Tips for Mowing During Hot Weather
Summer is prime mowing season, but extreme heat can be tough on both you and your lawn mower. High temperatures put extra stress on your equipment and your grass, making proper mowing practices more important than ever. By adjusting your routine, you can help protect your lawn, extend the life of your mower, and stay safe while working outdoors.
1. Mow During the Cooler Parts of the Day
The best time to mow is early in the morning after the dew has dried or later in the evening when temperatures begin to cool. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the afternoon, as high temperatures can stress your grass and increase the risk of overheating your mower.
2. Raise Your Mowing Height
During hot weather, leave your grass slightly taller than usual. Taller grass shades the soil, helps retain moisture, and encourages deeper root growth. As a general rule, never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing.
3. Keep Your Mower Blade Sharp
A dull blade tears the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. Torn grass loses moisture more quickly and is more susceptible to heat stress, disease, and browning.
If your lawn starts looking ragged or develops brown tips after mowing, it may be time to sharpen or replace the blade.
4. Check the Engine Before You Start
Hot weather makes your engine work harder. Before mowing:
Check the engine oil level.
Inspect the air filter for dirt or debris.
Remove grass clippings from the engine's cooling fins and mower deck.
Good airflow helps prevent overheating and keeps your mower operating efficiently.
5. Don't Push Your Mower Too Hard
Cutting tall, thick, or wet grass increases engine load and operating temperature. If the grass has grown longer than usual:
Raise the cutting height for the first pass.
Slow your mowing speed.
Make a second pass if needed.
This reduces strain on the engine and produces a cleaner cut.
6. Leave the Grass Clippings (When Appropriate)
When the lawn is dry and you're only removing a small amount of grass, mulching the clippings can return valuable nutrients and moisture to the soil. Avoid leaving large clumps of wet clippings, as they can smother the grass underneath.
7. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
Your mower isn't the only thing affected by heat. Wear lightweight clothing, drink plenty of water, and take breaks in the shade if you're mowing for an extended period. If temperatures are extremely high, consider postponing mowing until conditions improve.
8. Keep Up with Routine Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps your mower perform its best during the hottest months of the year. Seasonal service should include:
Oil change
Air filter inspection or replacement
Spark plug inspection
Blade sharpening
Cleaning the mower deck and engine cooling areas
A well-maintained mower runs cooler, cuts more efficiently, and is less likely to experience costly breakdowns. Check our Cutters Mark Seasonal Service Special for more details.
Give Your Lawn and Mower a Break This Summer
Mowing during hot weather doesn't have to be hard on your equipment or your lawn. By mowing during cooler hours, keeping your blade sharp, maintaining your mower, and avoiding unnecessary stress on the engine, you'll achieve a healthier lawn and more reliable performance all season long.
If your mower is losing power, running hotter than normal, or due for seasonal maintenance, stop by or call one of our four convenient locations to schedule professional mower service. Our experienced technicians can inspect, service, and repair your equipment so it's ready to perform all season long. Whether you need routine maintenance, blade sharpening, or more extensive repairs, we're here to help keep you mowing with confidence.
