Home Depot: How to ready your lawn for Spring
A well-maintained lawn not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of a property but also contributes to the overall health of grass. Before gardeners bring out their lawnmower for the first cut of the year, several things must be considered to ensure they get their first mow right as a little prep beforehand goes a long way. To share what needs to be done, David Truby, the managing director of Greensleeves has shared several tips to consider before cutting the grass. He explained the mornings and evenings are the best time to mow the lawn.
1. Check the weather
Before starting the first grass cut of the year, the lawn pro noted that it is important to check the weather forecast to see if the ground is dry enough to mow.
David warned: “Mowing wet grass can cause several problems, such as grass clumping under your lawnmower, which can then clog up the blades and the chute.
“This can be frustrating and time-consuming to fix, plus it can also spread disease.
“Wet grass is also more susceptible to disease and fungal growth, which can spread quickly if you mow over it.”
2. Remove debris
Removing debris such as branches, twigs, and stones from the lawn before mowing is an “essential step” to ensure that your lawnmower functions properly and the lawn looks “neat and well maintained”, according to the specialist.
He warned: “If you do not remove debris from your lawn, it can cause several problems, including damaging your mower blades or causing your lawnmower to get stuck.
“Stones and other hard debris can dull your mower’s blades, leading to an uneven cut and a damaged lawn.
“Additionally, branches or twigs on your lawn can become tangled in the blades of your mower, causing it to stop working altogether.”
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3. Check the mower
Before gardeners begin mowing their lawn, they must check that their lawnmower is in good working condition. This involves checking the oil level, blade sharpness and fuel level.
David explained: “Checking the oil level helps you identify whether your lawnmower’s engine is properly lubricated, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring it runs smoothly.
“Sharpening the blades of your lawnmower is essential to ensure a clean and even cut. A dull blade can tear the grass, leaving it marred and unsightly.”
Finally, checking that the lawnmower is fuelled up and ready to go ensures that gardeners will not have to interrupt their mowing halfway through to refill the tank.
4. Cut at the right time
David said: “Believe it or not, cutting your grass at the right time is significant to helping your lawn thrive.”
As the weather slowly gets warmer, the expert recommends cutting the grass in the morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler.
David explained: “When you mow during these cooler times, your grass will be less likely to wilt and can recover more quickly. By cutting your grass at the right time, you can ensure that your lawn looks its best and is healthier overall.”
5. Don’t cut too short
Gardeners should “avoid” cutting the grass too short because it will decrease the surface area of each blade of grass, “reducing its ability to grow” and nourish itself.
The lawn specialist said: “Cutting too short can stress the lawn and make it more susceptible to weeds and disease. At Greensleeves, we recommend not going any shorter than five or six centimetres. This way, you reduce the chances of scalping the lawn.”
6. Dispose of clippings
Disposing of grass clippings properly is “vital” to the “health and appearance” of a lawn, claimed David. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn can lead to a build-up of thatch, smothering the grass and making it more difficult for water and nutrients to reach the soil.
To dispose of grass clippings responsibly, gardeners can compost them or bag them for disposal. Composting grass clippings is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of them, providing a valuable source of organic matter for gardens or vegetable beds.
Grass clippings can also be added to regular compost bins to create nutrient-rich compost for the garden.
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