Get matched with top lawn care pros in Plattekill, NY

Lawn mower blades should be sharp enough that you can feel the sharpened edge, but not sharp enough to cut you when you touch them. Over-sharpening blades to a fine, razor-edge poses a safety risk and decreases the blade's life because it causes extra wear; the thinner edge is sharper but weaker and will require more frequent sharpening.

During normal temperatures, you should mow about once per week. However, if your grass is distressed by extreme heat, you should avoid mowing it altogether. Wait until after an irrigation session or rainfall. That way, your grass will be good and hydrated before you mow. Remember, you should not mow the grass when it’s wet. Wait until it dries first.

If your lawn and general landscape are struggling, consider calling a local landscape specialist to suggest lawn amendments, local plants, and hardscape changes to boost the long-term health of your outdoor space. While you may be able to take on small projects yourself—such as reseeding your lawn or testing the soil—a professional can help you build a plan to bring a struggling yard back to life quickly.

The best way to clean an overgrown yard is to create a multi-stage game plan, from clearing out the debris to cleaning up the edges around hardscaping and landscape curbing. Get rid of yard debris like worn furniture and broken tools first, then start trimming and raking what’s left. Mow the grass, trim the hedges, and rake leaves away. Once that’s complete, move on to more detailed work, like pulling weeds and replanting gardens.