Avoid These 7 Common Spring & Summer Lawn Mowing Mistakes (And Why a Local Service Near You Is the Smarter Option)
When spring hits Long Island and the lawn starts growing again, many homeowners race to fire up their mowers. The goal? Get ahead of the growth before summer hits. But here’s the thing: a lot of people do more harm than good with early-season mowing habits—and then repeat those same mistakes all summer long.
From cutting too short to mowing with dull blades, even small errors can cause long-term damage to your grass. And if you're Googling “lawn mowing service near me” to take that burden off your shoulders, you're on the right track. Local experts like Ames Landscaping know exactly how to time and execute mowing to keep your lawn healthy through every season.
Here’s what to avoid this spring and summer—and how to fix your lawn care routine with help from professionals.
1. Mowing Too Early in the Season
It’s tempting to get outside as soon as the snow melts and the weather warms up, but mowing too early can set your lawn back before the growing season even starts.
Why it’s a problem:
- Grass blades are still fragile after winter dormancy
- Early mowing can cause tearing, not clean cuts
- You risk compacting wet soil with heavy mowers
What to do instead:
Wait until the grass reaches about 3 inches in height and the ground is dry enough to walk on without sinking. This usually lines up with mid-to-late April in Long Island—but varies year to year.
💡 Want to avoid guessing? Ames Landscaping times mowing based on turf health, not just the calendar.
2. Cutting the Grass Too Short (a.k.a. Scalping)
This is one of the most common spring and summer mowing mistakes. Homeowners think that cutting the lawn shorter means less frequent mowing. In reality, it weakens your grass and encourages weed growth.
Why it’s a problem:
- Short cuts expose the soil to sun and dry it out
- Weeds thrive in shorter grass
- Shallow cutting weakens root systems
The fix:
Never remove more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing. Aim to keep most cool-season grasses in Long Island at around 3 to 4 inches tall.
✔️ Ames Landscaping sets blades to the proper height based on your grass type and season. No scalping. No stress.
3. Mowing With Dull Blades
This one’s subtle but serious. Dull mower blades tear grass instead of slicing it clean. Torn grass is more likely to brown, dry out, and get disease.
Signs you’re mowing with dull blades:
- Frayed or shredded grass tips
- Brown spots after mowing
- Your mower seems to “pull” the grass
Solution:
Sharpen your mower blades every 20–25 hours of mowing. Or? Let the pros handle it.
🛠️ Ames Landscaping uses professional-grade mowers with regularly maintained blades to guarantee clean cuts every time.
4. Mowing in the Wrong Pattern Every Time
It seems like a minor detail, but mowing in the same direction week after week leads to soil compaction and grass leaning in one direction.
What it causes:
- Ruts or grooves in the soil
- Uneven mowing over time
- Weak or patchy lawn growth
Best practice:
Alternate your mowing pattern each time—north-south one week, east-west the next. It keeps the lawn healthier and more upright.
📐 Consistency and variation are built into Ames Landscaping’s lawn mowing routine. You’ll never have to think about the pattern again.
5. Ignoring the Edges and Trimming
A common DIY shortcut is skipping the trimming and edging after mowing. Over time, this creates an unkempt look—especially around walkways, flowerbeds, and fences.
Why it matters:
- Neat edges dramatically improve curb appeal
- Overgrown borders can encroach into flowerbeds
- Missed spots can become weed-prone areas
How the pros handle it:
Each visit from Ames Landscaping includes edge trimming and clean blow-offs. Your lawn isn’t truly mowed until it’s cleaned and framed.
6. Letting It Grow Too Long Between Cuts
Life gets busy. You skip one week, then two. By the time you mow again, the grass is overgrown and needs a serious haircut. But as mentioned earlier, cutting too much at once damages the lawn.
Why long intervals hurt:
- Thick overgrowth leads to clumping and uneven cuts
- Shock to the grass from a drastic trim
- Increased chance of weeds and pests
What’s better:
Mow consistently—weekly or bi-weekly—especially during the spring and early summer growing surge.
📆 Ames Landscaping follows a tailored mowing schedule based on your property’s specific growth rate and conditions.
7. Skipping Seasonal Adjustments
Your lawn has different needs in early spring, peak summer, and late fall. One-size-fits-all mowing simply doesn’t work if you want year-round lawn health.
Key seasonal considerations:
- Spring: higher mowing height to encourage root growth
- Summer: less frequent cuts during droughts, higher cut to retain moisture
- Fall: tighter cuts to prepare for winter, but not too short
🌱 Ames Landscaping adjusts cut length and frequency based on the season and weather. Your lawn always gets what it needs when it needs it.
Why Hire a Lawn Mowing Service Near You This Season?
If any of the mistakes above feel familiar, it’s not your fault. Most people don’t have time to research proper mowing techniques or spend weekends fine-tuning mower blades.
That’s why a local expert like Ames Landscaping can be a game-changer—especially as the seasons change.
Here’s what you get with professional mowing in spring and summer:
- ✅ Healthier, greener, more resilient grass
- ✅ Consistent service with zero effort on your part
- ✅ Equipment, maintenance, and scheduling handled for you
- ✅ No physical strain, and more free time
Ames handles properties in Massapequa, Seaford, Wantagh, Levittown, East Meadow, and other parts of Long Island. Whether you have a modest yard or a full commercial property, their mowing service keeps your turf in top condition—without you lifting a finger.
Real Value: It's More Than Just Grass
Hiring a lawn mowing service isn’t about laziness—it’s about priorities.
Would you rather:
- Spend 2+ hours a week mowing and trimming, or…
- Use that time for your family, hobbies, or rest?
Would you rather:
- Hope your mower starts and cuts properly, or…
- Know professionals with top-tier equipment are handling it?
Would you rather:
- Worry about ruining your grass, or…
- Trust a team that knows exactly how to keep it healthy?
If the second option in each scenario sounds better, it’s time to look into Ames Landscaping’s lawn mowing service.
Get Your Lawn Ready for the Season — Without Lifting a Finger
The warmer months are when your lawn grows fastest—and when mistakes hurt the most. Whether you’re trying to recover from winter, prevent summer burn, or just avoid making any of the costly mowing mistakes listed above, Ames Landscaping can help.
They’ve been serving Long Island for years with high-retention, high-trust relationships. The team shows up when they say they will, treats your property with care, and delivers expert results every time.
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Address: 266 N. Beech St. Massapequa, NY 11758
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Phone: (516) 795-2483
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Get a Free Quote or Learn More
Final Tip: Book Early, Avoid the Rush
Spring and early summer are the busiest time for local lawn care providers. If you want a reliable lawn mowing service near me without waiting weeks for availability, don’t wait.
Request a quote from Ames Landscaping today, and let the season work for your lawn—not against it.
