The Perilous TikTok Lawn Mowing Trend to Avoid

The Dangers of a Popular Lawn Mower Hack

Social media platforms are filled with tips and tricks to help improve the appearance of your lawn and garden. However, not all of these suggestions are safe or effective. Some popular posts, even those with hundreds of thousands of likes, may be better left unheeded. A recent TikTok video, for example, promotes an unusual method of using a lawn mower that claims to benefit the grass by how it disperses clippings. According to the video, propping open the rear flap on a rear-discharge push mower allows the cut grass to "distribute evenly across the entire lawn," which supposedly enhances growth in "bald spots."

While it's true that using grass clippings after mowing can be beneficial for the lawn when left in place, there’s a critical reason why the rear flap or deflector shield is included on mowers: safety. Without this shield, grass clippings and other debris are shot out from the discharge port. On a rear-discharge model, this means the debris is directed straight at the user. Mowers often launch rocks, twigs, and random objects that may be on the lawn, posing a serious risk of injury. These projectiles could also damage nearby property or harm people in the vicinity.

This isn't the only danger associated with removing the rear flap. The shield also protects your feet from the mower’s blades while you're working. If the shield is removed or propped open, it's easy to accidentally step into the area beneath the mower deck. While it's not necessary to elaborate further, most people would rather keep their toes intact.

The Benefits of Grass Clippings

The TikTok video does highlight one valid point: grass clippings are full of nutrients that can benefit the soil and lawn as they break down. To get the most out of this natural fertilizer, use a mulching blade on a rotary mower and leave the grass slightly taller. Cutting off about an inch of the grass ensures the clippings are the right size—too long, and they may smother the live grass. It's also advisable to avoid mowing when the grass is too wet. If you do mow in wet conditions, use the bag attachment to collect the clippings. Wet clippings tend to clump together and can harm the living grass.

If your mower comes with a bag, make sure the protective shield is in place before mowing. Usually, this is a drop-down piece that falls into place after removing the bag, as seen in the TikTok video.

The One-Third Rule for a Healthier Lawn

Leaving grass clippings on the lawn reduces the need for fertilizer, as the cut grass serves a similar function. The TikTok video suggests using the clippings over "bald spots." However, if your lawn looks nearly bald or scalped in some areas, you might be secretly harming it by cutting it too short. The key to a lush, healthy lawn is the one-third rule: never remove more than the top third of the grass blades. This helps keep the grass blades healthy and strong.

A mulching mower is designed to create grass clippings in just the right size for optimal benefits. Some standard walk-behind rotary mowers can be equipped with mulching blades that cut the grass into smaller pieces than a standard blade. Check your machine's manufacturer information to see if your mower can use a mulching blade or a mulching kit.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a healthier lawn without putting yourself or others at risk. While social media offers many ideas, it's important to prioritize safety and effectiveness when it comes to lawn care.