How to Mow Tall Grass with a Push Mower

Mowing tall grass can be a daunting task, especially if you’re accustomed to maintaining a shorter lawn. However, with the right techniques and tools, it can be managed effectively with a push mower.

This guide will outline how to mow tall grass with a push mower, ensuring a clean, even cut while promoting the health of your lawn. Whether you’re preparing for a special event, or simply maintaining your yard, understanding how to properly mow tall grass will not only enhance the appearance of your landscape but also contribute to its overall health.

Understanding the Challenges of Mowing Tall Grass

Mowing tall grass presents several challenges that can complicate the task for even the most seasoned gardeners. One of the primary difficulties is the thickness and density of the grass, which can cause the mower blades to become overwhelmed, leading to uneven cuts or even stalling.

Additionally, tall grass may conceal hidden obstacles such as rocks, sticks, or dips in the terrain, increasing the risk of damaging the mower or injuring oneself. Another concern is that mowing grass that is too tall can stress the plant, resulting in potential damage to the roots and ultimately harming the lawn’s health. Therefore, it is crucial to approach this task with care, patience, and a strategy that considers these challenges.

Why Tall Grass is More Difficult to Mow

Tall grass poses unique challenges that require special attention when mowing. Firstly, the height of the grass can significantly hinder visibility, making it difficult to spot obstacles that may be hiding beneath the blades. This can increase the likelihood of damaging the mower or encountering hazards that could cause injury.

Secondly, tall grass tends to be thicker and more robust, which means that the mower must work harder to cut through it. This extra strain can lead to overheating and increased wear on the blades and engine.

Additionally, cutting too much grass at once—an easy mistake to make with taller blades—can shock the grass, leading to stress that may manifest as browning or thinning over time. Understanding these complexities can help you prepare and adapt your mowing technique for better results.

10 Methods How to Mow Tall Grass with a Push Mower

1. Raise the Mower’s Cutting Height

One of the most important steps when mowing tall grass is to adjust the cutting height on your mower to its highest setting. Most push mowers come with adjustable height settings, which allow you to raise or lower the cutting deck.

By raising the deck, you’ll be cutting the grass higher up, reducing strain on the mower and preventing it from clogging or stalling. Mowing tall grass at a higher setting allows for a cleaner first cut, making it easier to gradually lower the height in subsequent passes.

2. Mow in Passes, Reducing the Height Gradually

When dealing with very tall grass, it’s often best to mow in multiple passes rather than trying to cut all the grass at once. Start by mowing at the highest setting, removing only the top third of the grass.

Then, lower the cutting height slightly and mow again. This method prevents the mower from becoming overwhelmed by thick, tall grass and ensures that you don’t damage the lawn by cutting it too short all at once. Gradually reducing the height in stages will lead to a healthier, more even cut.

3. Cut Small Sections at a Time

Tall grass can be tough to mow if you attempt to cut large areas all at once. To make the process more manageable, focus on mowing small sections at a time. By working in smaller areas, you reduce the strain on your mower and allow it to handle the tall grass more efficiently.

This approach also helps you keep better control of the mower, preventing clogs and ensuring that you get an even cut. Mowing in smaller, more manageable sections will also allow you to tackle the job at a comfortable pace.

4. Use a Side Discharge Instead of Bagging

When mowing tall grass, it’s better to use the side discharge option on your mower rather than bagging the clippings. Bagging tall grass can lead to frequent stops to empty the bag, slowing down the process and making it more cumbersome.

The side discharge method allows the clippings to be dispersed evenly as you mow, preventing the mower from becoming overloaded with grass. However, be mindful that tall grass clippings can sometimes clump together, so you may need to rake them up afterward to avoid smothering the lawn.

5. Mow Dry Grass for Best Results

It’s always best to mow tall grass when it’s dry, as wet grass is much heavier and more difficult to cut. Wet grass tends to clump, clog the mower blades, and can leave uneven patches on your lawn.

To avoid these problems, wait for a dry day to tackle the tall grass. If your grass is wet due to recent rain or dew, give it time to dry before attempting to mow. Mowing dry grass ensures a cleaner cut, helps prevent mower jams, and makes the process smoother overall.

6. Sharpen Your Mower Blades Before Starting

Before mowing tall grass, it’s essential to ensure that your mower blades are sharp. Dull blades can tear the grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leading to a ragged, uneven appearance and stressing the lawn.

Sharpened blades will make the cutting process more efficient and reduce the risk of the mower getting bogged down in the thick grass. If your blades haven’t been sharpened in a while, take the time to do so before starting. A sharp blade cuts more easily through tall grass, resulting in a neater and healthier lawn.

7. Use a Push-and-Pull Technique

In particularly tall or thick grass, it can be helpful to use a push-and-pull technique to prevent the mower from getting stuck. Push the mower forward slowly and steadily to cut the grass, then pull it back toward you without cutting. Repeat this process, allowing the mower to clear the grass before moving forward again.

This method helps avoid overloading the mower with too much grass at once and reduces the likelihood of the mower stalling or clogging. The push-and-pull approach is especially useful when dealing with overgrown patches or dense areas of tall grass.

8. Overlap Your Rows for Even Coverage

When mowing tall grass, it’s important to overlap your rows slightly to ensure even coverage. Each time you start a new row, make sure that the edge of the mower deck overlaps with the previous cut.

This technique prevents uncut strips of grass from being left behind and ensures that the entire area is mowed evenly. Overlapping also helps to catch any grass that may have been pushed over by the mower rather than cut, giving your lawn a more uniform appearance once you’re finished.

9. Rake or Mulch the Clippings

After mowing tall grass, you’ll often find that the clippings are longer and heavier than usual. These clippings can smother the grass beneath them if left on the lawn, leading to dead patches. To avoid this, rake up the clippings after mowing, especially if they’ve clumped together.

Alternatively, if your mower has a mulching option, you can go over the clippings again to chop them into smaller pieces, which can then decompose and return nutrients to the soil. Whether you choose to rake or mulch, dealing with the clippings is an important part of maintaining a healthy lawn after mowing tall grass.

10. Take Your Time and Be Patient

Mowing tall grass with a push mower can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task, so it’s important to pace yourself and be patient. Trying to rush through the job can lead to uneven cuts, mower clogs, and potential damage to both your equipment and the lawn.

Take your time, and if necessary, break the task up into smaller sessions to avoid overexerting yourself. Mowing tall grass requires steady, deliberate movements and careful attention to avoid mishaps. By working patiently, you’ll achieve a cleaner, more even cut and prevent damage to your lawn and mower.

Tips for Achieving the Best Results When Mowing Tall Grass

1. Plan Your Mowing Schedule: Choose the optimal times to mow, ideally in the late afternoon when the sun is not too intense, and the heat has subsided. This will make your mowing experience more comfortable and could result in better cutting conditions.
2. Wear Appropriate Gear: Safety should always come first. Wear sturdy shoes, gloves, and eye protection to shield yourself from flying debris or potential injury from sharp mower blades.
3. Adjust the Mower Speed: Slowing down your mowing speed when tackling tall grass will allow the mower blades to cut more efficiently. This helps prevent the mower from becoming overloaded and ensures a cleaner cut.
4. Monitor Your Mowing Pattern: Changing the direction in which you mow — such as alternating between vertical and horizontal rows — can reduce wear patterns on your lawn and promote a healthier growth pattern.
5. Inspect for Hazards: Before you start mowing, walk around the area to check for any hidden obstacles like rocks, branches, or toys that could damage your mower or cause injury.
6. Consider Weather Conditions: Avoid mowing during windy conditions, as grass clippings can be blown around, creating an unkempt appearance. Also, be mindful of the forecast, as impending rain could affect the condition of your lawn.

By following these tips, you can not only improve the quality of your mowing experience but also enhance the overall health and appearance of your lawn.

Conclusion

Mowing tall grass can seem daunting, but with the right techniques and a patient approach, you can achieve a beautifully manicured lawn. By gradually reducing cutting heights, working in manageable sections, and ensuring your equipment is well-prepared, you not only make the process more efficient but also promote a healthier lawn.

Remember to mind the conditions, such as mowing when the grass is dry and using sharp blades, to minimise hassle and ensure clean cuts. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to mow tall grass with a push mower!