A healthy lawn does not only depend on the quality of your lawn mower. It also depends on how you use it. I see it all the time: customers bring in a mower with problems, or tell me their lawn does not look as healthy as it should, and very often the cause is not a major defect. It is one of the common mowing mistakes that many people make without realising it.
The good news is that most of these mistakes are easy to avoid. With the right habits, you can protect your lawn mower, improve the look of your grass, and reduce the risk of unnecessary repairs.
In this blog, I want to show you the most common lawn mower mistakes I see, explain why they cause problems, and share a few simple tips to help you avoid them.
Why using your lawn mower properly matters
For many people, mowing the lawn seems straightforward. You start the machine, cut the grass, and put the mower away. But a lawn mower is a working machine, and like any machine, it performs better and lasts longer when it is used properly.
From my experience, correct mowing makes a real difference. It helps keep your lawn healthy, reduces wear on the machine, and lowers the chance of faults later on. Small habits such as mowing in dry conditions, choosing the right cutting height, or cleaning the mower after use can already prevent a lot of trouble.
If you want a lawn that looks neat and strong, and a mower that keeps working reliably, it is worth paying attention to the basics.
1. Mowing wet grass
One of the most common mistakes I see is mowing wet grass. This usually happens after rain, or early in the morning when the lawn is still covered with dew.
A lot of people think this is not a big issue, but wet grass causes several problems at once. It sticks to the mower deck, blocks the discharge chute, and makes the whole machine work less efficiently. At the same time, the grass is not cut cleanly. Instead of slicing through the blades of grass, the mower often tears them.
That is bad for the appearance of your lawn, but also for its health. Torn grass tips dry out faster and make the lawn more vulnerable to fungal diseases.
My advice is simple: mow only when the grass is dry. Late morning or early afternoon is usually the best time. That way, the mower works better and your lawn gets a much cleaner cut.
2. Cutting grass that is too tall in one go
Another mistake I see a lot is waiting too long before mowing and then cutting the lawn down too much in a single pass.
This often happens after a holiday, a busy period, or a stretch of wet weather. The lawn gets too tall, and then people want to bring it back to normal immediately. Unfortunately, that puts a lot of stress on both the grass and the mower.
If you cut too much at once, the lawn can become weak and uneven. Too much green material is removed in one go, which affects the grass’s ability to recover. On top of that, long grass creates a large volume of clippings, and those clippings can clump together and lie on the lawn, blocking air and light.
The mower also has to work harder, especially if the grass is thick or slightly damp.
I always recommend following the one-third rule: never remove more than one third of the grass height in a single mowing session. If the lawn is very long, it is much better to mow it in two steps, with a few days in between.
3. Using a blunt mower blade
A blunt blade is one of the most underestimated lawn mower problems. Many people keep mowing with a dull blade for far too long, simply because the machine still seems to be working.
But in reality, a blunt blade does not really cut. It tears.
I can often tell from the condition of the lawn whether the blade has been sharp enough. When the grass tips look frayed or start turning brown after mowing, that is usually a sign that the blade needs attention.
A sharp blade gives a clean cut, which is much healthier for the grass. A dull blade damages the lawn, creates a rougher finish, and also puts more strain on the machine itself. The mower has to work harder, which increases wear over time.
My advice is to have the blade sharpened at least once per season. If you mow frequently or regularly hit stones, roots, or rough ground, it may need sharpening more often.
4. Choosing the wrong cutting height
A lot of people still think that cutting the grass very short is a good idea because it means they can mow less often. But for most lawns, cutting too short causes more harm than good.
When the grass is cut too low, the lawn becomes weaker. It loses too much leaf area, dries out faster, and becomes more vulnerable to weeds and moss. I often see lawns that struggle in warm weather simply because they are cut too short.
For most gardens, a cutting height of around 4 to 5 centimetres works well. During hot or dry periods, I usually recommend keeping it slightly higher, closer to 6 centimetres. That helps the soil retain moisture and gives the lawn a better chance to stay healthy and green.
A slightly higher lawn is often a stronger lawn.
5. Not cleaning the mower after use
This is a very common one. After mowing, many people put the machine away without cleaning it. I understand why, because once the job is done, you want to move on. But old grass clippings left on the mower can cause problems quite quickly.
Damp clippings stick to the deck and housing, and over time that can lead to corrosion. Grass build-up also affects airflow and cutting performance. In some cases, it even contributes to faster wear on moving parts.
I always recommend cleaning the mower after each use. You do not need to spend a long time on it. Usually, a brush, scraper, or compressed air is enough to remove the clippings and dirt.
One thing I do not recommend is simply hosing the mower down with water, unless the manufacturer says it is safe. Too much water can damage bearings, electrical parts, or other sensitive components.
Keeping the mower clean is one of the easiest ways to help it last longer.
6. Leaving old petrol in the tank
If you use a petrol lawn mower, this is something you really should not ignore. Petrol does not stay fresh forever. When it sits in the tank for too long, especially over winter, it starts to break down.
I see this every year when spring comes. Customers bring in mowers that suddenly do not start properly, run badly, or have carburettor problems. Very often, stale fuel is part of the reason.
Old petrol can gum up the system, reduce performance, and make starting much more difficult. In some cases, it also leads to unnecessary repair work that could have been avoided.
Before winter storage, I recommend either emptying the tank or using a proper fuel stabiliser. That small step can save you a lot of frustration when the mowing season starts again.
7. Storing the mower incorrectly
Good storage matters more than many people realise. Even a solid mower can deteriorate quickly if it is stored in poor conditions.
I often see machines that have been left outside, kept on damp ground, or stored dirty in a cold and humid space. Over time, that leads to rust, wear, and sometimes electrical or battery-related problems.
The best way to store a mower is clean, dry, and protected, ideally in a shed or garage. If you use a battery-powered mower, it is also important to follow the storage instructions for the battery, especially during winter.
Proper storage helps keep the machine reliable and reduces the chance of avoidable issues later on.
Why small mistakes can lead to bigger problems
The reason I talk about these mistakes so often is because they may seem small, but over time they can lead to bigger and more expensive problems.
Wet mowing can lead to clogging, rust, and lawn disease. A blunt blade can weaken the grass and put extra strain on the machine. Poor cleaning and bad storage can shorten the mower’s lifespan. Old petrol can cause starting and engine problems.
In other words, the way you use your lawn mower has a direct effect on both your lawn and your repair costs.
The good news is that these are not difficult problems to prevent. A few better habits can already make a huge difference.
When professional lawn mower service makes sense
Even if you take good care of your mower, there are times when a professional service is still the best option.
If your mower is difficult to start, cuts unevenly, loses power, makes unusual noises, or has not been checked in a long time, it may be time for a proper inspection.
A professional lawn mower service can help with things like blade sharpening, carburettor cleaning, cable replacement, engine checks, and seasonal maintenance. In many cases, early servicing prevents a much bigger problem later.
I always say that it is better to inspect a machine in time than to wait until it stops working completely.
Final advice: take care of your mower, and it will take care of your lawn
A healthy lawn starts with proper mowing. And proper mowing starts with using your lawn mower the right way.
If you avoid the common mistakes I have described here, you will protect not only your mower, but also your lawn. You will get a cleaner cut, reduce wear on the machine, and lower the risk of avoidable repairs.
The basics really matter:
- mow in dry conditions
- do not cut too much at once
- keep the blade sharp
- choose the right cutting height
- clean the mower after use
- avoid leaving old petrol in the tank
- store the machine properly
- always mow safely
These are simple habits, but they make a real difference over time.
And if your machine is already causing problems, or you are not sure what it needs, I am always happy to take a look.
At OVDV Garden Machinery, I offer servicing, repairs, and seasonal lawn mower checks for all common brands, with personal advice and experienced support.
Book your lawn mower service today and keep your machine — and your lawn — in top condition.
FAQ: Common Lawn Mower Mistakes
What is the most common lawn mower mistake?
One of the most common mistakes I see is mowing wet grass. It affects cutting quality, clogs the mower, and can damage the lawn.
How often should I sharpen my lawn mower blade?
I recommend sharpening the blade at least once per season. If you mow often or hit hard surfaces, it may need sharpening more regularly.
What is the best grass cutting height?
For most lawns, 4 to 5 centimetres is ideal. In hot weather, I usually recommend going a little higher, around 6 centimetres.
Can old petrol damage my lawn mower?
Yes. Old petrol can cause starting problems, carburettor issues, and poor performance, especially after winter storage.
Should I clean my lawn mower after every use?
Yes. Cleaning off grass and dirt after mowing helps prevent rust, improves cutting performance, and extends the life of the machine.
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