and variable mow patterns allow your yard to breathe. Excessive sun exposure in the summer and heavy snowfall in the winter are also lawn care obstacles for homeowners. Consider installing hardscaping elements to accommodate temperature and precipitation fluctuations. Then use yard cleaning services at the end of each season to prepare for the next.

Conclusion

Mowing can be a time-consuming headache, motivating some homeowners to take a shortcut. But inadequate lawn maintenance can have the opposite effect. Avoid these three common mistakes to ensure a better work-life balance. Then contact a lawn care team for help.