Expert has little-known lawn mower trick for 'thick and healthy' grass

Many homeowners dread the task of mowing the lawn, but a gardening expert has warned about common lawn mower mistakes that could be wasting their efforts.

People reportedly spend 15 hours every year mowing their lawns, which equates to an hour every fortnight. However, according to gardening guru Bo Petterson, these strenuous efforts might be in vain.

Bo, who shares his advice on TikTok under the username @dadadvicefrombo, shared his top four tips for achieving a "dad quality lawn". He began his video by emphasising the importance of dedication when it comes to lawn mowing, reports the Mirror.

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He said: "In the spring, you need to mow a couple of times a week and you need to cut it short. That teaches your grass that it can't go up so it has to go out, giving you a thicker lawn."

During the summer months, he suggested less frequent mowing and leaving the grass longer to provide shade for the roots from the hot sun. His next tip involves changing the direction of mowing each time you cut the grass.

He said: "This can include vertical, horizontal, cross pattern, wavey, it doesn't matter. If you don't do that your lawn will learn to grow sideways like a combover."

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has backed this advice, adding that the technique helps prevent ruts from forming in the lawn. The gardener elaborated on the issue of ripped ends in your grass, indicating that it's a sign your lawn mower blades are blunt.

It's recommended to either sharpen or replace your mower blades approximately once per year. Bo said: "Inspect your grass every few months to look for ripped cuts, that will tell you it's time."

In addition, the expert encouraged homeowners to use grass clippings as mulch. He said: "The trick is you have to mow often and it helps if you really love your mower."

Followers were quick to express their appreciation for the gardening tips in the comments section, with one user writing: "I didn't know about changing the pattern! " Another humorously commented: "Realising I've never mowed a yard correctly in my life."

One individual shared: "I wish I saw this years ago! I've always struggled with my lawn, I'm going to use all these tips."

Meanwhile, another remarked: "I didn't know that about cutting short in spring. Love learning new grass tips!

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