Before I start the mower on any yard, I take a quick walk around the whole lawn. It only takes a couple of minutes, but it's one of the most important parts of the job. A mower blade spins really fast, and anything it hits can get thrown, broken or chewed up. A quick walk keeps people, pets, windows and the mower safe, and it makes the cut look better too.
Here's what I look for, and how you can do the same walk before you mow your own yard in Seminole.
Why a pre-mow walk matters this time of year
Fall in Pinellas County brings breezy days and the occasional cold front. That means more stuff ends up in the grass: small branches, oak twigs, palm frond pieces, acorns and seagrape leaves. Add in kids' toys, dog toys and the newspaper, and a yard can collect a surprising amount of clutter in a single week.
Most of it is easy to miss when you're looking at the lawn from the driveway. You only see it when you walk the grass.
What to pick up
Walk in rows, kind of like you're mowing, so you don't skip a section. Grab anything that shouldn't go under a blade:
- Sticks and small branches. These can snap and fly out the side of the mower.
- Rocks and loose landscape stones. These are the most dangerous things a mower can throw. Check along the edges of beds where stones like to wander into the grass.
- Pinecones, acorns and nuts. A few won't hurt, but a pile of them can dent the blade and get kicked out fast.
- Toys, balls and garden hoses. A hose can wrap around the blade, and a hard plastic toy can shatter.
- Dog waste. Nobody wants that sprayed across the lawn or tracked into the house.
- Trash that blew in. Cups, cans and plastic bags show up a lot near the street, especially after a windy day.
What to mark or work around
Some things can't be picked up, so I just make sure I know where they are:
- Sprinkler heads. If a head is stuck up, the mower can break it. Push it back down or make a mental note to go around it.
- Low spots and holes. Dips from digging pets or old stumps can make the mower bounce or scalp the grass. Slow down there.
- Tree roots. Oak roots that rise above the soil can nick a blade. Raise the deck a little or mow around them.
- Utility boxes, drain covers and yard lights. Know where they are so you don't bump them.
- Soft, wet areas. After a heavy rain, some spots stay muddy. Mowing there can leave ruts, so it can be better to wait a day.
Keep people and pets out of the way
Before the mower starts, check that kids and pets are inside or far away from where you're cutting. Things can fly farther than you'd think. I also make sure car windows are up and that the side discharge isn't pointed at a car, a window, a pool cage or the street.
If someone walks into the yard while you're mowing, stop the mower until they're clear. It's a small pause that can prevent a big problem.
Look at the lawn while you walk
The walk is also a good time to check on the grass itself. While you're out there, notice:
- Spots that look thin or yellow
- Areas where the grass is taller than the rest
- Edges where grass is creeping over the sidewalk or driveway
- Weeds popping up in flower beds
You don't have to fix everything that day. It just helps you plan what the yard needs next, whether that's a better edge, some hand weeding, or a little extra attention in the shady spots.
Make it a habit
The more often you mow, the less you'll find on each walk. Once it's part of your routine, it goes fast. I do it on every single yard, every single time, because it keeps the job safe and the finished lawn looks clean and even.
Want someone else to handle it?
If you'd rather skip the walk-through and the mowing altogether, I'd be glad to help. Ready 2 Mow does mowing, edging, blowing, trimming, hand weeding and yard cleanup around Seminole and nearby neighborhoods, and I haul the debris away when I'm done. I'm insured, I take all types of payment, and quotes are always free.
Call or text me at (727) 304-7803, or request a free quote and I'll get back to you.
Isaac, owner of Ready 2 Mow