Having a lush, green lawn is a source of pride for millions of homeowners. In fact, in 2020, a staggering 228.73 million Americans owned lawn and garden equipment, a figure projected to rise to 237.2 million by 2024.1
Yet, achieving and maintaining a pristine, weed-free lawn can be an ongoing challenge. While a healthy lawn naturally deters weeds, even the most diligent lawn care enthusiast can unwittingly make mistakes that encourage weed growth.
To help you cultivate the lawn of your dreams, here are the most common lawn mowing mistakes to avoid.
1. Mowing Too Short (Lawn Scalping)
Cutting your grass too short weakens it, leaving bare patches where weed seeds can easily take root. Scalped lawns also struggle to shade the soil, allowing weed seeds to germinate in the sunlight.
Aim to cut no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, and adjust your mower height depending on the type of grass you have.
2. Infrequent Mowing
Letting your grass grow too tall before mowing results in uneven cutting and stressed grass. The tall clippings left behind can smother the healthy grass and create a hospitable environment for weeds.
Mowing regularly helps maintain a thick, healthy lawn that naturally crowds out weeds.
3. Overwatering
Excess moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for weeds. While your lawn needs water to thrive, overwatering weakens the grass and promotes shallow root growth. This makes it easier for weeds to establish themselves.
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
4. Ignoring Clippings
Leaving thick layers of grass clippings on your lawn after mowing can block sunlight and air circulation, suffocating the grass and creating ideal conditions for weed growth. Instead, mulch the clippings back into the lawn, where they can decompose and provide valuable nutrients.
5. Using Dull Mower Blades
Dull blades tear rather than cut the grass, leaving jagged edges that are susceptible to disease and stress. This weakens the grass and creates opportunities for weeds to invade.
Sharpen your mower blades regularly to ensure a clean cut that promotes healthy growth.
6. Mowing in the Same Direction
Repeatedly mowing in the same direction can compact the soil, making it harder for water and air to reach the grass roots. This weakens the grass and creates opportunities for weeds to take hold.
Vary your mowing pattern each time to prevent soil compaction and promote healthy growth.
7. Mowing When Wet
Mowing wet grass can lead to uneven cuts, clumping, and damage to the lawn. Wet clippings can also clog your mower and smother the grass, creating a favorable environment for weed seeds to germinate.
Wait for the grass to dry before mowing for a cleaner cut and healthier lawn.
8. Ignoring Bare Patches
Bare spots in your lawn are prime targets for weed infestation. If left unattended, these areas quickly become overrun with weeds. Promptly reseed or sod bare patches to establish a thick, healthy lawn that naturally crowds out unwanted plants.
9. Bagging Grass Clippings (In Most Cases)
While bagging clippings can be beneficial in certain situations (e.g., when the grass is excessively long or diseased), it’s generally best to leave them on the lawn.
Grass clippings decompose quickly, returning valuable nutrients to the soil and promoting healthy growth.
10. Mowing at the Wrong Time of Day
Mowing during the hottest part of the day can stress the grass, making it more susceptible to damage and disease. The heat can also cause the cut grass to dry out quickly, preventing it from decomposing properly. Mowing in the early morning or late afternoon allows the grass to recover more easily and minimizes stress.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can cultivate a healthy, resilient lawn that naturally resists weed invasion.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.