How To Mow a Lawn

Mowing your lawn is a major part of maintaining a healthy and attractive yard. Proper techniques, and learning how to maintain your yard after you’re done, will keep your grass fresh and your landscape tidy. Read how to prepare your lawn mower, how to mow around obstacles, and how to handle grass clippings in our guide below, and watch the video above for tips from This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook.

Preparing Your Lawn Mower

Make sure your lawn mower is in good working condition before you start mowing. Proper preparation will help you to achieve the best results and extend the life of your equipment.

Checking Oil and Gas Levels

The first step in preparing your lawn mower is to check the oil and gas levels. An engine that’s running low on oil can cause serious damage, or even lead to total engine failure. Follow the steps below.

1. Locate the oil dipstick and remove it.
2. Wipe the dipstick clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and remove it again to check the oil level.
4. Add oil if necessary. Be careful not to overfill.

Fill the gas tank carefully to avoid any spills. Spilled gasoline can damage your lawn and eat through asphalt driveways. Check for any leaks in the fuel line and secure the gas cap.

Adjusting the Cutting Height

Setting the proper cutting height is the key to maintaining a healthy lawn. Cutting your grass too short can stress the grass, and leave it susceptible to weeds and diseases. You should cut the grass until it’s between 3 and 3 1/2 inches. 

To adjust the cutting height, locate the height adjustment levers on your mower’s wheels and set all the wheels to the same height setting. Use a tape measure to confirm the distance between the ground and the mower deck. Different types of grass require different cutting heights, so adjust accordingly.

Inspecting the Blade

A sharp mower blade will help you to achieve a cleaner cut. A dull blade can tear the grass, and potentially lead to fungal diseases and poor lawn health. To inspect your mower’s blade, disconnect the spark plug wire and tilt the mower onto its side. Examine the blade for nicks, dents, or excessive wear, then sharpen or replace the blade.

Lawn Mowing Techniques

Using the proper technique can improve the look of your lawn and foster a strong root system. 

Establishing a Mowing Pattern

Vary your mowing pattern from week to week. Consistently mowing in the same direction can create ruts in your lawn. Try the patterns below.

• Alternating horizontal and vertical passes
• Back and forth in straight lines
• Concentric circles starting from the outside
• Diagonal stripes

Changing patterns prevents wheel ruts and allows the grass blades to grow upright. It also promotes even sun exposure.

Overlapping Passes

Slightly overlapping each pass with the previous pass prevents you from missing any spots, and creates a uniform cut across your entire lawn. You might have to slow down a bit, but the effort will lead to a lawn that looks sharper.

Mowing Around Obstacles

Be especially careful when you’re mowing near obstacles such as trees, flower beds, or hardscaping. Consider the tips below.

• Be cautious around hardscaping elements such as cobblestones to avoid damaging your mower blade.
• Mow a few inches away from the edge of flower beds to avoid scalping the lawn.
• Use a string trimmer to clean up edges after you’re done mowing.

Pay attention to the wheel’s position and direction, as this can help you to prevent accidental damage to plants and equipment.

Handling Grass Clippings

Learn how to handle your grass clippings after you’re done mowing to improve your lawn’s health and appearance.

Bagging Clippings

Bagging your clippings can help you to keep your lawn clean. Use a bag in the following situations:

• The grass is wet.
• The lawn is extremely long.
• You’re mowing a lawn that you’ve only recently seeded.

Regularly empty the bag while you’re mowing to keep the mower running smoothly. Bagging prevents clippings from shading the grass, and allows for better growth.

Mulching Clippings

Mulching involves leaving finely chopped clippings on the lawn, which can enrich your soil. Mulching can also reduce your need for fertilizer, and save you time by eliminating the need to dispose of clippings. When mulching, make sure you’ve covered your mower’s discharge to prevent projectiles from flying out.

Post-Mowing Care

There are a few post-mowing steps you should follow to maintain your lawn and equipment. Proper post-mowing care can extend the life of your mower and keep your lawn healthy.

Trimming and Edging

Use a string trimmer to clean up areas the mower can’t reach, such as along fences and walls, around trees and landscaping features, and around the edges of flower beds and gardens. Use an edger along sidewalks and driveways for a crisp, manicured look. 

Cleaning Your Mower

Take a few minutes to clean your mower after you use it. Follow the steps below to keep the mower in good working condition: 

1. Allow the engine to cool completely.
2. Remove grass clippings from the deck and wheels.
3. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
4. Store the mower in a dry, protected area.

Cleaning prevents buildup of old grass that can harbor pests and diseases.

Lawn Maintenance Between Mowings

Water your lawn deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth between mowings. Remove weeds immediately to prevent spreading, and apply fertilizer according to your grass type and local climate.