Garden expert shares top lawn mowing tips ahead of first cut to avoid ‘causing damage’
A gardening expert has shared top tips on perfecting the first mow of the year. According to the pro, depending on the weather now is a great time to give the lawn a cut.
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Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, said: “Mid to end of March is usually the perfect time for the first cut of the year because the temperatures are getting warmer and the grass is not dormant anymore.
“At the moment rain is predicted for most of March so it’s best to keep an eye on your local weather forecast before giving your lawn its first cut.
“If you’ve had rainy days in your area recently, wait until the grass has completely dried to prevent compacting the soil.
“To prevent causing damage to your lawn, make sure that the blades are on a high cut setting, otherwise you will weaken your grass and attract weeds and moss.
“You may also consider leaving a little corner in your garden uncut to provide food and shelter for the wildlife.”
To perfect the first mow of the year, make sure to sharpen the blades to give you the best results.
It is also important to clear any twigs, fallen leaves or rubbish that have accumulated on the lawn during winter.
The expert warned not to skip this step or you could end up damaging the lawnmower.
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He added: “Set the blades on the highest setting and give the grass a light trim only, making sure you don’t cut down more than a third of the grass’ height.
"This will promote grass growth without damaging it or attracting weeds.
“If your lawn is wet, avoid walking or mowing it to prevent soil compaction.
“Compacted soil hinders water, air, and nutrient transport, making it difficult for grass to grow.”
After the first cut of the year, make sure to mow the lawn at least every two weeks during spring.
As the temperatures get warmer and grass grows quicker, it’s best to move on to a weekly routine.