1. Cut no more than one-third the height of the grass.

2. Never scalp the lawn or cut below plant crowns.

3. Mow only when the grass is dry. 

4. Change mowing patterns frequently to prevent compaction.

5. Leave clippings on the lawn unless they are very long or wet.

6. Mow with a sharp blade. Resharpen after every 10 hours of use. Bring the blade to a professional sharpening service once a year. Replace the blade as necessary.

7. Rinse clippings off your mower after it has cooled to reduce the chance of spreading lawn disease.

8. When it is hot, cut grass at the high end of the recommended height range.

9. Cut at the low end of the recommended height range during cool weather or in shade.

10. Make your last cut of the season at the low end of the recommended height range.