Why Alternate Mowing Direction

A lawn that is repeatedly mown in the same direction will begin to send all growth that way. Soon, the once upright grass blades will begin to grow in the dominant direction the lawn mower travels. Therefore, it's best to alternate the mowing direction. The main benefits of alternating the mowing direction are:

The grass will consistently grow upright and stand more upright after mowing.

Reduced soil compaction.

Wear and tear from frequent turns on the same patch of turf by mower wheels is virtually eliminated.

How to Alternate Mowing Direction

Cardinal directions—north, east, south, west—are not important to your mowing plan, but alternating directions are. For example, if you mowed eastward across your yard the last time you cut the grass, mow westward the next time you mow.

Another way to alternate is to mow at a right angle to your previous cut. For example, if you mowed traveling east last time, mow traveling north or south this time.

To change up your mowing direction, develop multiple mowing patterns. Use diagonal parallel lines one time and then a concentric outline pattern the next time. The goal is to vary your mowing path each time.

More Mowing Tips

Combine alternate direction mowing with these must-know mowing tips for a good-looking, healthy lawn:

1. Sharpen Those Blades

Dull blades leave behind rough, ragged leaf tips. Not only do the ragged tips give the lawn a mottled appearance, but they are also perfect entry points for disease. Sharpen mower blades twice during the mowing season. 

2. Mind the Height

Turfgrass thrives when cut to the optimal height for the species. Most cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, are best maintained at 3 to 4 inches tall. Warm-season grasses grow best at 2 to 3 inches tall. 

3. Tidy Up Before You Mow

Before you mow, grab a 5-gallon bucket and pick up sticks and debris on the lawn. Sturdy mower blades can chop through most sticks and leaves, but you’ll achieve a more carpet-like look by removing them before you mow.

4. Let the Clippings Fall

Save time and fertilize your turf at the same time by leaving clippings on the lawn. Fast-to-decompose clippings deliver valuable nutrients, including nitrogen, right to the turf’s root zone. Plus, this saves you from the hassle of bagging the clippings as you mow.

5. Follow the One-Third Rule

Never remove more than one-third the length of the grass blade at a time. Lopping off too much growth all at once will stress the plant. Return overgrown grass to the proper height by raising the mower deck to cut the grass high. Then return a few days later to cut it at the optimal height for the species. 

6. Mow Only When Grass Is Dry

Wet grass clippings cling to mower blades and fall in clumps on the surface of the turf. If you think the grass might be wet, walk across it before mowing. Then walk on pavement. If your shoes leave prints, the grass is too wet to mow.

7. Mow Until Grass Stops Growing

For cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, continue regular mowing until late fall or in some areas even early winter, as long as they are growing. If these grasses start winter dormancy excessively tall, they are more prone to pest and disease infestation. Warm-season grass is groomed year-round.