Kids have been lawn cutting for so many years; it doesn’t seem like there’s much to the job. But if you’ve never cut a lawn, you really do need to know the basics that the kids probably don’t.

Lawn cutting is more complicated than it seems, particularly if you want to do it well. You need to plan ahead if you have any problematic aspects like rough terrain. Here are some guidelines that will help make your lawn cutting easier on you and your lawn.

Set your mower’s blade height to the middle position. You don’t want the grass so short that the sun will scorch it, nor so long that it will make your subsequent cutting more difficult.

Straight lines are the easiest way for a rookie mower to master lawn cutting. This way, your rows will be even, and you’ll cut the entire area without missing any spots.

Keep your eye on the mower bag. If the bag gets too full, the grass clumps will fall on your freshly-cut rows, and then that grass may die.

Do your lawn-cutting often to encourage your grass to grow more fully and lush. If you cut too often, however, you’re wasting your time and your gas. Generally speaking, once a week will suffice in most areas.

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Here are some other tips for proper lawn cutting:

Remember that lawnmowers are potentially dangerous. Wear shoes, and move obstacles out of the way before you mow any area, to be sure.

Don’t attempt to play catch-up the first time you bring the mower out if you let your grass run too long between trims. Cut it down a little each time you mow until it’s back to the desired height.

You should mow your lawn only when the grass is dry. If you do lawn cutting when the grass is wet, you might spread fungus or insects with the mower since they cling to wet grass.

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Your lawn is best mowed in the late afternoon or the early evening. This way, the grass has had the whole day to dry out from morning dew or daytime watering.

Remember in which direction you mowed the lawn last and change the direction every time you mow. This way, all the grasses will have a chance to grow more erect, and there will less likely be a wear pattern from your lawn cutting.

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Make sure your mower blades are sharpened so you’re not grass-smashing when you’re trying to do your lawn mowing. Keep an extra blade around so you’ll have one when you take one in to be sharpened. And be sure to change the oil in your mower one time or more during the lawn cutting season.

The wrong kind of lawn cutting can destroy your lawn or leave it vulnerable. The right style can help your lawn remain healthy and thriving.