Tackling Long Grass After No Mow May – Tips for a Tidy Summer Lawn
Now that No Mow May is behind us, many of us are facing the same question: how do you cut long grass without damaging your lawn? Letting your grass grow wild throughout May is great for pollinators and biodiversity, but it can leave your garden looking overgrown and difficult to manage.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a weekend mower, here are our top tips on how to cut long grass safely and effectively – along with some suggestions for MowersUK Hire machinery to help you get the job done right!
TOP TIPS
- 1. Don’t Mow Long Grass Too Short
- 2. Use the Right Kit
- 3. Clear as You Go
- 4. Tidy the Edges
- 5. Feed and Water if Needed
- 6. Consider a Permanent Wild Patch
TOP TIPS
- 1. Don’t Mow Long Grass Too Short
- 2. Use the Right Kit
- 3. Clear as You Go
- 4. Tidy the Edges
- 5. Feed and Water if Needed
- 6. Consider a Permanent Wild Patch
Lets Break It Down
- 1. Don’t Mow Long Grass Too Short
The most common mistake after No Mow May is cutting your grass too low in one go. This can scalp the lawn, leaving it yellowed and stressed. Instead, cut gradually – reduce the height in stages over several mowing sessions. Start with the mower on its highest setting and only take off one-third of the grass height at a time.
- 2. Use the Right Kit
Long, thick grass can be a challenge for standard lawnmowers. For best results:
- Use a brushcutter or strimmer to knock back tall growth.
- For very large gardens, wild areas or paddocks, a ride on brushcutter is ideal.
- Once the grass is manageable, switch to a rotary or pedestrian mower for a neat finish.
Hiring the right grass cutting equipment can save time, effort, and give you professional results. At MowersUK Hire we offer an excellent range of machines to suit every garden or paddock.
Some of our top hires:
- 3. Clear as You Go
Cutting long grass can leave behind a lot of clippings. If left on the lawn, these can block light and moisture, encouraging disease and moss. Use a mower with an integrated grass collector or rake up clippings after cutting to keep your lawn healthy and breathable.
Hire our Toro Proline Lawnmower which offers exceptional bagging performance and is perfect for the job!
- 4. Tidy the Edges
After a month of wild growth, borders and edges can get messy. Use a strimmer or edging tool to redefine the edges of paths and beds – it’ll instantly make the garden look neater, even if the grass itself still needs work.
Hire our Stihl brushcutter to make things easy for yourself.
- 5. Feed and Water if Needed
After being left to fend for itself in May, your lawn might benefit from a summer feed. A balanced fertiliser can help green things up and encourage healthy regrowth. And if we’re having a dry spell, don’t forget to give it a drink! Keep mowing regularly throughout summer to maintain a tidy finish.
- 6. Consider a Permanent Wild Patch
If you liked the biodiversity boost during No Mow May, why not set aside a corner of your garden for wildflowers and long grass all year-round? It’s great for pollinators and gives your outdoor space a natural, eco-friendly feel whilst still keeping the rest of the lawn neat and usable.
Create a dedicated wildflower corner in your garden – perfect for pollinators and a beautiful way to bring a natural,
eco-friendly touch to your outdoor space.
Need a hand getting your lawn back in shape?
We’ve got a great range of hire machinery that is perfect for tackling long grass, large areas, or neglected lawns.
Get in touch with our friendly staff on 01256 851166 and we’ll help you choose the right machine for the job.
Here’s to a great summer garden!
