Lawnmower and lawn care guide

The best lawnmower depends on your lawn size, shape, and how much effort you want to put in. Rotary mowers are the most versatile. Cylinder mowers give a very fine cut but need a flat, well‑kept lawn. Robotic mowers are ideal if you want low maintenance mowers, while hover mowers work well on slopes and awkward shapes.

It depends on your lawn. 2-blade lawnmowers are lightweight and require less maintenance whereas 4 blade mowers are powerful but expensive. On rotary mowers, blade sharpness matters more than blade count, but additional cutting edges can improve mulching performance. Cylinder mowers use multiple blades, but rotary mowers typically rely on one blade with multiple cutting surfaces.

For most homes, a sharp rotary blade gives a clean, reliable cut. Cylinder mower blades give the finest finish but only on flat, well‑maintained lawns. Mulching blades are best if you want to recycle clippings back into the soil.

Cutting your grass higher is healthier as taller grass means deeper roots and better drought resistance. It also provides shade to the soil, reducing weeds and moisture loss. Cutting the grass too low stresses the lawn and makes it more vulnerable to disease.

October lawn maintenance involves clearing out any fallen leaves with a rake and following autumn lawn care like scarifying and aeration if the conditions aren't too wet. Read more about lawn care for October and other different months to know the best ways to care for your lawn.

Mid‑morning (8 am to 10 am) is ideal because the grass has dried from overnight dew but isn’t yet stressed by heat. Evening is a second‑best option, though moisture returns overnight. Avoid mowing at midday when the sun is strongest.

When you get to autumn, you can start cutting less often. By mid-September you should be mowing once a fortnight, with a final cut taking place at the end of October. After that, only cut if you think it's necessary, but never do it while there's frost, as that can damage your grass and your mower.

Avoid mowing when the grass is wet, during drought, or when there is frost. These conditions stress the lawn and can damage both the grass and the mower. Wet grass bends over, causing an uneven cut, clumps, a higher risk of slipping and can strain or clog your mower. Always wait for dry, firm conditions.

A good routine includes regular mowing, keeping grass at a higher height, and leaving clippings to mulch when possible. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong roots. Seasonal feeding and occasional aeration help maintain a dense, healthy lawn.

Professionals recommend mowing first. This reveals the true edges and reduces the amount of trimming needed. Edging afterward gives a clean, crisp finish.

The 1/3 rule means you should never mow more than one‑third of the grass height at once. It shocks the plant and weakens the roots. Following this rule helps you keep a dense lawn and reduces scalping. 

Started by Plantlife in the UK, No Mow May is a biodiversity campaign encouraging people to stop mowing for the month of May. This allows wildflowers to bloom and supports bees and other pollinators. It increases early‑season food sources for insects and boosts garden biodiversity.