Cutting long grass that’s been left to overgrow requires the right equipment, a few well-placed strategies, and some elbow grease. By choosing the right time to cut your grass, using a strong lawn mower, and working from the outside in, you can tackle your overgrown lawn.
If you leave grass to grow for too long, it can affect the health of your grass. It also has various negative effects on your garden. Long grass is a hot bed for various pests in Australia, and can eventually be very difficult to mow. Fortunately, there are some heavy duty lawn mowers that are designed to handle tough grass.
Reasons you may have left your grass to overgrow include:
- Being away for long periods of time.
- Entering a new house where no gardening was done.
- Having a broken mower (or no mower at all).
- Allowing your grass to recover from being dormant.
Whatever the reason, we at Mowrator Australia, get asked about strong lawn mowers that can handle tough, stubborn, overgrown grass. Here’s a compilation of advice you can use at home if your lawn has gotten to an unmanageable state.
Key Takeaways
- Mowing your grass when it’s dry will save you time and make the process go much more smoothly.
- Using safety equipment can increase the efficiency of your mowing and will protect your face and hands.
- Using a dual-blade lawn mower will help cut long grass much quicker.
- Cutting an overgrown lawn in multiple sessions will make the process easier and put less stress on your grass.
5 Tips on How to Cut Overgrown Grass
Cutting long grass calls for some strategic thinking. Since you can’t see the surface, detecting obstacles should be your first step. Then choose the right time to mow, and use the right lawn mower. However, mowing your lawn in two or three sessions is a better way to tackle an overgrown lawn rather than doing it all at once.
We’ve outlined the main tips on how to cut overgrown grass below:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Rake First | Use a metal rake to remove hidden obstacles Mark obstacles and trim later |
| Mow When Dry | Wet grass resists blades and sticks to the mower Dry grass cuts faster and cleaner |
| Cut Gradually | Mow in phases to avoid strain Large lawns may take days |
| Start with High Blade | Low blades struggle with thick grass Lower gradually for an even cut |
| Use a Strong Mower | Choose a mower suited for long grass |
Here are some detailed tips to consider when mowing your long grass.
Rake First to Detect or Remove Obstacles
Use a metal rake to make sure there aren’t any large stones, bones, or wood pieces hiding under your long grass. Raking before you start mowing will help you detect mounds and hard objects that would otherwise damage your mower. If you do detect a surface obstacle, mark it with a stick and come back to it later with your grass trimmer.
Mow Your Grass When it’s Dry
Avoid mowing your grass while it’s wet. Wet grass will resist your mower blade, even if it’s brand new and sharp. Wet grass is also much more difficult to remove from a mower’s blade. It tends to build up and stick to the underside of the mower, causing you to stop and clean while you mow. To save time and mow more efficiently, mow your grass when it’s dry.
Cut Your Grass Gradually
To prevent yourself from burning out (and burning out your equipment), tackle your long grass challenge in phases. This is the best way to cut long grass, even if it means doing one section at a time. An overgrown lawn may even call for manicuring your lawn over a period of multiple days.
Set Your Mower Blade High at First
Some lawn mower blades will struggle to effectively cut thick, matted sections of your overgrown lawn. Cutting long grass with a low blade may also stress your grass and prevent it from growing evenly.
To preserve your mower’s engine, set the blade high and mow only the top sections of your grass. Then go over the same sections again, in a different direction, with the blade set slightly lower. Finally, set your mower to an even lower setting and cut your grass to the desired height.
Use a Strong Lawn Mower
Not every lawn mower is built for mowing long grass. Speak to your lawn mower dealer in Australia and get the right mower with the right accessories to take on your overgrown lawn.
What’s the Best Equipment for Cutting Very Long Grass?
The best outdoor equipment for cutting very long grass at home includes:
- A powered or manual scythe for preparing your grass to be cut.
- A heavy duty brush cutter (lawn trimmer).
- A dual-blade push mower to go over your lawn two or three times.
What Safety Gear Should You Get When Cutting Long Grass?
When cutting long grass, you should wear safety gear that protects your hands, eyes, feet, and legs. Because you’ll likely be using brush trimmers, sharp clippings will be shot upward, possibly causing skin irritation to your legs, and serious damage to your eyes. Foot protection will protect you from accidentally mowing over your feet.
Can You Leave Grass Clippings on Your Lawn After Cutting?
Yes, you can leave grass clippings on your lawn after cutting long grass. Using a dual blade lawn mower is best for this, since the grass will be cut into finer pieces. Grass clippings left on your lawn will replace vital nutrients to your soil, but be careful not to leave too much, covering your grass from the sun.
FAQs on How to Cut Long Grass
How can I prevent weeds after cutting tall grass?
You can prevent weeds from taking over your lawn after cutting tall grass by mowing it every 5 to 7 days after the initial cut. Preventing weeds from seeding will ensure that only the grass grows, leaving no room for weeds.
How can I improve my lawn's health after cutting long grass?
You can improve the health of your lawn after cutting long grass by adding a layer of compost. Once the compost is laid down, you should also water your lawn generously to soak the nutrients into the soil. With a bit of sunlight and good weather, your grass will quickly begin to thrive.
Is it necessary to reseed the lawn after cutting tall grass?
It isn’t always necessary to reseed your lawn after cutting long grass, but it can help. Once your long grass is cut, you will likely notice empty patches here and there. Sow grass seeds generously and water those areas well. The grass seeds will quickly sprout after a few days, and the existing grass will spread to the watered areas.
How often should I mow my lawn during the summer?
Grass grows quickly during the summer, so you should mow your lawn every 5 to 7 days. As the climate begins to cool down, you can start extending the gaps between mowing. Rainy seasons will accelerate the growth of your grass, so pick a dry day when you can and keep it under control.
