Don't cut your grass too short, particular for cool season grasses. Higher heights usually provide for a deeper root system, looks better, and is less likely to have weeds invading, particularly crabgrass.
Don't remove any more than one third of the grass leaf at any one cutting. If circumstances arise that a lawn gets too tall and you just have to lop off a bunch to get caught up, bite the bullet and break it down into several mowings to get caught up with 3 or so days between cuttings.
Try to avoid mowing when the grass is wet.
When mowing only a third with each cutting, you can safely leave clippings that will quickly decompose and add nutrients back into the soil. Contrary to popular opinion, grass clippings do not add to thatch buildup. Grass blades are made up of about 75% water.
Mow your lawn in a different direction with each mowing, especially with lawns of shorter grass types. Altering the direction ensures a more even cut since grass blades will grow more erect and less likely to develop into a set pattern.
Keep your mower's blade sharp, which means having it sharpened several times during the mowing season. Keep several blades around so you'll always have a sharp one on hand.
Don't forget to change your mower's oil at least once during the mowing season.
If you didn't drain your gas tank in the fall, or use a fuel stabilizer, don't use that old gas, it can cause a number of problems. Better to use fresh gasoline to begin the new mowing season.

Grass Variety	Mowing Height Range (inches)	Optimal Mowing Height (inches)	Normal Mowing Frequency (days)
Buffalograss	2.0 — 4.0	2.5	7 — 14
Centipedegrass	1.5 — 2.5	2.0	7 — 14
Common Bermudagrass	1.0 — 3.0	1.5	3 — 7
Hybrid Bermudagrass	0.75 — 2.0	1.0	3 — 7
Kentucky Bluegrass	1.5 — 3.0	2.0	5 — 7
St. Augustinegrass	2.5 — 4.0	2.5	5 — 7
Tall Fescue	2.0 — 4.0	2.5	7 — 14
Texas Bluegrass (Reveille)	1.5 — 3.0	2.0	5 — 7
Zoysia japonica (coarse bladed Zoysia)	1.0 — 2.5	1.5	7 — 10
Zoysia matrella (fine bladed Zoysia)	0.75 — 2.5	1.0	5 — 7

Mowing has a major impact on lawn appearance and health, yet is often overlooked in terms of importance. Homeowners need to follow a few simple guidelines to assure lawns are being mowed properly.
One very common mistake is mowing lawns too short. For most lawns, a mowing height between 2 to 3 inches is suggested; the upper range is best for summer. Lawns mowed at higher heights tend to have deeper roots, less weed problems, and look much better. Mowing too close invites problems such as weed invasions. Simply raising the mowing height can have a major impact on the quality of many home lawns. A height of 2 inches is fine when grasses are rapidly growing, but the height should be raised as growth slows, stress increases, and when the lawn is in shade. The first mowing before green-up could be slightly lower than normal.

Lawns should be mowed according to the rate of grass growth; remember not to remove more than one-third of the grass leaf in any one cutting. Mowing on a regular basis as the lawn needs it is essential. Don't mow when the grass is wet.

Another issue related to mowing is whether clippings should be collected. As long as the lawn is mowed on a regular basis and the clippings readily filter back down into the lawn, clippings do not need to be collected. Returned in this manner, clippings readily decompose (contain 75 - 80 percent water) and do not cause thatch. Clippings also recycle nutrients, in particular nitrogen, so less fertilizer is needed.

Selecting a mower can involve a number of factors, many being personal preference. Rotary mowers are the most widely used type on home lawns. Both conventional rotary mowers with bag attachments and mulching mowers are readily available for homeowners. A study at the University of Illinois showed mulching mowers did not provide any additional benefit over conventional rotary mowers returning clippings assuming proper mowing frequency and lawn fertilizing was followed. Regardless of the type of mower, blades need to be kept sharp.

Mow in the direction that is safest. Periodically change directions if desired, although mowing the same direction each time should not be a problem on taller turf typical of home lawns. The first and last mowing of the year should be at a height of about 2 inches; avoid scalping in spring and allowing the grass to remain excessively high at the end of fall.

SAFETY MOWING TIPS

Keep children and pets out of the yard while mowing.
Do a walk-through of the area before you begin mowing. Clear the area of large sticks or other debris.
Wear clothing that offers some protection, like sturdy shoes with non-slip soles to provide good traction. Wear eye protection, like glasses, sunglasses, or goggles, while mowing.
Read the operating guide for your mower. Make sure you understand all of its safety features prior to use. Make sure your new power mower has a "deadman" control that stops the mower if you let go of the handle. Do not disable this or other safety features of your mower.
Do not cut the lawn when it's raining, lightning, or when the grass is slippery.
Adolescents should be at least 12 years of age before they operate lawn-mowing equipment. Discuss lawn mower safety with all of your children.
Never allow young children to ride alone on a riding mower.
Caution adolescents who are operating lawn-mowing equipment to avoid carelessly placing hands near power blades. Do not clean the grass exit with your hands.
Do not push a lawn mower onto the pavement. The lawn keeps objects from being hurled at a high speed. On the pavement, there is no such protection.
Make sure your mower is in good working condition at all times.
Do not operate a mower when under the influence of alcohol or other drugs that impair judgment.

Keeping your lawn healthy
and well groomed

MOWING TIPS

SELECTING THE RIGHT MOWING HEIGHT

SAFETY MOWING TIPS

Keeping your lawn healthy and well groomed

MOWING TIPS

SELECTING THE RIGHT MOWING HEIGHT

SAFETY MOWING TIPS

Keeping your lawn healthy
and well groomed