If you have a steep incline in your yard, the process of mowing your lawn might be slightly different than it would be otherwise. That's especially true if you are using a reel mower. However, it won't be too difficult to get the job done right if you follow the proper steps. Here's what you need to know to trim a sloped lawn with a reel mower properly.

1. Give Yourself Enough Time

Mowing a sloped lawn with a reel mower can be somewhat time-consuming. Therefore, it will be essential to make sure that you do the job sometimes when you have enough time to complete it. If you have to complete it over more than one day, this can lead to an uneven appearance, which will create a less-than-ideal look for your yard. 

2. Make Sure the Blades Are Sharp

To properly use a reel mower, it will be important to make sure that the blades are as sharp as possible. In some cases, you will be able to do this yourself, but it's also possible to get the blades sharpened at a shop that offers mower repair. You may even be able to get them sharpened at the store you bought the product from for free or at a reduced cost, but this depends on the rules of the specific place you bought it from.

3. Have the Right Footwear

Your footwear will be essential when you're mowing a sloped lawn with a reel mower. It's essential to ensure that you choose shoes that will prevent you from slipping on the grass. In addition, you'll need to make sure that the wheels of your reel mower have tread on them. This will also help to prevent slipping on the sloped lawn. 

4. Consider the Unique Needs of Your Lawn

If you have a sloped lawn, it's essential to ensure that you don't trim it too short. This will ensure that the grass blades can develop sufficient roots to maintain the integrity of a sloped lawn. The roots of your grass can make sure that the lawn does not erode during rainy conditions, which is a serious concern if you have a sloped yard. 

5. Make Sure You Bag the Mulch and Dispose of It Properly

To properly mow any lawn with a reel mower, it's important to ensure that you keep the grass clippings off of your sloped lawn. This will help to prevent weed growth on your lawn. Furthermore, it will make sure that your sloped lawn looks great all summer long!

Fertilizing your lawn does not need to be complicated. In fact, with the right tools and just 20 minutes, you can be well on your way to creating a healthier, thicker, and greener lawn.

The Simple Steps to Fertilizing Your Lawn

There are just five steps to fertilize your lawn effectively:

1. Start by watering your property – You will want to water your lawn a couple of days before fertilizing it. This will prepare the soil to accept the fertilizer.

2. Find the proper spreader for your lawn – Spreaders come in two categories—broadcast and drop spreaders. Once you find a suitable spreader, adjust the settings to meet your needs. Different fertilizer products have unique spreader settings to make sure your lawn is adequately covered. Read the instructions carefully to make sure you are using the right setting for your spreader.

3. Start with the edges – You can then focus on the center without worrying that you may have forgotten to fertilize the edges. Be careful not to get grass fertilizer on your garden bed, drive walk, or sidewalks.

4. Use a mowing pattern – The most effective mowing pattern consists of walking back and forth in straight lines to fertilize the middle of your lawn.

5. Carefully store any remaining product for future use – Fertilizer should be stored in a dry, cool place and kept away from children and pets.

The Benefits of Fertilizing

All living things need nutrients and water to survive. This includes your lawn.

You should fertilize your yard at least four times a year. This will help it stay thick and healthy. If your lawn is healthy, you can avoid weed growth because there is no room for the weeds to grow.

In addition to fertilizing your lawn, mulch your grass clippings. This will help your grass stay green year-round. As the clippings break down, they give your grass needed nutrients. You can mulch your grass using your existing lawnmower blade. However, you may get better results if you use a mulching blade to cut the grass into smaller clippings.

Never Spread by Hand

Some people think that it is just as effective to spread fertilizer by hand as it is to use a spreader. Using a broadcast spreader with a side shield will do a better job than spreading by hand. It will also allow you to protect sidewalks, driveways, and garden beds from grass fertilizer.

Using a spreader is as easy as using a lawnmower. You can move and walk at your own pace. Using a spreader offers a more even coverage than trying to fertilize by hand. Hand fertilizing may result in parts of the grass getting too much fertilizer, which can burn your grass.

After applying fertilizer, you should thoroughly water your lawn. This will rinse any excess fertilizer off of grass blades. Watering also allows the fertilizer to penetrate deep into the soil. You should keep kids and pets off of your lawn for at least 48 hours.

Fertilizing your grass will keep it healthy and lush. Your grass will be greener, and there will be less room for pesky weeds to grow.