Mowing your lawn isn’t as simple as just dragging your mower across the yard. There is a distinct difference in how a lawn looks when cut with a sharp lawnmower blade versus how it looks when it is shredded by a dull lawnmower blade. A sharp blade makes the lawn look manicured…neat and healthy.
Before mowing your lawn, you can look at the tips of your grass to know if it is time to sharpen. A dull blade can make your lawn appear yellow, brown and raggedy. A dull lawnmower blade may even pull up portions of the grass because it actually pulls on the entire plant instead of slicing through the blades of grass cleanly. Think of it like cutting a good steak; do you want to rip at it with a dull knife, or slice through like butter?
Benefits of Mowing Your Lawn With Sharp Blades
Mowing your lawn with a sharp blade will create a clean, straight cut. Sharp blades actually improve the overall health of your lawn. For example, clean-cut grass from a sharp mower recovers from a cut quicker. This allows the grass to fight off any chance of disease. Yes, grass can get diseased. There are specific types of grass diseases that are native to North Texas. Dallas is home to Dollar Spot grass disease, Large Patch/Brown Patch disease, Fairy Ring and Powerdery Mildew – which looks exactly like it sounds; as if there’s white powder dusted across your lawn.
Healthy grass can choke out pesky weeds and invasive grasses. Also, the act of mowing itself goes faster because the grass is easier to mow through. This also saves your mower’s engine from overworking or a blow-out. When a lawnmower works hard to cut the grass, it puts added stress on the motor. If not resolved, this will cause the mower to wear out more quickly.
Inspecting Your Blades
In the beginning of the mowing season, and sporadically throughout the season, do a full inspection of the mower blade. Look closely for nicks, dents, and bends. Also, inspect your lawn at this time to look for signs of a dull blade and lawn damage. Each time before you mow your lawn, be sure to clear any sticks or rocks that can damage your lawnmower or the mower’s blade.
How Sharp Should Your Blades Be?
It is important to sharpen your lawnmower blade 2-4 times per year, or about every 8 mowings. You don’t need an overly sharp blade, but definitely sharper than a butter knife. After carefully removing the blade from the mower, you can sharpen the blade yourself with a grinder. If you are not comfortable sharpening the lawnmower blade yourself, you can take it to a retailer who will sharpen and balance blade for you. When doing your own blade sharpening, be sure the lawnmower blade is balanced before replacing on the mower. It is helpful to keep your blade clean, washing after each mowing. This will extend the life of your lawnmower blade. Be sure to dry it well to prevent rust.
Executive Lawn Care Maintains Our Blades to Keep Your Grass Fresh
It is important to recognize when it is time to replace the blade instead of sharpening. Changing a blade is pretty simple and can be completed in just a few minutes. It’s a good idea to always have an extra blade available.
A nicely manicured lawn can be the envy of the neighborhood. A sharp lawnmower blade will ensure that your grass is mowed to it’s the best appearance, and it will guarantee that your mowing job is as easy as possible. Executive Lawn Care has the experience to know how sharp our blades need to be for a healthy lawn. Contact us today to schedule your residential services.
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