Maintaining your lawn can become challenging when dealing with wet or long grass, especially after a period of neglect such as a holiday. Here are some practical mowing tips and tricks to help you, your lawn mower, and your lawn when faced with these conditions.
Mowing a Wet Lawn
Mowing a wet lawn requires extra care to ensure both your mower and the grass stay in good condition:
- Squeegee Off Moisture: Drag a hose across the lawn to remove excess rain or dew. This helps the grass dry quicker.
- Raise Mowing Height: Adjust the mower to a higher setting to reduce strain on the mower.
- Empty Bag Frequently: Lighter loads make it easier for you and the mower to manage the clippings.
- Reduce Speed: Slow down your mowing speed to ease the load on the mower blade.
- Prevent Clogging: Wet grass can clog the mower, so clear it regularly and avoid any risky manoeuvres with the engine running.
- Clean the Mower: After mowing, hose down the mower and leave it in a ventilated area to dry properly.
Cutting Long Grass
Returning from a holiday to an overgrown lawn can be daunting. Here’s how to tackle it effectively:
- Pre-Holiday Preparation: Stick to your normal mowing height before leaving and avoid watering or feeding the lawn in the six weeks prior to your holiday.
- Post-Holiday Mowing: On returning, follow the one-third rule. Start by mowing at a higher setting to cut only the top third of the grass. Wait a few days and then mow again at a lower setting. Repeat until you reach your normal mowing height.
- Use the Right Mower: A rotary mower is more effective for long grass. If you only have a cylinder mower, consider borrowing or hiring a rotary mower temporarily.
- Deal with Yellow Grass: After cutting long grass, you might notice yellow patches. This is due to lack of light reaching the lower parts of the grass. Gradually reducing the grass height helps mitigate this. The grass will eventually green up again.
Managing ‘Leggy’ Grass
Leggy grass results from repeated mowing in the same direction with a high-setting mower, causing the grass to grow at an angle. Here’s how to manage it:
- Rake and Mow: Rake the grass to make it stand upright and then mow from a different direction.
- Repeat as Needed: You might need to repeat this process several times to achieve an even cut.
- Prevent Future Issues: Change mowing direction regularly if using a mower with a roller. Lower the mowing height slightly if using a high-setting mower without a roller. If using a hover mower, consider switching to a rotary mower to avoid these issues.
Additional Tips
- Avoid Frequent Short Cuts: Cutting the grass too short too often can lead to stress and damage. Follow the one-third rule consistently.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly sharpen mower blades and ensure the mower is in good working condition to achieve the best results.
- Observe Grass Health: Pay attention to signs of stress or poor health in your lawn and adjust mowing practices accordingly.
By following these guidelines, you can manage wet and long grass effectively, ensuring your lawn remains healthy and attractive throughout the growing season.
