With spring in full swing, it's time to dust off the lawnmower and tackle those overgrown patches of grass. If your yard's starting to look a bit wild, you'll likely feel the urge to fire up the mower and trim it down to size.
As you get ready for the mowing season, sharpening the blades is key for a clean cut. Many people, myself included, often think that the sharper the blades, the better the cut. But there's more to the story.
In reality, overly sharp lawnmower blades can harm your grass and even pose safety risks. As a gardening enthusiast, I've used various lawnmowers throughout my career, and I've learned firsthand about the perils of excessive blade sharpening. I reached out to experts to shed light on the dangers of over-sharpening and how to protect your lawn.
Why Is It Bad for Lawnmower Blades to Be Too Sharp?
Over-sharpening lawnmower blades is a common mistake that many make, including me in the past. It seems logical: a razor-sharp blade should deliver the perfect cut, right? However, this is a misconception that can lead to more problems than it solves.
When blades are too sharp, they become more prone to chipping or breaking if they hit a rock or other debris. According to Drew Swainston, a gardening expert, 'the biggest issue with overly sharp blades is that they dull much quicker. The faster they dull, the more frequent sharpening becomes necessary, which reduces their overall lifespan.'
All that effort spent sharpening will be wasted if the blade chips or bends, as it won't provide a clean cut. Instead, it can cause the grass to tear, resulting in an unhealthy and uneven lawn.
Moreover, sharp blades can create hazards, such as metal shards in your grass, posing risks to pets or children playing outside.
Interestingly, a sharper blade doesn't guarantee a closer cut. Drew adds, 'A well-maintained blade doesn't need to be razor-sharp to perform effectively—there's no need for specialized equipment. A hand file or a simple multipurpose sharpener like this from Amazon works perfectly fine.'
Drew's gardening journey began with growing vegetables in a small urban garden, leading to a career as a professional gardener in historic settings, specializing in kitchen gardening.
How Can You Tell If Your Lawnmower Blades Are Too Sharp?
Lawn expert Bryan Clayton offers a great guideline for checking blade sharpness. 'A good rule of thumb is that the blade should be sharp enough that you'd think twice before running your finger along it, but not so sharp that it easily cuts through paper.'
He further explains, 'You want them sharp enough to make a clean cut on the grass, but not so sharp that they could be used for shaving. If they become any sharper, they risk chipping and cracking, sending you back to square one. Conversely, if they're too dull, you won't get an effective cut.'
Bryan Clayton is the co-founder of GreenPal, an online platform connecting homeowners with local lawn care services. He developed an interest in business early on, starting his first venture mowing lawns in his neighborhood at age 13.
Explore Lawn Mower Options
Worx WG779
This lawn mower is my top recommendation. It offers a close cut, is lightweight for easy maneuverability, and provides excellent value for your money. While it may not compete with high-end steel-deck models, it's perfect for anyone looking for an affordable and efficient option.
EGO Power+ Select Cut LM2156S
If you're ready to elevate your mowing experience, this cordless mower is the best I've ever used. With self-propulsion, it's user-friendly and produces an exceptionally neat cut. Equipped with a mulching blade for a healthy lawn and even headlights, the only downside is its higher price point.
Greenworks Lawn Bundle
While this may not be the best mower I've used, the value of this bundle deal is hard to beat. For under $500, you get a leaf blower, trimmer, and lawn mower—an excellent investment for anyone new to lawn care and gardening.
Are Plastic Blades Better for Lawn Mowers?
Don't rush to buy a hover mower with plastic blades just because of the over-sharpening concerns. I've tried several models, and while they can save some money, they aren't beneficial for your lawn's health.
Plastic blades don't actually cut the grass; they tear it instead. While this may not be visible, they rip the tops off grass blades rather than slicing through them cleanly. As a result, your lawn can become yellowed and brittle during hot summer months.
Bryan Clayton agrees, stating that plastic blades 'simply don't perform well—you're tearing the grass instead of cutting it, which can invite disease and leave your lawn looking ragged and unhealthy.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a File to Sharpen My Lawnmower Blades?
Absolutely! You can sharpen lawnmower blades with a hand file, an angle file, or even a Dremel tool.
What's the Ideal Angle for Sharpening Lawnmower Blades?
Sharpening lawnmower blades is similar to sharpening a knife. Aim for a sharpening angle of about 45 degrees.
There are plenty of steps you can take to prepare your lawn for the summer months ahead. Knowing when to fertilize your lawn in spring can also help if your grass needs a nutrient boost.
