How to Mow Like You Actually Know What You’re Doing (Because Now You Will)
Look, mowing might not be the most glamorous gardening task (it’s no moon garden or butterfly haven), but it is one of the most important. In Canadian Growing Zone 5—yes, we’re talking to you, Georgina folk—how you mow can make or break the health of your lawn.
Done well, mowing sets the stage for dense, green, weed-resistant turf. Done poorly, it invites disease, drought stress, and a lawn that looks more “abandoned lot” than “cottage-chic.”
So whether you’re a first-timer with a brand-new mower or a seasoned mower warrior, here are 10+ game-changing mowing tips to make your grass greener on your side.
1. Mow High, Not Low
Ideal mowing height: 2.5–3 inches for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues.
Why it matters: Taller grass means deeper roots, better drought tolerance, and less weed pressure. Think of your lawn as a leafy umbrella—it shades the soil, retains moisture, and keeps weed seeds from getting cozy.
Quick fix: Raise that mower deck! Cutting too short (“scalping”) exposes the crown of the plant and leads to sunburned, stressed grass that’s vulnerable to disease.
2. Keep Your Blades Sharp
Check every: 15–20 mows, or at least 2–3 times a season.
Why it matters: Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it, leaving behind frayed brown edges that invite fungus and make your lawn look like it lost a fight.
Pro tip: If your lawn has a white or brown tint a day after mowing, your blades probably need sharpening. You can DIY with a file or take it to your local small-engine shop (like ours—wink wink).
3. Skip the Mow When It’s Wet
Mowing wet grass can lead to:
- Clogged mower decks
- Slippery conditions
- Torn-up turf
- Uneven cuts
- Ugly clumps that smother healthy grass
Patience pays off. Let the grass dry before you mow—it might take a few hours or even a day. Your mower will run smoother, and your lawn will thank you with fewer ruts and diseases.
4. Follow the One-Third Rule
What’s the rule? Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade in a single mowing session.
Why it matters: Cutting too much shocks the plant, weakens the root system, and causes yellowing or browning. Think of it as a haircut: trimming is good—buzzing it all off? Not so much.
Real-life example: If your lawn is 4.5 inches tall, don’t cut it below 3 inches. If it’s gotten too long (it happens), mow high, then mow again a few days later.
5. Switch Up Your Pattern
Grass likes variety, just like you do. Why alternate mowing directions?
- Prevents soil compaction from mower wheels
- Encourages upright growth
- Avoids the dreaded “mower ruts”
Try rotating: Horizontal one week, vertical the next, diagonal after that. Your lawn will look professionally striped without any fancy attachments.
6. Leave the Clippings (Grasscycling)
Leaving clippings behind = free fertilizer.
Why it’s good:
- Adds nitrogen back into the soil
- Helps retain moisture
- Reduces yard waste
When to bag instead:
- After mowing a very overgrown lawn
- If the clippings are too wet or clumpy
- If your lawn has disease (bag and dispose)
Mulching mowers are built for this, but even a standard mower can help your lawn “recycle” if you’re mowing regularly.
7. Stick to a Mowing Schedule
Spring & early summer: Every 5–7 days
Mid-late summer: Every 7–10 days (growth slows)
Fall: Back to every 5–7 days until dormancy hits
Why it matters: Regular mowing encourages thick, dense growth and prevents weeds from setting seed. It also keeps your mower from having to chomp through a jungle.
Bonus: Consistent mowing helps clippings break down more easily, so your lawn stays tidy without all that raking.
8. Mind Your Edges
A clean edge can elevate even an average lawn. Tools that help:
- String trimmer
- Manual edger
- Flat garden spade
Why it matters: Sharp edges between lawn and garden beds give your whole yard a manicured look—even if you haven’t weeded the garden (your secret’s safe with us).
Pro tip: Edge first, then mow. You’ll clean up trimmings as you go.
9. Don’t Mow During Drought
Signs of dormancy:
- Grass turns bluish-green or straw-coloured
- It doesn’t bounce back after you step on it
- No new growth after several days
What to do: Raise your blade height to its max and skip a few mowings. Water deeply (1 inch/week) in the early morning to support root health.
Why this helps: Mowing stressed grass weakens it further. It’s like trying to run a marathon when you’re sick—just don’t.
10. Clean Your Mower
How often: After each mow (quick clean), and monthly for a deeper scrub.
Why it matters:
- Prevents disease spread
- Improves mower performance
- Increases mower lifespan
What to do: Scrape grass from under the deck, check for stuck debris, and wipe down handles. Once a month, check the oil, air filter, and spark plug too.
11. Water Wisely
We know this is a mowing blog—but mowing and watering are BFFs.
Watering tips for healthy mowing:
- Water early in the morning (5–9am)
- Aim for 1–1.5 inches per week (including rain)
- Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep roots
Pro tip: Use a tuna can to measure sprinkler output—when the can’s full, you’ve reached an inch.
12. Consider Lawn Alternatives for Trouble Spots
Got shady patches where grass never grows? A slope that dries out faster than spilled coffee? Try this:
- Creeping thyme, clover, or low-growing sedges
- Mulch paths
- Decorative gravel or stepping stones
Why it helps your mowing game: Less struggling, less mowing, more beauty.
Final Thoughts: Mow Like a Pro, Not a Manic Goat
Better mowing isn’t about speed—it’s about strategy. By raising your blades, mixing up your patterns, and mowing with your lawn’s health in mind, you’re setting yourself up for thick, vibrant grass that can stand up to everything from summer BBQs to dog zoomies.
And if you’ve got questions, mower troubles, or just want to brag about your stripes? Come visit us at Georgina Garden Centre. We’ve got the tools, the turf tips, and the sass to help your lawn look its best. Plus, we won't judge your mower tan.
Happy gardening!