Why Does My Lawn Mower Leave Grass Behind?

Is your lawn mower struggling to keep up with the grass? Are you left with patches of uncut blades after each mow? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! 

There are a few common reasons your mower might be leaving grass behind. From dull blades to grass clipping buildup, we’ve covered you with some quick and easy fixes to get your lawn back in shape. 

Don’t let stubborn grass stand in the way of a beautifully manicured lawn. Follow these tips and watch as your mower effortlessly glides through every blade.

Common Reasons for lawn mower leave grass behind

There are several potential reasons why your lawn mower may be leaving grass behind:

  1. The blade may be dull: A dull blade will not cut the grass effectively, resulting in clumps of uncut grass.
  2. The blade may be out of balance: An unbalanced edge can cause the mower to vibrate excessively, leading to an uneven cut.
  3. The mower may be set to the wrong cutting height: If it is set too high, it may not cut the grass close enough to the ground, resulting in missed patches.
  4. The grass may be too tall: If it is too tall, it may be more difficult for the mower to cut it effectively.
  5. The mower may need to be in better working order: If it is not functioning correctly, it may not cut the grass effectively.
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Why Does My Lawn Mower Leave Grass Behind?

There are several reasons why your lawn mower might be leaving grass behind. Here are some of the most common causes:

Dull blades: 

Dull blades can’t cut grass as effectively, which can lead to strips of grass being left behind. When blades are dull, they can’t slice through the grass cleanly, and instead, they just tear it. This can leave behind unsightly clumps of grass that can be difficult to remove.

Clogged deck: 

A clogged deck can prevent grass from being properly discharged, which can also lead to strips of grass being left behind. The deck of your lawn mower is the part that houses the blades. If the deck is clogged with dirt, debris, or grass clippings, it can prevent the blades from spinning freely and cutting the grass evenly.

Improper mowing height: 

If you’re mowing your lawn too short, the grass blades can be too weak to be cut cleanly, which can lead to strips of grass being left behind. The ideal mowing height for most lawns is 2-3 inches. If you mow your lawn too short, the grass blades will be more likely to break, leaving behind unsightly patches.

Mowing too fast: 

Mowing too fast can cause the mower blades to skip over some of the grass blades, which can lead to strips of grass being left behind. When you mow too fast, the blades don’t have enough time to make a clean cut, and they may just tear the grass instead.

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Wet grass: 

Mowing wet grass can cause the grass blades to clump together, which can make it difficult for the mower blades to cut them cleanly. Wet grass is also more likely to clog the mower deck, which can further prevent the blades from spinning freely.

How to Fix a Lawn Mower That Leaves Grass Clippings Behind?

If your lawn mower leaves grass clippings behind, it may be due to a few possible causes. 

  • First, check the blade of the mower and make sure it is sharp and properly aligned. A dull knife will create an uneven cut, resulting in missed clippings and a rough finish. 
  • Second, inspect the grass bag on the mower and ensure it is not clogged or blocked. 
  • If it is, empty and unclog it for a better mowing result. Finally, reduce the cutting height of your mower. 

If the grass is being cut too short, there may not be enough grass to be fully collected by the bag.

Preventing Grass Clipping Buildup on Your Lawn Mower

To prevent grass clipping buildup on your lawn mower, make sure you:

  1. Mow regularly
  2. Use a sharp blade
  3. Keep the grass at a suitable height
  4. Avoid mowing when the grass is wet
  5. Use a mulching blade
  6. Clean the underside of the mower regularly
  7. Don’t overfill the grass clippings bag

Following these tips can help keep your lawn mower running smoothly and prevent clogging.

Expert Tips for Dealing with Grass Clipping Buildup on Your Lawn Mower

Here are expert tips To prevent grass clipping buildup on your lawn mower, try these tips:

  • Clean the underside of the mower regularly
  • Use a grass catcher or mulch the clippings
  • Sharpen the blade
  • Mow when the grass is dry
  • Mow at the right height for your grass type
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Video on How to Deal With Grass Clippings

FAQ

How can I prevent my lawn mower from leaving grass behind in the future?

To prevent this issue, regularly sharpen or replace your lawn mower’s blade. You should also periodically clean the grass chute or deck to prevent clogs. Additionally, try to mow your lawn when it is dry to avoid clumps of wet grass that can be more difficult to cut.

How often should I sharpen the blade of my lawn mower?

The frequency of blade sharpening depends on several factors, including the type of grass you have and how often you mow. Generally, it’s a good idea to sharpen your lawn mower’s blade at least once a season or after every 20-25 hours of mowing.

How do I know if the blade of my lawn mower is dull?

There are a few signs that can indicate that your lawn mower’s blade is dull, including uneven or ragged cuts, clumps of grass left behind after mowing, and grass that looks wilted or damaged. If you notice these signs, it’s likely time to sharpen or replace the blade.

Can I use my lawn mower on a slope or hill?

It is generally not recommended to use a lawn mower on a slope or hill, as this can be dangerous and may cause damage to the mower. If you need to mow a sloped area, consider using a string trimmer or hand mower to cut the grass carefully.

Conclusion Part

In conclusion, there could be several reasons your lawn mower leaves grass behind. It could be due to a dull blade, improper mowing height, or clogging of the mower’s undercarriage. It is essential to regularly maintain your lawn mower and ensure it is functioning correctly to avoid issues like this. By addressing the root cause of the problem, you can enjoy a perfectly trimmed and manicured lawn.

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