10 Lawn Mowing Mistakes I've Made -And You Probably Have Too

Mowing the lawn seems pretty easy, right? Well, there are a few slip-ups that can turn your lush green into a weed wonderland.

We’re here to break down 10 easy-to-make mowing mistakes that might be tripping you up. From the best time to mow to handling those clippings, getting these right can mean the difference between a so-so yard and a spectacular one.

Don’t Bag the Clippings Every Time

Dont Bag the Clippings Unless Necessary — Image Credit: songphon from Getty Images/Canva Pro.

You might think that bagging grass clippings after every mow is the way to keep your lawn tidy, but actually, it’s better to leave them be. Except for when your grass is unusually long or sick, those clippings can do some good. They break down quickly, which gives back essential nutrients to the soil and promotes a healthier, greener lawn.

Don’t Put Off Mowing

It might be tempting to skip a few mowing sessions, especially when life gets busy, but letting your grass grow too tall can lead to a whole heap of issues.

Overgrown grass tends to get cut unevenly, which stresses it out and can smother the healthy blades beneath with clippings. These clumps not only look messy but also create the perfect conditions for weeds to thrive.

Don’t Mow in the Midday Heat

Choosing when to mow can be as important as how you mow. Going at it during the midday heat isn’t just tough on you, it’s hard on your grass too.

Mowing in the heat can stress the grass, which makes it more likely to suffer from damage or disease. It also speeds up the drying of cut grass, which can prevent it from decomposing properly and returning nutrients to the soil.

Don’t Mow on Wet Grass

Mowing your lawn right after a rainstorm or early morning dew might save time, but it does a number on your grass. Wet grass tends to bend over, leading to uneven cuts, and the clippings clump together, which can clog your mower. Plus, those wet clippings sitting on your lawn can smother the grass and invite weeds to start growing.

Don’t Overlook Bare Patches

Seeing bare spots on your lawn? These patches are like welcome mats for weeds, giving them a perfect spot to settle and spread. To keep your lawn lush and weed-free, tackle these bare spots fast. Whether you choose to reseed or lay down some sod, filling in these gaps quickly is important.

Don’t Mow with Dull Blades

Dont Forget to Sharpen That Mower Blade — Image Credit: isuaneye from Getty Images/Canva Pro.

If you’re mowing with dull blades, you’re not actually cutting the grass, you’re tearing it. This leaves the grass with jagged edges that are more prone to disease and stress.

Over time, this weakens your lawn, making it a playground for weeds looking for a place to settle. To keep your lawn healthy and resilient, make sure to sharpen your mower blades regularly.

Don’t Stick to One Path

Mowing your lawn in the same pattern every time can actually harm your grass. Constantly mowing in the same direction compacts the soil beneath, which makes it tough for water and air to penetrate the grass roots. This can lead to a weaker lawn and give weeds a chance to thrive.

Don’t Drown Your Grass

While it’s true that your lawn needs water to stay green and lush, there’s such a thing as too much love. Overwatering can actually soften your lawn, making it a prime spot for weeds to take root.

Excess moisture weakens grass and encourages shallow roots, which are less able to compete with weeds. Instead, aim to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Don’t Ignore the Clippings

After mowing, you might see a carpet of grass clippings left on your lawn and think it’s best to just leave them be. However, leaving a thick layer of clippings can actually smother your grass by blocking vital sunlight and air from reaching the soil. This can suffocate your lawn and create a haven for weeds.

The smarter move? Mulch those clippings right back into your lawn. They’ll break down and return nutrients to the soil, helping your grass grow nice and thick, which will naturally crowd out any unwanted weeds.

Don’t Scalp Your Lawn

Myth Cutting Grass Shorter Reduces Mowing Frequency — Image Credit: Pgiam from Getty Images Signature/Canva Pro.

Mowing your lawn too short might seem like a time-saver, but it actually does more harm than good. When you cut grass too short, you leave bare patches that are perfect for weeds to settle in and take over.

What’s worse, a scalped lawn can’t shade the soil effectively, which just invites more weed seeds to sprout under the extra sunlight. Stick to trimming no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.