Hey there, it’s Mr. Lee from Lee’s General Landscaping again! Let’s talk about mowing—one of the most routine parts of lawn care, but also one of the most important. The way you mow can make a huge difference in how your lawn looks and grows. Get it right, and you’ll have thick, green grass that turns heads and stays strong, even in Seattle’s ever-changing weather.
Finding the Right Height for Your Grass
Just like people, different grasses have different “haircut” preferences.
- Cool-Season Grasses (like fescue and Kentucky bluegrass): Aim for about 2.5 to 4 inches. Keeping them a bit taller, especially during Seattle’s warmer months, helps them stay strong and healthy.
- Warm-Season Grasses (like Bermuda or zoysia): These prefer 1 to 2.5 inches. They can handle a shorter cut and still look great.
- Fine Fescues and Bentgrass: About 1 to 2 inches works well. These delicate grasses do best when kept on the shorter side.
When your grass stays within these sweet spots, roots grow deeper, and the lawn naturally fends off weeds and disease.
How Often Should You Mow?
The simple rule: never cut off more than one-third of the grass height at a time. If your grass is 3 inches tall, don’t cut more than an inch.
By Season:
- Spring: Grass grows fast! You may mow weekly or whenever it seems to be getting too tall. Frequent, light trims are best.
- Summer: Growth slows during hotter spells. Mow less often and consider raising the blade height a little to protect the grass from heat stress.
- Fall: Growth picks up a bit when it cools down. Every 1-2 weeks is usually fine.
- Winter: In Seattle’s mild winters, cool-season grasses might still grow a bit. Mow only if needed. If growth stops, give the mower a rest.
Following the one-third rule and adjusting by season helps keep your lawn healthy and stress-free.
Keeping Your Mower in Shape
Your mower is your lawn’s barber—so keep those “scissors” sharp and clean!
- Sharpen the Blades: Dull blades tear the grass, leaving brownish edges. Sharp blades mean clean cuts and a greener look. Aim for at least two sharpenings per growing season.
- Clean It Up: After mowing, brush off clippings and dirt. This helps prevent rust and keeps your mower running smoothly.
- Fresh Fuel: Stale fuel can lead to engine trouble. Start each season with fresh gas, and consider draining or stabilizing fuel at the end of the year.
- Oil and Air Filter: Change these regularly. A well-maintained engine will last longer and give more even cuts.
A well-tuned mower doesn’t just help your lawn—it saves you time, money, and headaches down the road.
Grasscycling: Letting Your Lawn Recycle Itself
Don’t bag those clippings—let them work for you!
Why Grasscycle?
- Natural Fertilizer: Those clippings are packed with nutrients. As they break down, they feed your grass, so you’ll rely less on extra fertilizer.
- Moisture Retention: Clippings act like a protective blanket, helping the soil hold onto moisture. That’s a big plus during drier spells.
- Less Waste: You’re not hauling bags of grass to the compost or the bin—less work for you and less waste in landfills.
How to Do It:
- Use a mulching blade if possible—it chops clippings into fine pieces that break down quickly.
- Keep up with mowing so you’re cutting just a bit at a time; too-long clippings can clump and smother your lawn.
- Aim for dry conditions. Wet clippings tend to stick and form clumps.
Grasscycling saves time, money, and helps create a self-sustaining lawn ecosystem.
Wrapping It Up
Mowing the right way makes a huge difference. Keep your grass at the right height, mow often enough (but not too often), and maintain your mower like a pro. Consider grasscycling to naturally feed your lawn and keep it looking its best. If you need more help or have questions about your lawn, give me a shout at Lee’s General Landscaping. With over 30 years in Seattle, I’m here to help your lawn look its absolute best!
When we roll out your new lawn, we trust JB sod because it’s like picking the perfect carpet for your living room—soft, sturdy, and made to last. JB’s been growing high-quality grass in the Northwest for decades, ensuring that every patch is lush, vibrant, and ready to thrive in our Seattle weather. It’s a simple way to give your yard the reliable, beautiful foundation it deserves.
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