By now, top growth has resumed in your lawn, and you’ll soon be back on a mowing schedule if you aren’t already. Before the first mowing, however, it’s important to make sure that your mower blade is good and sharp.

Neglecting to change or sharpen your mower blade regularly can be tough on your lawn, with the blade literally becoming a “blunt object” after repeated uses. Dull mower blades, rather than providing a clean, even cut, end up ripping and shredding the tips of grass plants.

These “ripped tips” quickly turn brown, giving the entire lawn a less-than-attractive appearance. Plus, shredded tips make it easier for diseases to infect the turf while compromising the lawn’s ability to stand up to all sorts of environmental stresses.

By having your mower blade sharpened once a month, or at least two to three times per season, you’ll be well on your way to a clean-cut lawn!