Tips for Lawn Mowers

The Art of Mowing

• Note that a lawn is not simply a green carpet that requires an occasional once over by the lawn mower to maintain appearances. A lawn is a collection of living organisms that can be damaged by unchecked ravaging with a rotating blade. The grass on lawns must recover from the ordeal of being mowed or they can weaken and become prone to disease or dehydration. If the grass is more than 6 inches long, or thatching, cut 2 inches from the top and let the grass rest before going back for the rest. This small cut will allow the grass plants to compensate by reconfiguring their energy distribution.

Maintain Regularly

• Lawns, of course, should be regularly maintained, but so should their lawn mowers. Mowers should be kept rust free and well oiled. Because of heavy vibration during operation, ensure the nuts, bolts and screws are tight before every use. Change the gas and oil regularly to keep sludge and buildup from forming in the engine. Most importantly, check the blades for rust, chips or dullness. A dull blade can lead to a ruined lawn and even stalling of the engine.

Be Safe

• Safety is sometimes forgotten when performing a regular household chore such as mowing the lawn. Remember that mowing the lawn involves rotating a series of sharpened blades at high speed to cut grass along a path that frequently includes bits of hard material that can be tossed out of the mower at high speeds. Wear long pants when working and keep small children at a safe distance.

Mow Dry

• Mowing the lawn should be done after the grass has had a chance to dry from morning condensation or rain. Mowing wet grass can often cause clogs in the mower's blade system or output chute. Additionally, mowing a wet lawn can cause the lawn mower to carry lawn diseases, such as fungus or mildew, from one part of the lawn to the entire lawn.