6 Tips for Mowing Your Lawn Like A Professional in Calgary

Lawn maintenance is more than just a chore; it’s an art. Adhering to a consistent maintenance routine not only preserves the vitality of your turf but also provides it ample opportunity to thrive. Equip yourself with the finest tools for lawn care, and your grass will reward you with robust growth for seasons on end.

1. When Experts Say is the Best Time to Mow

For the healthiest lawn, the prime mowing time is suggested to be mid-morning. This allows any overnight moisture to evaporate and avoids the intense midday heat, which can stress the grass. The frequency of mowing depends on the season and your geographical area. Typically, during the summer, mowing weekly is ideal, while a span of 2-5 weeks is adequate from autumn through to winter and spring to summer. Springtime requires vigilance due to variable weather, so adjust your mowing schedule based on the growth rate and weather patterns..

2. Grass Height Essentials: Ideal Lawn Height for Calgary’s Climate

The appearance of your lawn is a reliable indicator of when it’s time to mow. A good practice is to remove only 30–40 percent of the grass blade during each mowing session to encourage healthy root development and overall lawn health.

In Calgary, where the climate favors cool-season grasses, the recommended mowing heights are as follows:

• Kentucky Bluegrass: Keep this lush grass at a height of about 45-60mm for optimal health.
• Perennial Ryegrass: This durable grass variety does well when maintained at 40-50mm.
• Creeping Red Fescue: Ideal for less accessible areas, it should be kept at 40-50mm.

During the shaded periods or cooler months, it’s advisable to let your grass grow slightly longer to protect it. if you’re uncertain about the right height, a barefoot stroll on your lawn should be comfortable without giving the sensation of sinking into the grass.

3. Grass Recycling: Sustainable Clipping Management

Dispensing with the bagging of grass clippings can be a boon for your lawn’s ecosystem. These clippings are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, acting as natural fertilizers. By leaving them on the lawn, you’re not only saving time and effort but also enriching the soil.

Contrary to common belief, grass clippings left on the lawn do not lead to thatch buildup. Thatch is a layer of organic matter that accumulates between the soil surface and the live grass, and it decomposes naturally when mowing is done consistently and at the correct height. This natural process returns nutrients to the soil and promotes a healthy lawn.

4. Wet Lawn Mowing Tips: Guidelines for Mowing Damp Grass

It’s generally best to avoid mowing your lawn while it’s wet to prevent the spread of diseases and protect your mower from clogging. Wet conditions can also lead to soil compaction, harming your lawn’s health over time. If you must mow in damp conditions, ensure your mower’s blades are sharp for a clean cut, and consider raising the blade height to reduce stress on the grass and prevent tearing. Remember to clean your mower afterwards to maintain its performance.

5. Mower Selection Guide: Choosing the Perfect Lawn Mower

Selecting the right lawn mower hinges on several factors: the grass species, lawn expanse, and terrain type. For expansive lawns, a mower with a broad cutting width can expedite the task. For compact spaces or occasional use, electric, cordless, or manual mowers are preferable. Conversely, petrol mowers and ride-ons, despite needing more maintenance and fuel, are robust enough to handle vast and uneven landscapes with ease.

6. Safety First: Lawn Mowing Safety Measures

When it comes to lawn mowing, your safety is paramount. Always equip yourself with protective gear such as goggles, gloves, earmuffs, and sturdy shoes. Be vigilant of flying debris, and ensure the area is clear of bystanders.

Before embarking on your mowing journey, a thorough scan of the lawn for obstacles like toys, branches, or stones is crucial. And remember, safety doesn’t take a break; always power down the mower before attending to the grass catcher, clearing blockages, performing inspections, or traversing non-grassy terrains.

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