Lawn mower blades are made of strong steel alloys and high carbon steel for effective performance and maintenance. Not all blades are created equal, and the best blades effortlessly cut through grass and vegetation, and flex, rather than break or chip, when encountering hard objects. Lawn mower blades should be sharpened after 20-25 hours of mowing, or about twice a year under normal use. Get some simple lawn mower blade sharpening tips to help you get the most out of your mower for years to come.

Why Sharpen Mower Blades?

Sharp mower blades create a clean cut, leave plants healthier and reduce mowing time and stress on your lawn mower. Dull blades leave a ragged, uneven cut, and often turn grass brown. If your blades need sharpening, your lawn will need more time to recover after mowing and be more susceptible to disease and fungi. Dull or heavily nicked blades can tear grass stems instead of cutting them clean. Time to sharpen things up.

How to Sharpen Blades

Follow all recommended safety protocols for your lawn mower during sharpening work. Clear a suitable work space and wear work gloves and protective eyewear. Disconnect the spark plug wire, electrical or battery power source so you can be sure your mower will not unexpectedly start or experience a power surge. For gas mowers, drain the gas tank to avoid spillage. Turn the mower on its side and remove the blade by loosening the nut holding the blade to the drive shaft.

Before starting to sharpen the blade, clean the blade of dirt and caked-on grass debris with penetrating oil or a similar cleaning product. Examine the blade carefully. If your blade is cracked or heavily damaged, it's time to replace it rather than sharpen it.

Use a vise to hold the blade in place before applying an appropriate grinder or manual sharpening tool, such as an abrasive file or drill attachment. Sharpen the blade from the top side of the blade using a 45-degree angle with long, smooth strokes in one direction, roughly to the sharpness of a butter knife. Do not over-sharpen the blade as this will lead to a blade needing more frequent sharpening, and eventually, shorter blade life. Try this simple sharpness check: Drag a blade of grass or a sheet of paper over the blade to see if it creates a smooth cut.

The final steps are to reinstall the blade, check the blade balance and restore power. Now, it's time to mow the lawn.

If you want to kill those pesky lawn insects, then Bradley Mowers has the solution. Our team of expert landscapers has years of experience in pest control and knows how to handle any bug or insect without harming the grass. If you’re ready to enjoy your backyard again, follow the simple steps below and watch your lawn return to its former glory.

Caterpillars

Everybody knows how destructive caterpillars can be for your lawn. These pests can devour all the leaves on your plants, leaving them vulnerable to disease and other problems. Luckily, there are some things you can do to get rid of caterpillars for good. First, try using bacillus thuringiensis or a natural remedy such as diatomaceous earth or neem oil.

Grub Worms

These pests are common in lawns and can cause damage if left unchecked. Brown patches of grass can appear when white grubs feed on the roots. Dig a small square foot patch on your lawn with a flat shovel and count the grubs. If you see more than six, you should treat the grass. Lawn grub remedies come in a variety of forms from garden centers. Pick the least hazardous treatment, and pay close attention to how to apply it. Water the insecticide into the soil so it can reach the grubs. You may need to repeat this process to kill them all. Early spring is the best time to eliminate grubs before they have a chance to hatch.

Chinch Bugs

If you have chinch bugs, you may notice small, brownish-red insects with white wings congregating on your lawn. Chinch bugs feed on plant juices, which can cause your grass to turn yellow and die. Deter these pests by watering often and clearing thatch in the fall. Chinch bugs cannot lay eggs or overwinter on the lawn without the protection of thatch. If that doesn't work, use carbaryl or trichlorfon bifenthrin insecticides. Use these as a last resort because they are not organic and kill beneficial insects.

Prepping Your Grass Before Treatment Can Save You Money and Time

It's good to take preventative measures to avoid pest treatments down the line. First, ensure you're mowing at the proper height. If your grass is too short, it will be more susceptible to pests and diseases. Second, water over time to let the water sink in rather than run off. Watering this way will make your grass more resilient to pests and drought. Third, fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth.