Common Lawn Mowing Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

Avoiding Bad Lawn Mowing Habits

When done correctly, lawn mowing supports the health and appearance of your turf. Done incorrectly, however, it can invite a host of problems ranging from bare patches and weed infestations to pest damage and disease. Many well-meaning homeowners unintentionally harm their lawns by making mowing mistakes that compromise their turf's ability to recover from environmental stress. 

Join us as we go over how to avoid some of the most common lawn mowing mistakes, and don't forget to check out our lawn mowing services for Louisiana!

Mowing Too Short (Scalping The Lawn)

Perhaps the most common and damaging mistake homeowners make is mowing their lawn too short. This is often done with the intention of reducing mowing frequency, but the consequences can be serious. When you cut your grass too low, you're removing a large portion of the leaf surface that the plant uses to photosynthesize. This weakens the grass's ability to produce energy, leading to shallow root systems that are more vulnerable to drought and heat stress. Additionally, a scalped lawn exposes the soil to direct sunlight, increasing water evaporation and promoting weed growth. It also leaves your turf more prone to diseases, as the open wounds caused by excessively short cuts make it easier for pathogens to infect the grass.

How to avoid mowing too short:

• Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at once.
• Know the ideal mowing height for your specific grass type.
• Raise the mower height during hot or dry spells to protect root systems.
• Gradually reduce height if the lawn has grown too tall, rather than cutting it all at once.

Using Dull Mower Blades

Dull mower blades are a hidden enemy of lawn health. Instead of making clean cuts, dull blades tear the grass, leaving behind jagged, shredded tips that quickly turn brown. This not only makes your lawn look uneven and sickly, but the ragged edges also create ideal entry points for diseases and pests. Torn grass loses more moisture through its damaged leaf tips, causing the lawn to dry out faster, especially in hot weather. Over time, repeated mowing with dull blades leads to widespread stress across the entire yard, reducing its density and inviting opportunistic weeds to take hold.

How to avoid using dull blades:

• Sharpen mower blades after every 20–25 hours of mowing.
• Visually inspect blades regularly for nicks, dents, or dullness.
• Replace mower blades once per season or if they become damaged.
• Consider professional blade sharpening for optimal cutting performance.

Mowing When The Grass Is Wet

Mowing wet grass is a mistake that can easily ruin the look and health of your lawn. When turf is wet, blades bend under the weight of the moisture, leading to an uneven cut that shreds instead of slices. Clippings tend to clump together and smother the grass below, blocking sunlight and air circulation, which increases the risk of fungal diseases. Wet conditions can also lead to soil compaction from the weight of the mower, especially in soft or clay-heavy soils. Additionally, wet lawns are slippery, increasing the risk of injury for the person mowing. Altogether, mowing in wet conditions does more harm than good.

How to avoid mowing wet grass:

• Wait until the grass is fully dry to ensure a clean, even cut.
• Allow morning dew to evaporate before starting your mow.
• Plan ahead and mow before expected rainfall if possible.
• If mowing damp grass is unavoidable, mow slowly and clear clumps manually afterward.

Not Changing Your Mowing Pattern

Using the same mowing pattern every week may feel routine, but it creates subtle, long-term damage to your lawn. Constantly mowing in the same direction leads to compacted soil along your mower's wheel tracks, making it harder for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots. Grass blades also begin to lean in one direction, resulting in a less uniform appearance and encouraging uneven growth. Over time, ruts can form where the mower wheels repeatedly travel, which can collect water and contribute to disease or pest infestations.

How to avoid a repetitive mowing pattern:

• Alternate your mowing direction each time (e.g., north-south, then east-west).
• Vary your turning points around trees and edges to avoid tire wear marks.
• Use a diagonal or spiral pattern occasionally for even grass distribution.
• Change your starting point to reduce compaction in any one area.

Bagging Clippings Every Time

Some homeowners automatically bag and remove clippings every time they mow, assuming it keeps the lawn neater. While this can be beneficial in certain cases, like when the grass is too tall or wet, frequent bagging deprives the lawn of free, natural nutrients. Grass clippings decompose quickly and release nitrogen back into the soil, which helps fertilize your lawn organically. Removing them too often results in unnecessary yard waste and can lead to nutrient deficiencies that require more synthetic fertilization.

How to use grass clippings wisely:

• Mulch clippings directly into the lawn when mowing regularly.
• Avoid leaving clumps by mowing dry grass and using sharp blades.
• Use a mulching mower to finely chop and distribute clippings evenly.
• Only bag clippings when they are long or wet enough to smother the lawn.

Waiting Too Long Between Mows

Letting your grass grow too long between mows may seem like a time-saver, but it often results in more work and damage. Tall grass can shade itself, reducing airflow and creating an environment where pests and diseases thrive. When you finally mow an overgrown lawn, you may end up cutting off too much at once, leading to scalping and shocking the turf. This stress makes it harder for the lawn to recover and creates bare spots where weeds can quickly take root.

How to stay on a regular mowing schedule:

• Mow every 5–7 days during the growing season.
• Don’t let the grass exceed its recommended height range.
• Set reminders to keep your mowing consistent.
• If growth gets away from you, raise the deck and reduce height gradually.

Professional Lawn Mowing For Louisiana

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned lawn care enthusiast, a well-informed mowing strategy makes all the difference. Even the most minor detail can make all the difference when it comes to proper lawn mowing. If you want to take the stress off yourself and your lawn this season, call Brothers Lawn Service for the best lawn mowing in Broussard, LA!