Mowing in Minnesota

Mowing your lawn all season long can often feel like an overwhelming demand. It requires time, equipment ownership and upkeep, and knowledge of proper grass height and watering requirements. Correct lawn mowing promotes deeper root growth, minimizes the presence of weeds, and enhances your grass's natural resilience against diseases and pests.
Whether you plan to tackle the task yourself or hire a lawn mowing service, there are several guidelines that should be followed to maintain a healthy, lush lawn here in Minnesota.

1. Choose the Right Mower: Make sure you have a mower suitable for the size and terrain of your lawn. For larger yards or rough terrain, a riding mower might be more efficient. For smaller yards, a push mower or electric mower could be more practical.
2. Set the Blade Height: Adjust your mower's cutting height according to the type of grass you have and the time of year. In Minnesota, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue thrive, and they generally benefit from taller mowing heights, especially during hot weather, to promote root growth and retain moisture.
3. Mow Regularly: Keep to a regular mowing schedule during the growing season, typically from late spring to early fall. This ensures you're not cutting off more than one-third of the grass blade at any one time, which can stress the grass.
4. Sharpen Blades: Regularly sharpen your mower blades to ensure a clean cut. Dull blades can tear the grass, leaving it vulnerable to disease and pests.
5. Follow the One-Third Rule: Never cut off more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing session. Cutting too much at once can weaken the grass and expose it to stress and diseases.
6. Mow When Dry: Try to mow when the grass is dry to ensure a clean cut and prevent clumping of wet grass clippings. Wet grass can also cause your mower to clog and make mowing more difficult.
7. Leave Clippings: Consider leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. They can provide valuable nutrients to the soil as they decompose, acting as a natural fertilizer.
8. Be Mindful of Watering: Adjust your mowing schedule based on rainfall and watering patterns. Avoid mowing right after heavy rain or watering to prevent compacting the soil and damaging the grass.
9. Alternate Mowing Patterns: Change your mowing direction regularly to prevent soil compaction and to encourage upright grass growth.
   
10. Be Safe: Always follow safety precautions when mowing, including wearing appropriate clothing, eye protection, and hearing protection if using a loud mower.