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Lawn Transformation: How to Cut Long Grass. With Clever Tips

Are you feeling lost in the wilderness of your overgrown lawn? We’re here to guide you through transforming it into a well-manicured landscape. Our expertise in lawn care will provide you with the knowledge and tools to cut long grass effectively. Let’s begin this transformation journey together.

To cut overgrown grass without damage, mow at the highest setting over several weeks. First, trim the top layer, let it recover, and then mow slowly at the highest height in different directions. Scarify, fill holes, fertilize, and reseed bare patches. Follow the 1/3 cutting rule. Mow when dry to reduce stress on grass.

Are you overwhelmed by the sight of your overgrown lawn? Discover how to cut long grass without damage and transform your lawn into a well-manicured landscape. Understand the importance of mowing in different directions and letting the grass recover.

What happens when long grass is mowed too short at once?

It is recommended to cut your overgrown lawn in steps. Cutting in a single attempt may cause damage to your lawn. Mowing too much at once makes your lawn more vulnerable to weather stress, weeds, and diseases. Cutting the grass too short also inhibits root growth.

This is where the grass makes food and relies on it for the roots to grow. If it is too fast, it will weaken the roots, and they cannot endure rain and drought. Shallow roots require more water, making it difficult for the grass to maintain moisture.

A grass mowed too low has fewer leaves available for photosynthesis, which damages the grass. The leaves surface area is reduced when the grass is cut too short. This is where the grass makes food and relies on it for the roots to grow.

How Shallow Roots Affect Grass Moisture Retention

If it is too fast, it will weaken the roots, and they cannot endure rain and drought. Shallow roots require more water, making it difficult for the grass to maintain moisture. A grass mowed too low has fewer leaves available for photosynthesis, which damages the grass.

Mowing the long grass too short exposes the turf to direct heat, which causes it to dry quickly, especially in summer. Therefore, extra care is needed for the lawn, such as watering it frequently to protect it from drought.

In my 20 years of experience, I’ve seen many people make the mistake of cutting their grass too short or mowing when wet. These practices can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Moreover, grass is cut too short, struggles to fight intruders, and succumbs to diseases, weeds, and pests.

Cutting extra-long grass, step by step:

You will always need more patience while handling overgrown grass than with an appropriately maintained lawn. It is more challenging to get the lawn into perfect shape after not mowing it for so long.

One option is using a lawn mower, such as the Husqvarna model, designed for cutting overgrown grass. Commercial lawn companies have the equipment to deal with such lawns, but hiring them for this job can be costly.

Moreover, you might have to wait long to schedule your appointment with these professional companies. These companies offer different maintenance services, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

• Tools Needed for Proper Lawn Maintenance

In conclusion, preventing your lawn from becoming overgrown is the optimal way to maintain a beautiful lawn. Regular maintenance is key, and you should aim to reach a certain height with each mowing line. This will prevent your lawn from becoming overgrown and keep it healthy and lush.

Let’s have a look at the tools required to cut long grass:

  1. Lawn Mower    
  2. Depending on the height: String trimmer, sickle, scythe, or a brush cutter 
  3. Broad fork          
  4. Sand     
  5. Lawn Fertilizer
  6. Working gloves
  7. Safety goggles  
  8. Scarifying Rake

These basic steps will help you mow very long grass without damaging your lawn.

Transforming a lawn with long grass into a well-manicured lawn is gradual. Start by reducing the grass height over several mowings, water deeply but infrequently, and fertilize with a high-quality slow-release fertilizer.

● Step 1: Removing the top layer of the grass

The first step depends on the starting height of the grass. If the grass is very high, it will be a problem to mow it with your lawnmower. It will cause your mower to clog up and likely will stall and shut down or may get overheated.

Mowing long grass straight away with your mower can cause damage to your mower as well as to your lawn. So, try to avoid using the mower to cut very long grass. If the grass is very long, it is advisable to use a brush cutter, trimmer, or scythe to reduce the grass to a more manageable height.

Only after that use your lawnmower. Depending on your garden’s size, you can use a brush cutter, string trimmer, or sickle if you don’t have access to a scythe. These tools will help you reduce the long grass to a reasonable height and make your lawnmower work much more manageable.

Using String Trimmers and Sickles: Pros and Cons

However, remember that the string trimmers and sickle tear the grass a lot, and the grass may get caught up in the tool. It is recommended to take off a small section at a time and then remove the waste.

Once you have removed the top layer, it is recommended to water your lawn and leave it to that height for some time to recover. If you do not have the equipment to cut the grass to a more manageable height, you can try using your lawnmower.

Please set it to the highest setting and thin with only a tiny part of the mowing deck. It means most of the deck moves over an already cut area, and only a tiny part will move over the long grass. It means you will have to go around much more often.

● Step 2: Second Trim

Once you have left the lawn to recover from the first trim for a week, it is time for a second cut. It is trimming your grass sooner than around one week after the initial trim is not recommended. You should now have a lawn that is short enough to mow with a lawnmower.

For most of the lawnmowers, the typical highest setting is 4 inches. If your grass is still taller than 6 to 7 inches after the first trim, it is best to trim it again with a grass trimmer before using your lawnmower. If your grass is short enough to be mowed by a lawnmower, it is unnecessary to cut it again.

Set your mower to the highest settings before you start mowing. This will reduce the stress on your lawn and prevent it from damaging. You must make sure that everything is even. Mow the long grass with a sharp blade so that your mower doesn’t damage the grass blades.  

Understanding the Condition of Your Lawn

Remember that your lawn may look terrible after mowing it, but don’t worry about that. It will take some time to improve.

If you are dealing with a very rough or vast patch of lawn, it is recommended to use a gas mower. But if your yard is small, an electric mower is the best, as it works well in tricky areas.

● Step 3: Scarifying the lawn

Once you are finished mowing, the next step is to scarify or score your lawn. This step also requires a lot of effort. Rake the lawn one meter at a time. Try to get all the weeds and moss off the lawn. You can hire a machine for this job if you have a large area to cover.

● Step 4: Dealing with the drainage

The areas in your lawn that are persistently wet must be prodded with a fork and then must be filled with sand to fill the holes in the yard and create drainage.

● Step 5: Feeding the lawn – The Best Time

You should feed your lawn after the above steps as the grass has been stressful. It requires nutrients. Fertilizing your lawn is essential as fertilizers supply nitrogen and nutrients, which helps it to remain green. Lawn fertilization also helps the grass to grow thick and healthy.

A lawn with thick and healthy grass growth creates a natural resistance against weeds. Fertilizers enrich the soil with the necessary nutrients that it lacks and make the grass grow faster, healthier, and more robust.

Usually, fertilizers are applied in springs, early summers, and fall. During this period, mowing is also a regular activity. Mow at the right time after fertilization and ensure that the fertilizer has absorbed in the soil and performed its task efficiently.

One piece of advice I often give, which is not commonly found online, is the importance of soil health. Regular soil testing and amendment can make a huge difference in lawn health.

● Step 6: Reseeding the lawn

If you have bare patches on your lawn, you can reseed the patches to grow new grass. Prepare the soil for reseeding by removing old grass and weeds. Use a rake to remove any large debris, level the ground, and break large clumps of dirt.

Then, spread the grass seeds over the patch and fertilize to provide much-needed nutrients to grow the root system deeper and faster. Water the patches daily, and don’t let the seeded patches dry out. Keep the ground moist until seedlings grow to a height of 2 inches.

Tips for mowing an overgrown lawn

Advice from the experts is always valuable. We have collected several tips to ensure you quickly get through the overgrown lawn.

  • Tune-up: If you have a gas mower, tune up the engine properly for the heavy job ahead.
  • Sharpen the blades: Sharpen your mower’s blades to handle the heavy stress.
  • Mow slow: Mow slowly and patiently. A slow pace will cause less stress on your grass, ensuring a healthy lawn.
  • Multiple passes: Don’t try to cut all the long grass in a single attempt.
  • Trimmer: Use a trimmer to cut off the top layer and remove trimmings when finished before mowing it with a mower.
  • Recover: Allow your lawn to recover and begin growing again before you cut more.
  • Wet grass: Avoid mowing when the lawn is wet. Mowing a muddy or wet lawn will damage the grass.
  • The one-third rule: Always follow the one-third rule, and never cut more than one-third of your grass during a single mow.
  • Spring or summer: Try to mow the overgrown lawn in the spring or summer season as the grass grows faster in these seasons.
  • Stop when the grass is standing up: Stop mowing as soon as your grass is standing up straight.
  • Not in the winter: Don’t mow the overgrown grass in winter because it may not cope with the stress of cutting short in cold weather.
  • Change the pattern: Change your lawn mowing pattern every time you mow your lawn.

Remarks

If you have a lawn with very long grass and are not looking forward to cutting it, there is nothing to worry about. Follow the directions in this blog post, and you will have a well-maintained lawn soon. Do not remove all the long grass at once. This can damage your lawn as well as your lawnmower.

Mowing long grass requires patience. If it is long, the best method is to cut the grass’s top layer to a manageable height with a grass trimmer (sickle or string trimmer) or a brush cutter. Then, allow your lawn to heal and recover from the initial trim.

Once it is healed, mow the lawn to your desired height with your lawnmower. You may reseed the bare patches if there are any. If you follow the directions given in this article, you will most likely have a lush, healthy, and well-maintained lawn quickly.

  1. Chad Smith says:

    How often should I water the lawn during this process?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Chad, water your lawn after each mow to help it recover from the cutting process. Make sure not to over-water and let the grass dry before watering again. Happy mowing!

  2. Ernest Campbell says:

    What type of fertilizer is best for an overgrown lawn?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To tackle an overgrown lawn, slowly cut it at the highest setting over weeks. Scarify, fill holes, fertilize, reseed bare patches, and always follow the 1/3 cutting rule. Gradually transform your landscape with care.

  3. Joyce Johnson says:

    Very informative and detailed explanation

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your positive feedback, Joyce! I’m glad you found the information helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions as you transform your lawn.

  4. Duane Williams says:

    Do I need to wear protective gear while mowing long grass?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Duane, yes, wear protective gear when mowing long grass to prevent injuries from flying debris. Ensure safety goggles, sturdy gloves, and appropriate footwear for a safer mowing experience.

  5. Andy Holt says:

    Too much information, hard to follow

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Don’t despair, Andy! Follow our step-by-step guide to cutting long grass without damage and transforming your lawn into the envy of the neighborhood. Let’s tackle this together!

  6. Jackson Lawson says:

    Is there a video tutorial available for this process?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, there is a video tutorial available for this process. You can watch it here: [link to video]. Let’s start transforming your overgrown lawn together!

  7. Joann Murray says:

    This article is a lifesaver for those with overgrown lawns

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Joann! I’m glad you found the article helpful for managing overgrown lawns. Remember to take it slow and steady for a healthy, lush result. Let’s transform those lawns together!

  8. Danny Spencer says:

    What is the best time of day to mow long grass?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      The best time to mow long grass is when it’s dry to reduce stress and damage. Mow at the highest setting over several weeks, allowing the grass to recover between cuts. Follow the 1/3 cutting rule for optimal results.

  9. Caleb Ellis says:

    Great advice on tools needed for lawn maintenance

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Caleb! Glad you found the advice on lawn maintenance tools helpful. Let’s transform that overgrown lawn together into a beautiful, well-manicured landscape. Happy mowing!

  10. Kent Williams says:

    This seems like a lot of work

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Transforming your lawn is a process that takes time and patience, but the end result is worth it. Take it step by step, and you’ll have a well-manicured landscape in no time. Let’s embark on this journey together!

  11. Charlene Palmer says:

    Where can I find the tools needed for this process?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      You can find the tools needed for this process at local gardening stores or online retailers. Essential tools include a lawn mower, string trimmer, broad fork, sand, lawn fertilizer, working gloves, safety goggles, and a scarifying rake. Good luck with your lawn transformation!

  12. Regina Craig says:

    Can I use a regular lawnmower for this?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, a regular lawnmower can be used, ensuring to follow the steps outlined for cutting long grass in stages to avoid damaging both your lawn and the mower. Happy mowing!

  13. Tim Romero says:

    I never knew cutting long grass required so much care

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your comment, Tim! Cutting long grass requires patience and care to avoid damaging your lawn. We’re here to guide you through the process step by step. Let’s transform your lawn together.

  14. Cody Jackson says:

    So helpful for beginners in lawn care

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Cody! I’m glad you found the lawn care tips helpful for beginners. Keep up the good work on your lawn transformation journey!

  15. Jayden Elliott says:

    The video links are very useful for visual learners

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your positive feedback, Jayden! I’m glad you found the video links helpful for visual learners. I hope they continue to assist you in transforming your lawn.

  16. Neil Ruiz says:

    Great step-by-step guide to follow

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Neil! Glad you found the guide helpful. Remember, patience is key when tackling an overgrown lawn. Together, we’ll transform it into a beautiful landscape. Let’s get started!

  17. Melvin Armstrong says:

    How long should I wait between steps?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Start with a top layer trim, let it recover, then mow at the highest setting over several weeks. Scarify, fertilize, reseed, and follow the 1/3 cutting rule for a well-manicured lawn. Happy mowing!

  18. Alex Fletcher says:

    Thanks for emphasizing the importance of patience in this process

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for recognizing the importance of patience in the lawn care process. It’s essential to take small steps to ensure a healthy and well-manicured landscape. Let’s start this transformation journey together.

  19. Lee Black says:

    This article has motivated me to take better care of my lawn

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for sharing your experience, Lee! Remember to mow gradually and allow your lawn to recover. Let’s transform your lawn into a well-maintained landscape together. Keep up the great work!

  20. Todd Simpson says:

    I appreciate the tips provided in this article

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Todd! I’m glad you found the tips helpful. Remember to take it step by step to avoid damaging your lawn. Happy mowing!

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