If you’re like most of us, when it comes time to start mowing your lawn after a few months off, you pull it out of it’s winter storage spot, check that there’s gas in the tank (or a fully charged battery for those who’ve gone electric) and you get to mowing.  Sharp mower blades or not.

In a perfect world, you took the time to sharpen the blades at the end of last season before storing away your mower.  But alas, we don’t live in a perfect world.  We’re busy, and onto the next thing that needs immediate attention.  And the grass is already growing and needs cut so we charge ahead into the new mowing season.  And the next, and the next…you’re nodding your head knowing the reality. 

The catch is, dull mower blades do more than create a ragged cut, they actually damage your turf.  Think of the last time you used a dull razor.  It was harder to shave, you probably ended up with some knicks, maybe skin abrasion, the shave wasn’t as close as you liked, and it likely took longer than when shaving with a fresh blade. 

The same effect takes place with your grass.  A dull blades tears, rather than cuts, the blades of grass, damaging them and likely causing the ends to turn white within a few days.  Beyond the unsightliness, the tearing renders the blades susceptible to pests and diseases.  The lawn becomes stressed needlessly.  To compound the issue, as summer heat and often dry conditions move in, the damage can become even greater due to this stress.  All because of dull mower blades, something, unlike weather, we can control.

Sharpening your blade is relatively easy (though you can have it done professionally, assuming you can find a shop that offers this service in our do-it-yourself society) following a couple basic tips:

1. Refer to your owner’s manual for procedures specific for your mower make and model.
2. Wear protective gear such as safety glasses and cut resistant gloves.
3. Disconnect the spark plug (unless you have an electric mower).
4. Remove the blade per the instructions in your owner’s manual.
5. Sharpen the blade with a grinder or smooth nicks with a metal file.
6. Whether sharpening or smoothing, work in one direction only.  Typically, blades have an angle of 45 degrees.
7. When sharpening, you want the blades sharp like scissors, not like a knife as a knife edge will become dull faster.
8. Ultimately, it will be necessary to replace your mower blade periodically.  One to three years, depending on how heavily used, is the norm.  While generic blades may be less expensive, it is recommended to replace your blade with the make/model listed in your owner’s manual as it is designed specifically for your unit and should provide optimum wear and high-quality cuts.

Questions or concerns about mowing and lawn maintanence?  While ProLawn does not offer mowing services, we have over 40 years experience providing lawn health care services and we’d be happy to talk with you about best practices for mowing and watering your lawn. 

Give the Pros at ProLawn a call today at 540-662-8316.