Tractor mower tall grass. Best Riding Lawn Mower for Tall Grass – Latest Mowers of 2020

How To Cut Extremely Long Grass In 5 Easy Steps

If you’ve been away on a long summer vacation and returned to a garden that looks more like a meadow than a lawn, don’t worry.

It’s happened to all of us.

Sometimes it doesn’t even take a month-long vacation to face such a situation.

All you need is a week-long rainfall and, before you know it, your lawn starts to look like the Amazon jungle!

Want to get tips on how to cut extremely long grass? You’ve come to the right place.

I’ve put together everything you need to know and do to tame your wild lawn.

Key Takeaways:

By the way, our site is supported by visitors like you. Some links on this page may be affiliate links which means if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! You can find out more here.

Tips for Tackling Your Overgrown Lawn

• Prepare your protective clothing: You’ll need gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, safety glasses, rubber boots, and ear protection when using the mower and trimmer.

• Inspect the lawn for debris: The area of the lawn that requires cutting must be free from tree branches, rocks, and any other debris. Otherwise, your grass-cutting machinery will get damaged.

• Keep pets and children away: Make sure your children and pets are moved to a safe area while you’re cutting the grass. In fact, no one should be nearby to avoid injury. You should also watch out for any creatures in your lawn, such as snakes, armadillos, or moles.

• Pause often: When tackling an overgrown lawn, remember to take a breather frequently as your mower or trimmer can easily overheat. Gas-powered mowers tend to stall out when they’ve been running too long.

• Cut the lawn in spring or summer: As a rule of thumb, never cut your overgrown grass in winter. The stress of regular trimming during the cold seasoncan wreak havoc on the grass’s recovery.

How you cut your overgrown lawn now will affect it for the rest of the season!

This is why you should carefully follow my recommendations to achieve the best results.

How To Cut tall Grass: A Step By Step Guide

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when tackling an overgrown lawn is to try and cut all the grass on the first pass.

NEVER attempt to cut more than 1/3 of your long grass in one session. It will damage the roots and encourage the spread of weeds.

Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, this task won’t be a day’s job to accomplish. So remember to only cut the top layer of your overgrown lawn and leave the rest for later.

These are the tools you’ll need for cutting tall grass:

• A string or blade trimmer
• Lawnmower
• Rake
• Safety equipment (see my protective clothing section)

Step 1. Start by cutting long grass with a trimmer or weed eater. You can use a strong.080 or 0.95 trimmer line or blade trimmer before mowing your grass. Cut down a fraction of the grass (up to one-third) at a time.

Step 2. Once you’ve removed the top layer of the grass, use the trimmer again a couple of days later for the second round. Even if your grass is bent (this happens if the lawn has not been maintained for a year or so) a trimmer or scythe will efficiently cut the grass.

Step 3. To allow the lawn to recover, water it before leaving it for a week. This is a good opportunity for you to take a rest and put your feet up.

Step 4. After a week, it’s time for a second trim. Again use your trimmer or scythe to cut the grass down to less than 6 inches.

Step 5. Don’t forget to gather the grass clippings with a rake. You can always use them as mulch later.

Some people aren’t comfortable with the idea of using a string trimmer or weedeater to cut their overgrown lawn.

If you’re one of them, I have other suggestions. Go to the next part to learn how to cut extremely long grass using hand tools.

Tools To Cut Long Grass By Hand

Aside from a string trimmer, you also have the option of using basic grass-cutting tools to remove the top layer of your overgrown grass by hand.

The most common hand tools are scythes, garden sickles, and shears.

But how do cut extremely long grass with hand tools?

How To Use A Scythe

Stand in a comfortable position and hold the scythe by its horizontal handle. Using the muscles in your hips and thighs, start by swinging the blade with a back-and-forth motion and work your way through the grass.

For the best results, hold the cutting edge of the scythe parallel to the ground. This tool is ideal for cutting grass up to 2 feet tall.

But unless you are experienced at handling this tool it may be best to try shears or a sickle.

How To Use A Shear

This small hand tool is ideal for cutting small sections of the lawn. Hold the handle the same way as a scythe so that the blades are parallel to the ground.

Squeeze the shear blades together to close the blades and cut as you move slowly across the yard. Click to buy shears at Amazon.

How To Use A Sickle

Hold the sickle with your right hand as though you want to play golf. Use gentle back-handed strokes so the blade moves away from your body (no, I’m not teaching you how to play tennis!). Make sure no one is nearby as the blades are very sharp! Buy at Amazon.

Next comes the fun part…mowing tall grass. Follow the final steps and soon your jungle-like lawn will be back to how it should be.

Mowing Tall Grass

The mowing process will help get your grass down to the desired height. A previously trimmed lawn will be much easier to mow, though the task will require quite a lot of effort on your part.

Depending on the type of mower you have, you’ll need to adjust the height setting to between 4 and 6 inches. The goal is to make sure the final result is completely even.

A word of caution: don’t mow your lawn while the grass is wet. This will make it extra difficult to cut down plus your mower won’t even work properly.

If the grass is wet, wait a few days until it’s completely dry before starting to mow.

(Well, we did say the whole thing will take time…so be patient).

Here’s our step-by-step process for mowing tall grass:

Step 1. After adjusting the mower to the highest setting, make the first pass to reduce the grass height.

Be warned: this will be a long and slow task as the mower might struggle to work through the long grass. In case the machine stops, clean the blade area regularly to remove any blockage.

Now grab yourself a cold drink and take a pause.

Step 2. Time for the second pass. After you’ve reduced the grass height to a more manageable size during the first pass, change the mower setting by reducing the height of the blade before making a second pass.

Step 3. Remember to take your time just like you did before and clear out the blade during the cutting process. Otherwise, your mower just will not work properly.

Leave the lawn now for a few days to help it recover.

Step 4. After a few days have passed, the new haircut you’ve given your lawn will look more respectable.

Now it’s time for the third pass in order to get the lawn to its final height. Adjust your mower to its usual height, which is between 2 and 3 inches. This is the ideal setting for your lawn.

Now go over your lawn one more time so you can achieve a nice even finish.

Before you pat yourself on the back and put all your tools away… there is the dreaded clearing of grass clippings. It’s all part of the process.

Step 5. For larger lawns, a leaf blower will efficiently clear up the clippings from the sidewalks. A broom will suffice for smaller lawns.

Depending on the size of your lawn, the cleaning part could well be a day’s job so you might want to leave it until the following day.

Must-Have Tools For Cutting Tall Grass

When cutting tall grass there are four stand-out tools. If you have access to power tools, start off with a string trimmer or weed eater and trim down to around 4-6 inches.

If cutting grass by hand, start off with a sickle or grass scythe, working your way down to a mowable length of around 3-4 inches.

Lawnmower

For large lawns, opt for a gas-powered mower. An electric lawnmower is best used for small yards within the restriction of cable length.

A push reel mower is ideal for thick grass but it does require a certain amount of energy. There is also the battery-powered self-propelled mower that comes with 7 height settings and 20 inches of cutting diameter.

If you’re looking for the best gas or electric lawn mowers, we did a detail review of each one. Check them out.

Weed Eater Or Trimmer

You have the option between gas, electric, or cordless weed eaters. This tool makes the job of cutting long grass easier than a mower and is perfect for clearing areas of long overgrown weeds or brush.

Once you get the hang of using a trimmer, you’ll be able to maintain your lawn preventing it from turning into a micro-jungle.

A battery-powered grass trimmer provides you will complete flexibility and movement around your lawn and yard.

Corded models generally leave you restricted to the cord length and the potential of the cord catching on objects or damaging flower beds.

For detailed insight into how to choose the best trimmer for your garden check out the article below 8 Best Cordless Battery Operated Weed Eaters, featuring a detailed buying guide and giving a first-hand review of the best premium and budget weed eaters on the market right now.

Sickle

This is a single short-handled tool made to be used with one hand. The inner curve of the sickle’s blade is the sharp part.

A sickle is easy to store and much lighter than a trimmer, but it’s typically used for cutting small patches of grass.

With each slash, you can easily remove the overgrown grass, even if it’s up to a meter high!

Grass Scythe

The final tool we will look at is one of the most common hand tools for cutting long grass. Unlike a sickle that has a single hand, a scythe is a two-handed tool.

It consists of a metal or wooden shaft, which is around 6 feet in length with an S-curve or straight shape.

The handle of the scythe is adjustable and the size of the blade can be anywhere from 2 to 4 feet long.

Stop Overgrown Grass Before It Happens

By now, you’ve become familiar with how to cut extremely long grass using some of the tools I’ve mentioned above. But wouldn’t it be better to avoid getting yourself into this situation in the first place?

Setting up regular mowing at intervals is all it takes to help you prevent an overgrown lawn.

The next time you put your doctor’s visit or a party date on your phone’s calendar, don’t forget to include the mowing task as an alert.

Tip: If you’re going on vacation, mow the lawn the day before you leave. You don’t want to return and face the arduous task of mowing tall grass in your backyard.

My Final Thoughts On Cutting Overgrown Grass

When you’re dealing with an overgrown lawn, learning how to cut extremely long grass with the right tools is essential to prevent damaging your lawn and affecting its recovery.

Once you get the hang of using a weed eater or a scythe, you’ll easily accomplish the task without hiring professional help!

FAQs about how to cut extremely long grass

What is the easiest way to cut long grass?

The easiest way to cut long grass is by using a string trimmer or weed eater to gradually trim the top layer of the grass. This prevents overloading the mower and allows for more manageable cutting.

How do I cut long grass in my backyard?

To cut long grass in your backyard, follow these steps:

Use a trimmer or weed eater to cut the top layer of the grass in sections.

Wait for a few days to allow the grass to recover.

Make a second pass with the trimmer or a lawnmower set at a lower height.

Repeat the process until the grass is at the desired height.

Use a rake to gather the grass clippings.

Can grass be too tall to mow?

Yes, grass can be too tall to mow. If the grass is excessively tall, it can overwhelm the lawnmower, clog the blades, and result in an uneven cut.

In such cases, it is recommended to gradually trim the grass with a string trimmer or weed eater before attempting to mow it with a lawnmower.

This approach ensures better results and prevents damage to the mower.

Can A Zero-Turn Mower Cut Tall Grass?

As long as you don’t let the grass get more than 6 inches tall you can use a zero-turn mower.

When dealing with taller grass and weeds, your zero-turn may get damaged or clogged. Use a gas-powered string trimmer instead for better results.

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Please read our affiliates disclosure page to find out more.

Best Riding Lawn Mower for Tall Grass – Latest Mowers of 2020

Garden tractor, also known as lawn tractors are a way too important and useful than you think! Riding lawn mower is very easy when it comes to cut the lawns of large gardens or tall green blades. There are a lot of different styles and motors available in the online market. But, we want you to choose the best one according to your need and comfort. Thus, we have made a list of best riding lawn mowers for you.

Here we are going to review the top five options of tall grass mowers. We take different aspects such as; Manufacturer, Horsepower, Transmission, Deck Length, Unit Weight, Speed, Warranty, Tank Capacity, etc. into consideration.

Check out some reliable mowers.

Troy-Bilt Pony 42x Riding Lawn Mower

The Troy-Bilt Riding Lawn Mower has the reputation of being one of the best at the moment. It packs power and convenience along with a whole range of attractive features. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

• It is gas-powered and has a premium engine of 420cc.
• The engine comes with an oil filter.
• Its 42-inch steel deck has dual blades that make cutting blades of grass very easy.
• It features an easy discharge pathway for mulch.
• Its seat is quite comfortable and can turn around for reverse operation.

Troy-Bilt’s 7-speed transmission and OHV engine make it a solid machine and a must-have. It has multiple happy users and there’s no reason why you won’t be happy as well!

Husqvarna Briggs Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower

Husqvarna MZ61 is a zero turn lawn mower. Thus, it is best for residential and commercial jobs. It becomes popular because of its extraordinary ergonomic settings. The company offers 5 gallons of tank capacity and four years of warranty.

Key Features and Specifications

• The engine of 27 Horsepower powers it. It provides reliable startups and high ground speeds.
• The deck length of this massive mower is 61 inches, and the unit weight is around 770 pounds.
• It has a feature of reverse mow and ergonomic high back seat with armrests. It makes the long grass cutting sessions comfortable.
• It comes with Hydrostatic Transmission, which is exceptionally efficient.
• Well, a fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck can lift the entire army of green blades.

Apart from all these features, it also offers the facility of reminder indicator. It indicates the time. Also, the mower has 9-bushel triple bag collection system. Husqvarna MZ61 is indeed one of the best lawn mowers.

Husqvarna Z254 – Zero Turn Mower

The Husqvarna Lawn Mower has 26 HP and can provide super-quick startups. It can attain a maximum speed of 6.5 MPH, which is quite good for a lawn mower. Below are a few more details:

• It has a unique brake system, which is currently patent pending. It has the ability to activate and deactivate based on the steering levers.
• It is also powered by an air-induction mowing technology that works to cut the grass well and improve it through aeration.
• The mower’s steel stamped deck is very durable.
• It has attachment options for mulch and clippings but you must buy those separately.

This particular lawn mower is power-packed and does a great job thanks to its engine. If you are a beginner, make sure you try it in an open area to get a hang of it.

Ariens 915223 Zero Turn Lawn Mower

Ariens 915223 Zero Turn Mower is the most good looking one! Not just by the looks, it impresses the users with its commercial-quality. You don’t have to put much effort to pamper your lawn.

Key Features and Specifications

• Because of the high back padded seat and armrests, you don’t have to worry about your back. Even if you operate the mower whole day, you will not feel tired!
• It is made out of heavy-duty steel and cast iron lining in the cylinders which makes it durable and long lasting.
• It offers a 23 horsepower V-Twin Kawasaki FR series engine. You can start it with the automatic compression release.
• This 52-inch mower is formed with three blades. Users can adjust the cutting height using an in-built dial.
• Ariens 915223 comes with 13 height positions that range between 1.5 to 4.5 inches. This feature is useful in customized cuts.

There are two EXT hydrostatic transaxles. They offer effortless transitions between the gears and accurate control over your mower. It can easily navigate its way over any small or tall blades that come in the way. Also, you can use it in reverse.

Craftsman T225 – Briggs and Stratton Gold

The Briggs and Stratton gas-powered lawn mower comes with a ready-start to help you get through yard jobs easily. It is a 46-inch mower with the following features:

• It comes with a deck wash to cut, trim, and clip grass easily without any extra cleaning work.
• The lawn mower has a hydrostatic transmission.
• You can easily maneuver it in reverse as well.
• The seat of the lawn mower is quite comfortable with a high-back cushion.
• The wheels of this lawn mower are of great quality. The front ones measure 15 inches and the rear ones measure 20 inches. This size enables better ground clearance.

Take our word for it – this lawn mower is your best bet at a great price range. It helps you start well, finish the job, and waste no time in cleaning afterward.

After extensive research, these are the top 5! I hope you have decided the best one for yourself from the list given above. It is essential to keep in mind the size of your lawn area before buying any mower. Apart from that, all is well! Have a good, happy, and comfortable mowing adventure ahead.

How To Cut Tall Grass With A Reel Mower In Just 4 Easy Steps

Today they represent an eco-friendly way to keep your lawn trimmed short and neat.

Yet what happens if your lawn is accidentally allowed to grow too long? Can a reel mower handle cutting tall grass?

The short answer is, yes a reel mower can handle long grass. We just need to take a closer look at how a reel mower looks, to better understand the changes you need to make in your mowing technique.

How Does A Reel Mower Work?

With a reel lawnmower, the blades are spinning from above. This tends to cut the grass at a more natural angle, as it essentially pulls the blades in and cuts them like scissors.

A convention gas-powered or electric rotary lawnmower has blades that attack the grass from the side.

Even when a rotary mower’s blades are more perfectly sharp, they still tend to more damage to individual blades of grass.

When a rotary mower’s blades start to dull the damage to the grass can be pronounced.

Not only can this leave your lawn looking shaggy and unkempt it can also lead to future problems. Damaged grass blades tend to be more prone to common lawn diseases as well as pests.

Inconsistently cut grass is also increasingly prone to problems with excess thatch suffocating the turf, making it harder for water, air, and key nutrients to feed the roots.

How Often Do You Need To Mow The Lawn With A Reel Mower?

A reel mower isn’t really designed to tackle an overgrown lawn. Long blades of grass can be matted down or even potentially tangle in the cylindrical blades.

Even the best reel mower will struggle to handle grass that is longer than say 4-inches.

For most lawns, this means cutting the grass with a reel mower at least once a week. During the peak of the growing season, you might have to mow more frequently, like once every five days.

Then as the sun starts to wane in early fall, you might be able to get away with dialing it back to once every ten days. If you keep an eye on your lawn, it will tell you when it needs to be cut.

How Can I Cut Tall Grass With a Reel Mower?

Reel mowers and stray sticks do not like each other. Twigs, fallen leaves, and other lawn debris also have a knack for hiding in tall grass.

Make sure to go a little walkthrough to clear away any debris before you start mowing. This will spare you unexpected headaches along the way.

Step Four: Increase Your Overlap

If the blades of grass are over four inches tall, you will need to increase the size of your overlap. This means walking a full pass down your lawn.

When you get to the end, turn around and make sure that your second pass is overlapping the first by at least four to six inches.

You may have to have even more overlap if you notice blades of grass from the first pass that have essentially been knocked down instead of cut.

In the case of a severely overgrown lawn, you might have to repeat the same path twice. This will ensure that you have made contact with each blade of grass and cut it to the desired height.

Can I Cut My Grass In A Checkerboard Pattern?

Checkerboard patterns and lawns that are cut at intersecting 45-degree angles can be very visually attractive.

This is also another type of mowing pattern strategy that you can use to tackle long or otherwise overgrown grass.

With a reel mower, you tend to get the best results by completing one pass in each direction.

Then when you are done, you walk along at a perpendicular angle. Not only will this catch any long blades that may have been left behind by the first pass, but it will also leave you with that visually appealing crosshatch pattern in your lawn.

What Happens To The Grass Clippings Produced By A Reel Mower?

Grass clippings, which are also known as “Thatch” can be a little bit of a double-edged sword when it comes to a reel mower.

If conditions are normal, or perhaps even a little wet, grass clippings can quickly decompose within a few days to a week after cutting. This is more likely to occur with short clippings.

When this happens it can actually feed nitrogen and other basic nutrients back into the turf. The net result is a lawn that says verdantly green, while also helping to prevent weeds from establishing a presence in your lawn.

Yet long grass clippings tend to take much longer to break down. If the summer has been particularly dry, grass clippings of any size can stop decomposing.

When this happens, the thatch layer starts to buildup in the upper layers of the turf. Left unchecked, it can choke off otherwise healthy blades of grass causing dead spots and making it increasingly hard for your irrigation system to thoroughly soak the roots.

Some reel mower manufacturers produce units that have a removable collection bin positioned right behind the cutting cylinder. I would personally recommend these over units that don’t have an optional bin.

Yes, you will need to empty it from time to time in a single mower session, but it will spare you having to deal with thatch complications and excess costs of seasonal aeration.

If the grass is excessively long, or the recent weather is very dry, you can attach it to collect most of the clippings.

If you have been keeping the grass short, with frequent mowing sessions, and the local weather has been normal to wet, you can leave the collection bin off, to let the clippings refeed the turf.

In Conclusion

It’s true that a reel mower and its blades do need a little bit of extra care and maintenance.

Yet if you compare these efforts and costs to things like fuel costs, oil changes, and all the other things that go into maintaining a gas-powered lawnmower, I think you’ll find that a reel mower will pay for itself in spades.

Spending a little extra money on a proper mill file and giving the moving parts an occasional spray with some penetrating lubricant will further help extend the value of a reel mower.

It will also help keep the blades moving easily to reduce your overall efforts in each mowing session. This is the best way to make sure you see the full return on your investment.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that reel mowers and rainwater do not get along.

If you have a roof leak in your garage or garden shed, or your property is at risk for flooding, make sure the reel mower is up and out of the way in a dry place.

From his childhood obsession with gardening to the decade he spent operating a hobby farm, Eric has developed over four decades of experience in self-sufficiency. Not only does this include the organic elements of growing and tending plants, but it also includes a wealth of experience in lawn care, landscaping, and gardening equipment.

How to Cut Tall Grass

If your lawn has turned from a manicured carpet to a jungle paradise, fear not. This article will take you from safari to suburbia in six steps.

Set your expectations and gear up.

First, your lawn won’t look like a golf course right after you mow. You will need some patience. Expect the lawn to take a while to recover and get back to normal.

Second, gear up before you begin. A tall yard is not a shorts-and-T-shirt kind of job. Consider wearing safety goggles or a face shield, ear protection, and proper clothing and footwear. Mowers routinely find mice, snakes, rabbits, turtles, and all kinds of trash hiding in long grass.

Make sure the grass is dry.

This isn’t always possible, but it is very helpful. Mowing wet grass can be frustrating and messy. It can create clogging in your mower engine and will leave large clumps of grass clippings in the lawn. If the grass is wet, the mower may pull the grass up from the roots instead of cutting the blades of grass off the top. Also, you run the risk of leaving ruts in the lawn if the ground is muddy. Mow when it’s dry if possible.

Before mowing, use a string trimmer.

Depending on your grass height, it may be helpful to start with a string trimmer. If your grass is taller than your mower can cut, this is a good option because you can knock down the grass to a mowable height. If you have a scythe, you can also use it for this part of the process. (Some have even used chainsaws for very thick, overgrown weeds and small bushes.)

Fun Fact: String trimmers are also known as weed eaters, weed whackers, and whipper snippers, depending on where you live.

Mow the lawn.

After you’ve used the string trimmer, it is time to mow. No matter what type of mower you choose, make sure your mower blades are sharp. Set your mower at the highest setting. Go slowly and remember the one-third rule: Don’t take off more than one-third of the grass at a time.

You’ll want to double or triple mow the area to mulch up the clippings as much as possible.

After you mow, it is ideal to wait several days before you mow again. Keep mowing using the one-third rule until you reach the desired height. Doing multiple mowing sessions to shorten the lawn little by little will encourage a healthy lawn going forward.

Whether or not you bag the clippings is up to you. It will likely depend on the lawn’s height. If it is only slightly overgrown and you can do several mows, you’ll do fine to leave the clippings on the lawn. If the lawn is several feet tall, you’ll want to remove the debris.

Put on the finishing touches.

If you haven’t already trimmed the sidewalks and along the driveway, do that. Then, blow off the hard surfaces. You’ll probably want to blow through the yard as well, evening out any large clumps of grass so they are more evenly distributed.

Clean your equipment.

After you mow an overgrown lawn, you may need to sharpen your mower blades, and you’ll need to clean your mower. When you cut long, thick grass it often clumps under the mower deck. Take good care of your equipment, and it will take good care of you.

Enjoy your freshly cut grass!

FAQ

What type of mower should I use?

The best type of mower to use is probably the type of mower you already have.

Using tools you already own saves you time and money. You’d be amazed at what you can do with a regular push mower, even in extreme situations. There are even folks who have successfully used heavy-duty battery-powered lawn mowers to shear overgrown grass in lawns and fields. Corded electric lawn mowers may not be the best choice since having to manage a cord through dense brush is not ideal.

If your mower isn’t very powerful, you may have to mow the lawn in sections, doing a little each day to accommodate what your mower can do.

If you’d like to DIY this job but want a more powerful mower or have a large lawn, go to your nearest large equipment rental store and rent a brush cutter, riding mower, or commercial mower.

The other option is to hire a professional. A professional company not only has professional-level mowing equipment, but they have heavy-duty string trimmers and blowers, as well.

When is the best time of year to mow my lawn?

Most experts agree that the best time to cut your overgrown lawn is during a season of active growth. Cool-season lawns go dormant during the hottest part of the summer, and it is not advisable to cut either cool-season grass or warm-season grass during the winter.

If you mow during an active growth phase, the lawn will have a better, quicker recovery.

When is the best time of day to mow my lawn?

Early in the morning, from 8-10 a.m., is the best time to mow. This not only keeps you from overheating, but it helps prevent your motor from overheating, as well. It also gives your grass time to recover before the hottest time of the day.

If your backyard jungle is too much for you to handle, hire a lawn care professional to get the job done without breaking a sweat.

Main Photo Credit: Andres Siimon | Unsplash

How to Mow Tall Grass Without Damaging Your Lawn

Mowing in tall grass can be difficult. It can often cause your mower to get bogged down or even to stall our while you’re mowing. In this article I’ll tell you how to mow tall grass. I’ll also provide tips to avoid wasting time stalling, clearing clogs, or damaging your lawn.

While commercial lawn companies do have equipment that will cut an overgrown lawn, they can be expensive. You also might not have time to wait around for them to schedule your appointment.

Following these basic steps will help ensure that you don’t damage your lawn when mowing through tall grass.

My Tips on How to Mow Tall Grass

Below I’ve collected my top tips on how to mow tall grass efficiently:

First, Cut a Little Bit at a Time

One of the biggest mistakes that someone can make when mowing an overgrown lawn is trying to cut it down to the desired height on the first pass.

While this may seem like it will save you time, it won’t.

Trying to cut long grass in one pass will cause your lawn mower to clog up. Your mower will likely stall and shut down as well. Not only can this damage your mower, it will leave you with more aggravation than you started with.

I suggest cutting your lawn down in a few passes and, if possible, spreading that mowing over a few days.

Remove the top layer of grass. Then mow it again one or two days later to get to the desired length.

If your grass is like a meadow, try a weed-wacker or scythe to knock it down to size. Allow the grass to recover for a few days, then repeat the process to get to the desired length.

If you cut more than 1/3 of the length of your grasses at a time, you risk damaging the health of your lawn.

This is why I recommend giving your lawn an opportunity to recover, heal, and begin growing again before you cut more.

Using your trimmer, cut off the tops of the blades of grass, and removing the trimmings when finished.

If you’re pressed for time (or you’re impatient), it’s usually ok to take multiple passes over your lawn to get it to the desired length.

Make sure to bag your clippings or rake them so you’re not smothering the grass with the mulched clippings.

One thing that I recommend when mowing tall grass is to stop mowing as soon as your grass is standing up straight.

Let the lawn heal at that point before coming back later in the week to mow to the desired height. You’ll be glad you did.

Next, Trim Grass to the Desired Height

Just because you have trimmed your grass once doesn’t mean that you won’t have to trim it again for another year. It actually means just the opposite. It is recommended that you trim your grass again roughly one week after the initial trim.

You can either do this by using your grass trimmer, or you can do this by setting your lawn mower to its highest setting before you mow.

It is common for most lawn mowers to have the highest setting of 4.” If your lawn is still taller than this after the initial trim, it is best to use the trimmer to cut the lawn down before you use your lawn mower.

Remember, a good rule of thumb to use when deciding how short to cut your lawn is the “Two-thirds rule.”

You only ever want to cut the top third of your lawn, leaving the bottom two thirds to live and be healthy.

Finally, Remember to Take it Slow

Now that your lawn is the right height and you can finally use your mower, remember it isn’t a race.

It might be tempting to go full throttle with your lawn mower. That will not lead to a healthy lawn.

A slower pace will cause less stress on your grass, ensuring a healthy lawn.

Proper Maintenance is Important After Mowing Tall Grass

Mowing the lawn is not always everyone’s favorite household chore. It can be really easy to let your lawn get overgrown and out of control. However, letting that happen will only lead to more work in the long run.

If you let your lawn get overgrown, it can cause stress on the grass, leading to an unhealthy lawn.

I have another article that discusses how often to mow your lawn if you’re looking for tips.

Here is a quick recap of the tips mentioned above:

• Trim your lawn first. It is important to not immediately take a lawn mower to your tall grass. The lawn mower likely not be able to handle the amount of clippings, but it will also damage your lawn. Trim it back first using a trimmer for the best results.
• Trim your lawn twice. After the first trim, it is likely that your lawn is still too long to mow. Make sure that your grass is standing upright, no bent blades before you decide to mow.
• Slow and Steady makes healthy grass. By mowing your lawn at a slower pace, you will have the best-looking lawn on the block in no time.