By Ley’s Lawn Care
Experts in residential and commercial lawn care across Oakland County, Michigan
Why Mowing Matters More Than You Think
Believe it or not, how you mow your lawn has a huge impact on how healthy and attractive it looks. It’s not just about keeping the grass short — it’s about helping it thrive.
At Ley’s Lawn Care, we use pro techniques every time we mow, and here’s how you can do the same between our visits.
🔪 1. Sharpen Your Blade
A dull mower blade tears grass instead of cutting it, leaving ragged brown tips that weaken the lawn and invite disease.
Sharpen your blade every 20–25 hours of mowing, or once per season at minimum.
🌿 2. Mow High and Consistently
The ideal mowing height for most lawns in Oakland County is:
- Cool-season grasses (e.g. Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue): 3 to 3.5 inches
- Hot summer months: Raise to 3.5–4 inches to retain moisture
Mowing too low stresses the grass, promotes weed growth, and leads to thin, patchy areas.
🔄 3. Change Your Mowing Pattern
Don’t mow the same direction every time. Alternate your pattern — front to back one week, side to side the next. This prevents ruts and encourages upright grass growth.
🌞 4. Time It Right
- Best Time to Mow: Late morning or early evening (when grass is dry and temps are mild)
- Avoid: Early mornings (wet grass), mid-day heat (stressed turf), or right after rainfall
🧪 5. Mulch, Don’t Bag (Most of the Time)
Grass clippings break down quickly and return valuable nitrogen to the soil. This process is called grasscycling and:
- Improves turf density
- Reduces thatch buildup
- Saves time and landfill waste
Exception: Bag clippings if the lawn is overgrown or diseased.
🧼 6. Keep It Clean
After each mow, clean grass buildup from underneath the mower deck. This:
- Maintains airflow and cutting performance
- Prevents fungus from spreading
🌧️ Bonus Tip: Watch the Weather
If rain is in the forecast, avoid mowing just before or after — wet grass clumps and compacts soil. Give your lawn time to dry, then mow with sharp blades and high settings.
📍 Maintain Your Lawn Between Professional Visits
At Ley’s Lawn Care, we handle the heavy lifting, but these simple steps will keep your lawn healthier between cuts. A well-mowed yard stays greener longer — and sets you up for long-term success.
📞 Call or text Ley’s Lawn Care at 313 744 7066
📩 Or request a quote online
Serving Troy, Novi, Royal Oak, Southfield, Rochester Hills, and all of Oakland County, Michigan.