Dull Mower Blade Injury

Maintain a sharp mower blade to cut the lawn grasses cleanly, which ensures rapid healing and regrowth. When a dull mower blade tears and bruises the leaves (see the photograph), the leaves turn brown at the point of impact, giving the lawn an overall brown cast. The wounded grass plants become weakened and are less able to ward off invading weeds, recover from disease and insect attacks, or cope with dry spells.

Control: Mow with a sharp mower blade and remove no more than one-third of the grass blades in one cutting. Before mowing the lawn, inspect the lawn for debris and other objects that may damage the blade. Many service companies sharpen mower blades.