A perfectly manicured lawn is the hallmark of a beautiful landscape. But achieving lawn perfection takes work, especially in a climate like Calgary’s, where the growing season is short. Proper mowing is essential for a healthy, green lawn. Follow these tips to get the most out of your mowing this season.

Set Your Mower Height Correctly

The most crucial mowing tip is cutting grass at the right height. For cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, a 2-3 inches height is ideal during the active growing season. This allows the grass blades to convert sunlight into food energy efficiently. They mow too short, which weakens the plants and allows weeds to invade.

Here are the proper mowing heights for common Calgary lawn grasses:

• Kentucky bluegrass: 2.5-3 inches

• Perennial ryegrass: 2-2.5 inches

• Tall fescue: 3-4 inches

• Fine fescue: 2-3 inches

The best way to check your mowing height is to measure several spots in the lawn with a ruler. Adjust your mower accordingly each time you mow. Raising the size during hot, dry summer weather helps the grass cope with stress.

Sharpen Mower Blades Frequently

Dull mower blades tear and shred grass rather than cutting cleanly. This leads to lawn damage, browning tips, and susceptibility to diseases. Sharp edges make clean cuts that allow grass plants to recover quickly.

Sharpen your mower blades after every 8-10 hours of mowing time. Use a file to hone any nicks and a grindstone for significant sharpening. Check that blades are balanced and install freshly sharpened blades carefully. Proper mower blade care improves the health and appearance of your lawn.

Don’t Remove More Than One-Third of the Blade Height

Cutting grass very short when it gets tall is tempting, but this is incredibly stressful for the plants. A good rule of thumb is the 1/3 rule – cut off at most one-third of the total blade height in a single mowing session.

Cutting too much causes grass plants to shock, depleting food reserves. Gradually lowering the height over 2-3 mowings is better if the lawn has gotten very tall. Leaving clippings on the property instead of bagging them returns nutrients to the soil. Follow the 1/3 rule, and your yard will thank you!

Mow at Least Once a Week During Peak Growth

During the peak growing season, your lawn must be mowed at least once weekly. In northern climates like Calgary, peak growth occurs from spring through early fall when temperatures are mild and moisture is abundant. Cool-season grasses thrive in spring and fall.

Mowing weekly prevents excessive growth between cuttings. Tall grass causes weak stemmy growth plus greater susceptibility to fungi and other diseases. Get into the weekly mowing habit when green-up occurs in spring. When growth slows, you can relax the schedule in very hot or dry mid-summer weather.

Mow in Different Patterns Each Time

Mowing repeatedly in the same pattern can create ruts in the lawn over time as wheels roll over the same paths. It also causes mower blades to cut at less efficient angles. Alternate mowing patterns every time to avoid these issues.

For example, mow north-south one week, then east-west the next. Occasionally mow in diagonal strips or circular patterns, too. Creative mowing keeps ruts at bay, helps prevent fungal disease, and improves cutting efficiency for thicker grass growth.

Allow Grass to Dry Before Mowing

Mowing wet, damp grass causes clumping and an uneven cut. It also increases disease risk by allowing fungi to enter grasshades through reductions. Try to mow in the late morning or early afternoon when the dew has evaporated.

If you must mow wet grass, frequently remove built-up clippings underneath the mower deck. Set blades slightly higher. Allow extra drying time before your next mowing session. Take care to prevent fungal issues. Whenever possible, wait until your lawn dries out for best mowing results.

Keep Your Mower Well Maintained

An adequately maintained mower is essential for lawn care success. Perform regular tune-ups, blade sharpening, belt replacements, and engine maintenance based on your mower’s service schedule. Clean the underside regularly to prevent buildup of grass clippings.

Replace worn parts like blades and spark plugs. Check tire pressure and wheel/track alignment. A finely tuned mower delivers a precise, even cut for a flawless, striped lawn. Pay attention to mower maintenance or lawn care suffers.

The Best Mower Types for Calgary Lawns

Choosing the right mower for your yard saves time and frustration. Not all mowers work well in northern grasses and climates. Consider these top mower types for peak lawn care performance in Calgary.

Gas-Powered Rotary Mower

This traditional mower uses an engine spinning horizontal blades to cut grass. Rotary mowers make quick work of typical lawn sizes. Models with rear-wheel drive and tight turning radii easily handle most Calgary landscapes.

Look for solid engine horsepower and durable construction from a reputable brand. Features like variable speed control, height adjustment levers, and mulching/bagging options are helpful. Regular blade sharpening is a must for clean cuts. Maintain the engine per the manual.

Electric Corded Mower

Corded electric mowers provide a quiet, eco-friendly mowing alternative. They offer plenty of power for smaller suburban lots up to a quarter acre in size. Look for adjustable cutting heights, folding handles for storage, and durable casing.

Downsides include managing the extension cord and lack of self-propulsion on cheaper models. But corded mowers are substantially more affordable to operate over gas. They serve well for small Calgary lawns.

Battery-Powered Mower

Cordless battery mowers provide freedom of movement minus emissions. Runtime is now sufficient for most residential lots an acre or less. Key features are battery capacity, voltage, steel vs. plastic bodies, and charge time.

Watch the cutting width – models under 20 inches strain to mow wider swaths. Check warranties and battery lifespans before purchasing. For eco-friendly convenience without cords, battery mowers are great modern options.

Self-Propelled Mower

Self-propelled mowers use a drive mechanism to move themselves forward without pushing manually. This dramatically reduces mowing effort on hills or more significant properties. Front-wheel and rear-wheel drive options are available.

Look for adjustable speed control and adequate power for your lawn’s terrain. Other features like electric start, variable speeds, and bagging/mulching modes take the chore out of mowing. Self-propelled models are ideal for hilly Calgary landscapes.

Riding Lawn Mower

Riding mowers are the ultimate lawn care machines, allowing fast mowing of large yards of an acre or more. Choose between rear-engine and front-engine models depending on maneuverability needs. Look for expansive decks up to 48 inches, tight turning radii, and comfortable seating.

Key features include transmission type, fuel efficiency, attachments like bags and hitches, and cutting/mulching performance. Regular blade care is critical. Routine maintenance should be performed to avoid breakdowns. For sprawling Calgary landscapes, a riding mower can’t be beat.

Developing an Effective Mowing Schedule

Maintaining a lush, healthy lawn requires diligent mowing on a regular schedule. Here are some tips for crafting an effective mowing program based on Calgary’s seasonal conditions:

• After several weeks of sustained green growth, begin mowing in spring and continue into fall before going dormant.

• Increase mowing frequency through the peak growth period of late spring to early summer, mowing at least weekly.

• Allow extra drying time between mowings early and late season when moisture is higher.

• Monitor lawn and reduce watering if growth stalls in hot mid-summer periods.

• Lower mowing heights gradually in spring and increase slowly in fall based on grass needs.

• Sharpen mower blades after every 8-10 hours of operation for clean cuts.

• Mow early or late in the day when the grass is drier for best-cut quality.
• Alter mowing patterns between sessions to prevent rutting and matting.

• Remove no more than 1/3 of blade height per mowing session.

• Maintain your mower well with routine service and parts replacement.

The lawn care season is short in Calgary. Follow these mowing tips and schedule recommendations diligently for a lush, healthy Lawn mowing in Calgary all season. Proper mowing techniques applied at the correct times make all the difference in creating a flawlessly manicured landscape.