Want to be on the cutting edge of mowing your lawn properly? Follow these simple rules to get it right.

Tip 1: Set Your Mower High

Set your mower at the highest preferred setting for your grass type, cutting only the top 1/3 of the grass blades at any one time. Why? Because properly mowed grass can grow and support more roots and develop a deeper root system to find water and nutrients in the soil. Cutting too aggressively, or scalping the lawn, forces grass plants to re-grow their blades, not deepen roots, and also makes your lawn more prone to weeds. Hint: Most grass types prefer your mower set to the one of the highest settings, providing a 3-4 inch cut. Zoysiagrass and centipedegrass prefer a middle mower setting, while bermudagrass and creeping bentgrass thrive a one of the lowest mower settings.

Tip 2: Mow a Dry Lawn

Wait for your lawn to dry before mowing. Cutting wet grass can result in an uneven cut. Wet clippings can clog your mower, too, dumping clumps of grass on your lawn which can smother the grass and result in brown spots.

Tip 3: Vary Your Mowing Pattern

Mow in a different direction every time you mow. By varying the mowing pattern, you help avoid compacting soil. Plus, grass will stand up nice and tall since it typically leans in the direction you mow.

Tip 4: Mow As Needed

Mow only as often as needed for your grass type, growing conditions, growth pattern and season. In spring, that may mean twice a week. In summer, you may only have to mow every other week.

Tip 5: Wait for a Good Mowing Height with a New Lawn

Mow new seedlings when they’ve reached a mowing height. Do not cut more than the top 1/3 of the grass blades. A dramatic cutting can shock and stress new grass plants, slowing down the growth of your new lawn.

Tip 6: Leave Grass Clipping on your Lawn

Leave grass clippings on your lawn, when possible. If you mow at the right height as often as needed, clippings break down quickly, contributing nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil. Hint: If you do bag clippings, toss them in the garden as mulch or compost them?but only if you?ve not used any lawn weed control products. Do not use clippings treated with weed control products in the garden for 1 year.

Tip 7: Keep Your Mower Blade Sharp

Keep mower blades sharp for the cleanest cut, sharpening at the first sign of wear. Dull blades tear up grass, causing a grayish-brown color. Contact us for a no-obligation quote to have your lawn maintained regularly! www.scotts.com