A healthy lawn starts with using your lawn mower properly. However, many hobby gardeners make common mistakes that can damage the grass or even cause faults in the machine. To help you avoid them, we’ll show you the most frequent lawn mower mistakes — and how to steer clear of them with ease.
1. Mowing wet grass
A common beginner’s mistake: mowing straight after rain or early in the morning.
Why that’s a bad idea:
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Wet grass clogs the deck and blocks the discharge chute
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The blades tear rather than cut cleanly
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Fungal diseases such as snow mould can spread
Tip: Only mow in dry conditions — late morning or early afternoon is ideal.
2. Cutting grass that’s too tall in one go
If you leave it too long between cuts, you risk more than an untidy finish.
Consequences:
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The lawn is stressed and the cut becomes uneven
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Too many nutrients are removed at once
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Heavy clippings put extra strain on the mower and can clump
Tip: Never remove more than one third of the grass height in a single mow. If the grass is very long, mow in two passes, 2–3 days apart.
3. Using a blunt blade
A dull mower blade damages your lawn — visibly and over time.
Problems:
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Frayed tips instead of a clean cut
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Higher risk of brown tips and disease
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The mower has to work harder — increasing wear and tear
Tip: Have the blade sharpened at least once per season — more often if you mow frequently.
4. Choosing the wrong cutting height
“Shorter is better”? Not with lawns.
Risks:
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The turf is weakened
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Weeds and moss establish more easily
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The soil dries out faster
Tip: A cutting height of 4–5 cm is ideal; in hot weather, aim closer to 6 cm.
5. Not cleaning the mower
After mowing, damp clippings often stick to the housing — a breeding ground for rust and bacteria.
Consequences:
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Corrosion on the cutting deck
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Blades become blunt more quickly
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Bearings and axles can be damaged
Tip: After each use, clean the mower with a brush or compressed air — never hose it down with water.
6. Leaving old petrol in the tank
Petrol goes stale — and that’s hard on the engine.
Possible consequences:
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Starting problems in spring
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A gummed-up carburettor
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Loss of power and engine damage
Tip: Empty the tank before winter storage, or treat the fuel with a stabiliser.
7. Storing the mower incorrectly
Moisture and temperature swings take their toll.
Typical mistakes:
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Storing it outdoors or on damp ground
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No protective cover
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Leaving the battery in the machine
Tip: Store it clean, dry and protected — ideally in a shed or garage.
8. Ignoring safety rules
A lawn mower is not a toy — carelessness can be dangerous.
Risky habits:
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Mowing barefoot or in open shoes
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Leaving children unsupervised nearby
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No hearing or eye protection with loud machines
Tip: Wear sturdy footwear, follow the manual, and keep a safe distance from other people while mowing.
Conclusion: Make your lawn mower a garden friend — not a problem
Avoid these mistakes and you’ll protect not only your mower, but also your lawn — keeping it healthy, dense and evenly cut.
And if your machine does act up, or you’re unsure what to do: a professional lawn mower service can save time, money and stress.
👉 Tip for anyone in the Laarne area (Belgium):
OVDV Garden Machinery offers servicing, repairs and spring checks for all common brands — personal, experienced support.
