Mowing the lawn – How to mow correctly & keep your lawn healthy

A lush, green, dense lawn is the hallmark of any garden. To ensure your lawn truly stands out, you should consider a few basic aspects when mowing. In this article, you'll learn why mowing wet grass is a bad idea, the best time to mow, whether mowing is allowed on Sundays, how frequent mowing affects lawn density, and how to find the perfect cutting height in spring, summer, and fall. You'll also get tips on which lawn mower models are suitable for different needs and what to consider when buying.

Why and how often should you mow the lawn?

Regular mowing is crucial for ensuring your lawn develops beautifully evenly and, above all, healthily. While longer blades of grass can easily bend or stick together, a trimmed lawn remains more stable and is better aerated. This, in turn, prevents fungal and moss infestation and makes maintenance easier, as fertilizer, for example, can be distributed more evenly.

How often you should mow the lawn depends primarily on the time of year and the rate at which the grass grows. In spring , when temperatures rise and the grass sprouts quickly, weekly mowing is often a good idea. Usually, mowing once a week is sufficient. As soon as growth slows in the summer months and temperatures rise, you can adjust the frequency slightly. It is usually sufficient to mow the lawn every two weeks to keep it at the optimal height. In autumn , the grass grows more slowly again, so you can maintain the frequency or even increase it to every two or three weeks. It is important that you do not cut off more than a third of the blade length at one mowing session so that the grass is not weakened too much.

The optimal cutting height for every season

• Spring : After winter, you can cut the lawn to about 4 to 5 centimeters . This allows fresh air to reach the blades, and any bare patches can be easily identified and re-seeded. You can find tips on sowing lawns here.
• Summer : During the hot months, raise the cutting height to 5 to 6 centimeters . The longer blades protect the soil from excessive drying out and keep the lawn lush and green.
• Autumn : For the final cut before winter, experts recommend a height of around 4 centimeters . This ensures the grass is short enough to prevent rot, but still robust enough to survive the cold season.

Does frequent mowing make the lawn denser?

The answer is a resounding yes . Regularly trimming the blades encourages the grass to develop new side shoots. This results in a dense, even lawn in the long run, offering fewer opportunities for weeds and moss. However, be careful not to overdo it. A proven principle is to cut a maximum of one-third of the blade length and adjust the cut to suit the growth.

Mowing wet grass: Why is it not a good idea?

It may be tempting to quickly trim the lawn between rain showers, but it's generally advisable not to mow wet grass . Here are some reasons for this:

1. Sticky blades : Wet grass blades stick together and are difficult to cut. The result is an uneven cut, with the blades being torn rather than cut.
2. Increased risk of slipping : Wet ground can be slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Furthermore, the mower can quickly leave ruts on soft surfaces.
3. Susceptibility to disease : Shredded stalks are more susceptible to fungal infections and other diseases. A clean, dry cut reduces this risk.

If there is no other option, make sure you proceed with particular caution and empty the grass catcher regularly so that the moist clippings do not stick together.

The best time to mow

The optimal time to mow is late morning or early afternoon . At this time of day, the grass is usually dry, and temperatures are still moderate. Many people resort to mowing in the evening due to time constraints, but you should be considerate of noise pollution and current quiet hours. Also, keep in mind that you shouldn't mow too late in the day to ensure your neighbors have a peaceful evening.

Is it allowed to mow the lawn on Sundays?

In Germany, Sundays and public holidays are protected by statutory quiet periods. This means that you are generally not allowed to use the lawnmower on Sundays , as this activity is considered noisy. Some municipalities have even stricter regulations, so it's worth checking your local regulations. To avoid trouble with neighbors or even fines, it's best to schedule your lawn mowing on a weekday.

Tips for buying a lawnmower : Which model is right for you?

1. Hand-operated cylinder mowers : Ideal for small gardens and those who prefer quiet, emission-free machines. The precise cut is particularly gentle on the grass, but requires more effort.
2. Electric lawn mowers : Relatively quiet and lightweight, but somewhat limited by the cord. Pay attention to the motor power and a sufficiently long power cord.
3. Cordless lawn mowers : Cordless and versatile. However, battery capacity can be a limiting factor for larger areas. It's best to choose a model with a sufficiently powerful battery and a short charging time.
4. Petrol lawn mowers : A classic for large gardens, they're powerful and independent of power sources. However, they're louder, require more maintenance, and are more polluting than electric or battery-powered models.
5. Robotic lawnmowers : If you're short on time, this is a practical option. These robots maintain a constant lawn height, but they're more expensive to purchase and not always suitable for winding or hilly properties.

What should you pay attention to when buying?

• Area size : Estimate how many square meters your lawn is and adjust the mower's power and cutting width accordingly.
• Handling and comfort : A height-adjustable handle, a sufficiently large grass catcher and a lightweight chassis make working easier.
• Environment and noise : Battery-powered and electric lawn mowers are generally quieter and produce fewer pollutants than petrol models.
• Safety : An engine stop or a so-called “dead man’s switch” increases safety for you and your family.

Conclusion:

A well-maintained lawn doesn't have to be a waste of time or a waste of money. Those who adjust their mowing intervals to the growth, choose the right cutting height, and use the right equipment will quickly be rewarded with a thick, healthy lawn. Skip mowing on Sundays and public holidays, mow preferably in the dry morning hours, and let the lawn stand a little longer during heat-stricken summer weeks. This creates the ideal conditions for a perfectly maintained and robust lawn that will bring you year-round enjoyment. For even more tips for your lawn, read our articles on scarifying lawns and lawn protection.