What are some cool things about lawnmowers or mowing I didn’t know before?
The more fun things you know about various aspects of your life, such as mowing your lawn, the less it can feel like a chore. Let’s tell you a few things about this outdoor lawn care job you might not have known!
The first lawnmower was invented by an Englishman and patented in about 1830-though it took about ten years before an effective machine was actually put into action. Powered lawn mowers can cause 68,000 injuries per year, which isn’t exactly what we’d call a “fun” fact but is still an important one to note! On average, Americans can spend an average of at least four hours per week caring for their lawns which adds up to 208 hours a year!
One out of every five homeowners relies on lawn care professionals for their landscaping needs. Along with that, homeowners spend roughly about $30 billion every year on their lawns-which is quite a lot when it breaks down! In addition, out of about 50 million acres of grass in the United States, roughly 21 million acres of it are privately owned. One thing to keep in mind, too, is the amount of pollution emitted for about an hour’s worth of work is equal to a car being driven for about 200 miles. So make sure to make your lawn work count and don’t waste anything when doing so!
What about the lawn we mow, anything I should know about that?
Absolutely! It’s always good to have a general knowledge of the greenery surrounding your home! Like, did you know a 50×50 foot lawn can release enough oxygen throughout the day to supply one person with as much as they’d need! The grass itself can be fantastic for maintaining balance in the little ecosystem that is your lawn. It in itself cleans the air, too, trapping dust particles and other contaminants that you’d otherwise be breathing in!
About 1,400 species of grass reside in the United States alone, and various grasses make up about 26% of the plant life on Earth! In addition, these varieties grow on all continents – yes, that includes the polar regions as well. Were you aware that bamboo is actually a type of grass and can grow up to around 151 feet tall, making it the largest grass type in the world?? By weight, the turfgrass around your home is about 75-80% water, and your lawn being healthy/well kept itself can upgrade your home’s value by as much as 20%! As opposed to barren ones, grass-covered properties can prevent erosion from occurring, too, with their root systems. Also, landscapes that include grass, shrubs, or trees can lower the surrounding air temperature by up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit!
What are some big no-no’s when it comes to mowing my lawn?
As a homeowner, you could make quite a few common mistakes when caring for your lawn. That’s okay, though; there’s always room to grow! We frequently see one big one when people mow their lawns too often and too low to the ground. You’ll want to mow more often during your grass’ heavier growing seasons around the spring or fall (summertime for the hotter states). Then once the temperatures and seasons begin to change, it can shift to about every two weeks or so. Mowing too often eliminates its ability to grow enough between cuts. Going hand-in-hand with this, mowing your lawn too short is very bad for its health. The general rule of thumb is not to cut any more than ⅓ of the total grass length. Of course, use your best judgment, no one’s asking you to pull out a ruler every time you mow your lawn. Cutting too low leaves your lawn more prone to weeds, disease and makes it more unable to withstand any sort of droughts.
Another big no-no is mowing when your grass is wet. The blades tend to stick together, which makes the cuts very uneven, and in turn, those clumps of wet grass can clog up your mower! No one wants to have to invest in repairs to a piece of equipment like that. Mowing when wet is also a hazard to the person themselves, as it will be more slippery and make them more susceptible to slipping and getting hurt. Finally, when you go to mow, it’s essential to check your mower blades themselves, as they do dull over time. Dull blades can tear at grass rather than giving it a clean cut, leaving it exposed to disease and turning the tips brown, which doesn’t make for a very nice lawn!
When you go to mow your grass, it’s important to cut in a different direction each time, too. This will help avoid ruts made by the wheels and keep your grass growing upright. It’s also a good idea to overlap your lines by at least three inches to ensure you won’t turn around to see strips you missed and now have to go back for! And always remember, do not mow during peak hours of the day-if you mow when the sun is at its brightest/hottest, it’ll sap even more water from the plant and hurt it rather than help it.
Can I take care of my own mowing then since I’ve got the basics?
This question is always double-sided, as, in the end, you should always do what’s best for you and your home’s lawn. If you’re very doubtful of your skill or don’t have a whole lot of confidence in taking care of your lawn, then lawn care companies such as Copperhead Landscaping are the better option. On the other hand, if you’ve been doing your lawn for years and have a routine down that works, then absolutely don’t fix what isn’t broken! It’s your home and your investment to make – so long as you’re doing right by your lawn and taking care of it well, whichever you decide is the right choice for you!