How to mow long grass in Spring

To mow long grass requires a careful approach to avoid stressing your lawn or damaging your mower. Whether your grass has grown out of control over winter or you’ve missed a few mowing sessions, follow these steps for the best results:

1. Trim in Stages

Cutting long grass too short in one go can shock the lawn and clog your mower. Instead, follow the one-third rule—never cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time. If the grass is very tall, start with a higher cutting setting and gradually reduce the height over multiple mowing sessions.

2. Use a Strimmer First

For extremely tall or dense grass, use a grass trimmer or strimmer before mowing. This will prevent your mower from struggling and ensure a smoother cut.

3. Mow long grass on Dry Days

Wet grass is harder to cut and can clog your mower. Choose a dry day for mowing, preferably when the grass is not damp from dew or rain.

4. Take It Slow

When you mow long grass, go slow and steady to prevent the mower from jamming. If the mower struggles, stop and clear any clumps of cut grass before continuing.

5. Collect or Mulch the Clippings

If the grass is very long, collecting the clippings prevents them from smothering the lawn. Alternatively, a mulching mower can break down clippings into fine pieces that return nutrients to the soil.