A considerable problem encountered by lawn enthusiasts is compaction and unwittingly, many of us are adding to it by not planning our grass cutting properly.
With a little bit of thought and a change in habits it is possible to cut the compression of the soil structure to an absolute minimum.
Continuous turning of your mower at the edge of the lawn causes a smearing of the soil and compression of the air spaces below the surface. In turn, the grass roots, already under extreme pressure from the airless conditions are torn away which reveals the soil surface underneath.
The roller of the mower does most damage, although wheeled mowers can do some damage as they swivel on the inside wheel.
This problem can be reduced if you take the time to do a three point turn by stopping short of the borders, pulling the mower back then starting the next row. Avoid the single action turn (swivel) and even consider stopping well short of the borders to spread any future wear. Running the mowers in alternate directions for 2-5 rows at the end will tidy up where you stop and start and in doing so add those contrasting finishing stripes to make the lawn look presentable.
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