In spring and summer, when grass seems to grow really quickly, people use lawn mowers to keep their lawns tidy. To make sure your lawn mower can keep up with all the work you need it to do, it’s important to service it throughout the year. It is very important to regularly do tasks such as cleaning, changing the oil, and checking the air filter and spark plugs. It’s also important to keep the lawnmower blade sharp. This is good for the look of your lawn and keeps it healthy.
A sharp blade is necessary for a clean and even cut. If the lawn appears patchy or uneven, or if areas of exposed soil are visible after mowing at a consistent height, it may indicate that the blade is dull. Tearing or fraying of the grass tips can give the lawn a dried-out, yellowish look and create openings for disease. By contrast, a properly sharpened blade produces a lift effect that results in a better cut and reduces damage to the lawn.
If you notice your fuel levels decreasing faster than usual, it could be a sign that the mower blade needs sharpening. Dull blades can cause the engine to work harder, increasing fuel consumption by up to 20%. Similarly, if you find yourself exerting more effort or needing more passes to achieve a clean cut, it may be time to sharpen the blade. A properly sharpened blade should make mowing more efficient and less labor-intensive.
Lastly, inspect the color of your grass after mowing. A vibrant green color is indicative of a healthy lawn, while a yellow, brown, or dull appearance could signal that the blade needs attention. A lawn mowed with a dull blade often takes on a hazy or muted tone. By staying attentive to these signs and sharpening the blade regularly, you can ensure your lawn remains healthy and well-maintained throughout the mowing seasons.
During the summer, make sure to inspect your lawn mower blade for any visible nicks, bends, or rust. These imperfections could signal the need to sharpen the blade. “Physical damage or corrosion can impact cutting performance and should be dealt with promptly,” advises Koch.
You will need a sharp blade to make a clean, even cut. If your lawn looks uneven or patchy, or if you can see exposed soil after mowing, it might be because the blade is dull. If grass tips start to tear or fray, the lawn can look dried out and yellow. This can create openings for disease. On the other hand, if you sharpen your blade properly, it will create a lift effect. This will make your cut better and will also damage your lawn less.
If you see that your mower is running out of fuel more quickly than normal, it might be a sign that the blade needs to be sharpened. Dull blades can make the engine work harder, which can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%. If you find that you are putting more effort in or needing more passes to get a clean cut, it is probably time to sharpen the blade. A blade that is sharpened properly should make mowing easier and quicker.
Finally, check the colour of your grass after mowing. A bright green colour shows a healthy lawn, while yellow, brown or dull colours show that the blade needs attention. If you mow your lawn with a dull blade, it will often have a hazy or muted look. If you pay attention to these signs and sharpen the blade regularly, you can make sure your lawn stays healthy and well-maintained all year round.
In summer, check your lawnmower blade for any nicks, bends or rust. These problems could mean that you need to sharpen the blade. “Physical damage or corrosion can affect how well the blade cuts and should be fixed quickly,” says Koch.
