Mowing my lawn

It is a popular misconception that lawn mowing should 'shave' the grass very short in order to save you time and effort in the long run. The truth is that mowing your lawn too short does you no favours at all! A shaved lawn encourages weeds and moss, and puts the grass under stress.

 The cutting height for an average lawn should be about a couple of centimetres (approx 3/4"). Most lawns have some unevenness and keeping the blades at this height will ensure that your lawn mower will not scalp any undulations or bumps.

•              If you can possibly give your lawn a couple of mows each week you will be rewarded by a thicker,denser looking grass - this is your lawn's way of showing its appreciation!

•             A good mower is a valuable investment - preferably one with a grass cutting collecting box. Contrary to popular belief, grass cuttings left on a lawn only encourage worms and fungus.

•             A cylinder mower achieves the best lawn mowing results. Hover mowers do an adequate job, but don't cut the grass as cleanly.

•             Stripes - those alternate light and dark bands often seen on mowed lawns - are an attractive technique of masking any minor imperfections and will give the lawn a real quality look.

Lawn mowing can and should be, a real pleasure - even described by many as therapeutic. Enjoy it!