Sharpen lawn mower blades regularly, as dull mowers leave a ragged appearance from crushed or uncut grass blades. Damaged grass may also be more susceptible to disease infection.

Reel mowers

Sharpen the blades every couple of years. It is best to take your mower to a professional mower shop to have the blade sharpened. However, do-it-yourself sharpening kits may be available at lawn and garden centers.

Rotary mowers

Sharpen blades as needed. During the active-growing period, you may have to sharpen the blade every 1 - 2 months. Replacing the blade with a new one may be easier than sharpening the old one. Many new models come with an extra blade. Additional blades can be purchased at lawn and garden centers.