Mowing is one of the most basic and common lawn care tasks. It's also one of the most important because proper mowing techniques can help your lawn stay healthy and look good all season long. But if you make these common mowing mistakes, you could be doing more harm than good.

1. Cutting Your Lawn Too Short

One of the most common mowing mistakes is cutting your lawn too short. When you cut your lawn too short, you're removing too much of the grass blade. This can stress your lawn and make it more susceptible to weeds and pests. It can also lead to scalping, which is when you remove so much of the grass blade that you expose the soil below. This can damage your lawn and make it difficult for new grass to grow.

2. Mowing Using Dull Blades

Using dull blades can also lead to scalping. Dull blades tear your grass rather than cut it cleanly. This doesn't just damage the grass—it also wastes energy since dull blades require more effort to cut through the grass. Dull blades can also cause you to miss spots, which can lead to an unkempt-looking lawn.

3. Mowing When It's Wet

Mowing your lawn when it's wet can damage the grass and increase the likelihood of weed growth. Wet grass is more likely to clump together, making it difficult for the mower blade to cut through it cleanly. Mowing when the soil is wet can also create mud, which can damage your mower and make your lawn look sloppy.

4. Mowing in the Same Direction Every Time

Mowing in the same direction every time can create ruts in your lawn. Ruts make it difficult for water and air to reach the soil, which can stress your lawn and lead to weed growth. Mowing in opposite directions can help prevent this from happening.

5. Not Removing Debris from the Mower Deck

Before you put your mower away, be sure to remove any debris from the deck. Debris can clog the mower blades and lead to poor performance. It can also damage the blades and cause them to wear out more quickly.

6. Ignoring Safety Precautions

When mowing, it's important to follow all of the safety precautions. Never mow when you're in a hurry, and always be aware of what's around you. Keep children and pets out of the yard while you're mowing, and make sure to stop the mower if someone enters the yard. Always wear eye protection and gloves, and don't put your hands near the blades.

A survey by Harris Poll found out that 67% of Americans think that professional landscaping would make their yard nicer. Don't let these mowing mistakes ruin your lawn. Instead, contact us, and we'll help you maintain your lawn properly.