Lawn Mowing
It is a very popular misconception
that lawn mowing should 'shave' the grass very short in order to save yourself time and
effort in the long run.
The truth is that lawn mowing done
too short does you no favours at all! A shaved lawn encourages weeds and moss, and puts
the grass under stress so it takes more time and energy to maintain.
 | 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 the lawn mowing
does not scalp any undulations or bumps.
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| 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!
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| A good mower is a valuable
investment - preferably one with a grass cutting collecting box. Contrary to some schools
of thought, grass cuttings left on a lawn only encourage worms and fungus.
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| A cylinder mower achieves the
best lawn mowing results. Hover types of mowers do an adequate job, but don't cut the
grass as cleanly
|
| Zebra 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.
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| Lawn mowing can and should
be, a real pleasure - even described by many as therapeutic. Enjoy it!
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TIPS FOR SAFE MOWING
The
center for Childhood Safety offers these tips for safe lawn mowing: Lawn mowers can
cause devastating injuries. Be sure to follow these recommendations for a safe lawn
mowing experience.
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Keep children and pets out of the yard
while mowing. |
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Do a walk-through of the area before you
begin mowing. Clear the area of large sticks or other debris. |
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Wear clothing that offers some protection,
like sturdy shoes with non-slip soles to provide good traction. Wear eye protection, like
glasses, sunglasses, or goggles, while mowing. |
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Read the operating guide for your mower.
Make sure you understand all of its safety features prior to use. Make sure your new power
mower has a "deadman" control that stops the mower if you let go of the handle.
Do not disable this or other safety features of your mower. |
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Do not cut the lawn when it's raining,
lightning, or when the grass is slippery. |
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Adolescents should be at least 12 years of
age before they operate lawn-mowing equipment. Discuss lawn mower safety with all of your
children. |
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Never allow young children to ride alone
on a riding mower. |
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Caution adolescents who are operating
lawn-mowing equipment to avoid carelessly placing hands near power blades. Do not clean
the grass exit with your hands. |
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Do not push a lawn mower onto the pavement
while it is running. The lawn keeps objects from being hurled at a high speed. On the
pavement, there is no such protection. |
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Make sure your mower is in good working
condition at all times. |
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Do not operate a mower when under the
influence of alcohol or other drugs that impair judgment. |
