It Up Set your blades for a mowing height that will remove only the top one-third of the grass.
Higher settings allow the grass species to compete effectively with lower growing weed species.
Higher growth also shades the ground from the sun, reducing moisture requirements. Begin the season mowing at 2.5 inches, then gradually raise the mower height as the warm season continues to 3.5 inches in the heat of the summer. A well-tuned lawn mower engine burns cleaner fuel and reduces emissions. Also, more horsepower can be applied to cutting the grass instead of running an inefficient engine. Newer models no longer resemble the heavy clunker that your grandparents shoved around the yard.