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Sign up now5 things I'd never do as a lawn mower expert
From mowing in the wet to letting your battery deteriorate, here's what you shouldn't do with your lawn mower and why
Maintaining a perfect lawn requires knowledge and care, particularly when it comes to using your lawn mower.
As an expert, there are five key practices you should avoid to ensure both your mower and your lawn remain in excellent condition.
Need a new mower? Discover the models in each fuel type that aced our rigorous lab tests, in our guides to the best lawn mowers
5 things I'd never do as a lawn mower expert
1. Never mow when the grass is wet
Mowing wet grass is a recipe for disaster. A wet lawn is slippery and challenging to cut, so unless you want to be at it all day, you'll likely end up with an uneven appearance. To make it even more challenging, wet grass also tends to clump together, which can clog your mower and make the task much harder.
This is the UK, though, so if you must mow when it’s wet, keep cleaning the deck frequently and use a lower blade speed for a neater finish. Waiting for the grass to dry, however, will always yield better results.
2. Never let debris build up after using your mower
Allowing grass clippings and debris to accumulate after mowing can significantly reduce your mower's performance, and even spread lawn diseases.
Clean your mower after every use or, at the very least, once a month. Use a wire brush or a damp cloth to scrape away any debris. Keeping it clean ensures consistent performance and prolongs its lifespan.
We've reviewed over 180 different lawn mower models – and you can read what we found over on our lawn mower reviews page
3. Never leave the battery of a cordless mower in a hot shed or greenhouse
Extremes of temperature can damage cordless mower batteries. People often leave them in a hot shed or greenhouse, but this can cause it to deteriorate rapidly. Store the battery indoors to maintain its charge and longevity.
Additionally, never let the battery stay at 0% charge during the off-season. Charge it a few times when you’re not mowing to keep it in good condition, and avoid any nasty surprises where you'll come to use it in spring and find it can no longer hold a charge.
4. Never use a corded mower with a damaged cord
Using an electric corded mower with a damaged cord is extremely dangerous, posing risks of electrical shorts, fires and electrocution. Always inspect the cord for signs of wear and tear before each use.
If you notice any damage, replace the cord immediately. Consult the instruction manual or the manufacturer's website for details on proper replacement. Ensuring the cord is intact keeps you safe while mowing – you should also make sure to use a residual current device (RCD) with your electric mower and be careful to keep moving the cable out of the way as you mow, as it’s very easy to cut through it.
5. Never buy a lawn mower without checking if spare parts are available
Before purchasing a lawn mower, research the availability of spare parts. Mowers can last several years, but you may need to replace blades, springs or even a mower belt.
For cordless mowers, it’s also essential to ensure that replacement batteries are available in case yours fails. Easy access to spare parts will save you time and frustration, as well as making your investment in a nice new mower more worthwhile.
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3 things you should do to get the best from a lawn mower
In addition to avoiding common mistakes, there are proactive steps you can take to maximise your lawn mower's performance and lifespan.
1. Regularly sharpen the blades
Sharp blades are crucial for a clean, healthy cut. Dull blades tear the grass, causing ragged edges that are more susceptible to disease. Sharpen the mower blades at least once a season. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, many garden centres and hardware stores offer sharpening services. Sharp blades result in a noticeably better-looking lawn.
Read our guide on maintaining your lawn mower for more information on how to keep your mower in tip-top shape
2. Change the oil and air filter
If you have a petrol mower, regular oil changes are essential for keeping your mower running smoothly. Dirty oil can gum up the engine and reduce performance. Change the oil and replace the air filter at the start of each mowing season; this simple maintenance task extends the life of your mower and ensures it will cut as well as it can.
3. Adjust the cutting height seasonally
Grass growth varies with the seasons, and your cutting height should adjust accordingly. In the spring and autumn, when grass is growing at its fastest due to the warm(ish) weather and wet conditions, you should set the mower to a higher cutting height to avoid stressing the grass. During the slower growth of summer, lower the cutting height for a neater appearance.
A handy rule of thumb to remember is the one third rule: never cut more than one third of the grass blade length at a time.
We have even more tips on how to best use your mower and keep your lawn pristine in our guide on how and when to cut the grass
