Mowing your lawn isn’t just an ordinary chore that has to be done every weekend.  It’s one of the most important ways to keep grass healthy and attractive.  Done correctly, mowing makes the lawn thicker, cuts down on weeds, and even fertilizes the grass.  Here are some pointers for getting the best results from mowing the lawn.

Mowing helps grass divide and grow thicker, which in turn chokes out weeds.  Mow the grass frequently, taking no more than a third of the grass blade off at a time.  Depending on the type of grass in the lawn, the optimal height can range from half an inch to four inches high.

Plan to mow more often in warm, humid conditions and during times of active growth.  When the weather is hot and dry, or when grass is in a phase of slow growth, you should reduce the frequency of mowing.

Instead of raking up grass clippings, you can leave them on the lawn.  They make an excellent and free fertilizer.  However, if the clippings are too thick and don’t break down quickly, they can contribute to the buildup of undecomposed organic matter over the soil.  This buildup is called thatch.  A thin layer of it won’t hurt the lawn, but too much leads to soil compaction.  Excessive thatch also prevents air from circulating near the soil.  One way to avoid this problem is to use a mulching mower.  As you push it over the lawn, it chops grass clippings into smaller bits that start to decompose almost immediately.

Keep the blade or blades on the lawnmower sharp.  A sharp blade cuts cleanly, whereas a dull blade tears the grass and leaves it more susceptible to disease.  Take time to clean grass off the lawnmower after use.

Mow in a different direction each time to avoid compacting the soil and creating wear patterns.  As you work your way over the lawn, each pass of the mower should overlap the previous one slightly.  Avoid cutting the grass when it’s wet or the cut will be uneven.

Lawnmowers come in a wide range of styles and prices.  If you dislike the pollutants created by a gas-powered mower, you can opt for an electric mower.  Or go totally green and buy yourself a manual mower that operates solely on your pushing power.  Manual lawnmowers are making a comeback among homeowners because they are quiet, non-polluting, and require little maintenance.

By now you probably have a greater appreciation for the role of mowing in organic lawn care.  Cutting the grass correctly is a simple but vital step in keeping the lawn healthy.  Follow these tips and you will be improving the condition of your lawn every time you mow.