We recommend performing bi-weekly lawn maintenance in March. We have found that this schedule encourages growth in most yards. Furthermore, we recommend that your first mow be a “mow low and bag.” You can mulch your grass at almost every mowing service for the season, but the first one really should be bagged.

What should I do before my first mow of the year?

Before you get started, we recommend raking. Doing so before you mow will allow you to pull up any thatch that may have accumulated over the winter. In addition, raking will highlight any dead areas that will need additional resources and attention once you begin working on your yard.

When should I start bagging my lawn?

The only time it's better to bag grass clippings is when your grass is extremely overgrown, meaning the blades are several inches tall. It's best to still remove only one-third of the grass height per mowing session, gradually reducing the grass to the appropriate height.

Is it better to mow with a bag or without?

If you tend to mow less frequently and your clippings are long, it's best to bag them. Large clumps of grass left sitting on your lawn can rot, killing the live grass underneath it. Successful mulching requires that the grass is chopped into little pieces.

Should you water after mowing?

So, should you water after mowing? The simple answer is yes, but only if your grass needs the moisture. If you've had a rainy week and the grass isn't showing footprints or other signs of dehydration, you can probably put off watering for a bit longer.

FIRST MOW of the year

Is it OK to mow leaves instead of raking?

You can skip raking completely by mowing over leaves and chopping them into small pieces. If you plan to compost leaves, chopping them first speeds up decomposition. Use a grass catcher to gather leaves as you mow over them. You also can allow leaf pieces to decompose in place on the lawn.

Is side discharge better than mulching?

Side discharge mowers provide the highest quality cut, work faster than mulching mowers, and can be easily modified for use mulching if the situation calls for it. This makes a side discharge mower a more versatile tool in your shed.

Does bagging grass help with weeds?

Bagging grass clippings can help to prevent spreading annual weed seeds (like crabgrass) into your lawn, but if you mow frequently you may not need to (more on that in a moment).

Should the first mow of the season be short?

Along with monitoring when to start mowing your lawn, you'll want to be careful of how short that first cut is. The first mow should be more of a trim leaving grass as long as 3 or 3.5 inches.

When should you first cut grass after winter?

Mid-March is normally a safe time to begin mowing. Grass is one of the first plants to begin growing after winter and you will likely notice this spurt, but be sure to keep an eye on the forecast at this time of year. If a frost is due within 24 hours of cutting, you may damage your soil.

When should I cut my grass for the first time after winter?

1. Wait until temperatures have been consistently reaching at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Trying to cut grass that hasn't fully thawed from its winter nap can damage the tender blades.

Why you should not bag your grass?

Free Fertilizer

Not dumping chemicals on your lawn can save your money and help reduce run off fertilizer. Grass clippings will fall back into the lawn and return moisture and nutrients back into your yard. Never bag your grass. The key is small lawn clippings.

Should you fertilize before or after cutting lawn?

Though there are no hard, fast rules to lawn care, as a general rule, the grass should be mowed first, then fertilized; this removes excess lawn waste and exposes the soil, which helps the fertilizer work more efficiently.

Will mowing weeds spread them?

Yes, lawn mowers can spread weeds. Weeds and their seeds can get stuck under the deck of the lawn mower. Their seeds then can easily fall into other areas of the lawn, and thus spread even faster.

Are Gator blades better than regular blades?

So, what is the difference between a gator blade and a standard blade and why choose that for your mower? Unlike other mulching blades that push the grass down, the high lift on a gator blade draws the grass up which in turn gives you a clean, even cut.

Should I mulch every time I mow?

Most of the time, mulching your clippings is the best option. You should bag your clippings if the grass is tall, leaves are covering the lawn, or you need to prevent disease and weeds from spreading. Whether you're mulching or bagging, Hutson has the right tools for the job.

Why are there clumps of grass after mowing?

1 – It's too wet

Heavy mowers will start to sink into the grass and whip up moisture as they cut your grass, which causes grass to clump in matted wet wads that clog the deck of your mower and its catcher.

Can I just throw grass seed down on existing lawn?

Can you just sprinkle grass seed on top of your existing lawn? While it's possible to simply sow the new grass seed over your existing lawn, taking the time to prepare your lawn beforehand will increase the likelihood of seed germination and improve your end result.

Which direction should I cut my grass?

Lawn Mowing Pattern: Rows

The size and shape of your yard plays a part in what direction the rows should go. If your yard is more wide, mow in horizontal rows to cover the longest part of your lawn with the least amount of turns. Longer lawns can be cut vertically for the same reason.

Should you rake up grass after mowing?

If you mow when the grass is too high or too wet, you should rake up the clumps. If you do rake your clippings, consider composting them instead of bagging them and tossing them on the curb. Grass composts well, and in doing so, you can reclaim the nutrients in the grass to use on the rest of your landscaping later.

Can you mow over dog poop?

Scoop dog poop immediately after your dog goes to the bathroom (even in your own backyard). If not immediately, clean up all dog poop in your yard at least once a week. Never mow the lawn with dog poop in it. Your lawn mower will spread any bacteria or parasites in the poop all over your yard.

Is it better to leave leaves on the lawn over winter?

Excessive leaf matter on your lawn going into winter is bad for several reasons. First, it will smother the grass and if not removed very soon in the spring it will inhibit growth. Second, it can promote the snow mold diseases. And finally, turf damage from critters (voles, mice) can be more extensive in the spring.

Can you mow wet grass?

It's best to wait for wet grass to dry before mowing. Wet grass clippings can clog your mower, causing it to choke and spit out clumps of wet grass that could smother and kill your lawn if left unraked. It's best to wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.

Should you mow without a catcher?

One of the main benefits of mowing without a catcher is that the clippings contain high amounts of Nitrogen, a major element in all lawn fertilisers, and a nutrient which lawns require more than any other.