One of the greatest truisms about Minnesota is that Mother Nature is rarely predictable. Even in early summer, it can often be too hot, too wet, too sticky, or yes, too cold for mowing to be a pleasant afternoon activity. Trying to fit lawn care in around family schedules, work and travel is difficult enough without throwing in the capriciousness of our climate in the spring. And what happens when you get ill? Changes in temperature and allergens in the air can easily knock you out of commission for a couple of days. Before you know it, it’s been days since you last mowed, and your lawn looks like a scene from The Jungle Book. Here are a few ways to stay on top of it.
BEAT THE HEAT
Keep up with your mowing schedule in a heatwave by running the mower in the evening, while the sun goes down.
- Mowing at dusk gives the grass time to heal and rest in the shade before the sun comes out again.
- Avoid mowing grass that is wet with dew by mowing in the evening rather than in the cool of the morning.
- Be sure to stay well hydrated, take frequent breaks, and use sunscreen to avoid sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
MOW IN THE RAIN
Traditional wisdom is correct: mowing wet grass is not ideal. Besides the increased chance of slipping in wet grass, you’re also opening your lawn up to disease. But day after day of storms and cloudy skies can mean your lawn quickly becomes overgrown before it ever dries out. Here are some important tips for mowing a wet lawn:
- Be sure your mower blades are sharp. Dull blades tear at the grass rather than cut it, which can lead to stress on your lawn.
- Don’t cut the grass too short. When you’re staring at a forecast of another week of storms, it can be tempting to trim the grass short so you don’t have to go out in the rain again. But the shorter you cut it, the weaker your grass will be and the harder it will be for it to fight off disease. Set your mower high and cut only 1/3 of the length.
- Wash under the deck of the lawnmower thoroughly after use, as wet grass will clump underneath and lead to rusting.
- Rake up clumps of wet grass left on the lawn so they don’t become a breeding ground for disease. In addition, only overlap the passes of the mower by 50%; this will also minimize clumping.
UTILIZE A TEENAGER
Teens sometimes have lighter schedules and heartier constitutions, and most of them are always looking for spare cash. But before you hand the job over, make sure you’ve chosen the right teen.
- Your child should have the strength and coordination needed to operate a piece of heavy machinery, as well as show maturity and good judgment. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child be 12 years old before operating a walking mower and at least 16 years old to drive a riding mower.
- Take the time to thoroughly train the enterprising youngster on the proper use of the mower and safety tips. Show them how to clear the yard of rocks and obstacles, and how to properly fuel the engine.
- Inexperienced teens are at greater risk of injury and should not mow wet grass or in low-light conditions. In addition, stress the use of closed-toe shoes and safety glasses or goggles, even for the most fashion-conscious teen.
LET ENJAY WORRY ABOUT THE TIMING INSTEAD.
Hiring a property maintenance company to care for your lawn means that you have more time to spend on the things that matter to you. Stop trying to squeeze the mowing in around your busy schedule and the whims of Mother Nature! You don’t need the hassle of maintaining your lawn tools, watching the forecast, or worrying about safety. Let our professional, experienced and insured team keep your lawn looking green and beautiful while you have time to enjoy it with those you love. Request a quote or call EnJay Property Maintenance at (952) 206-5296 today.
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