What are some tips on cutting my lawn I can follow for better-looking results?

Mow at the right height . Each grass type has its ideal height range. Mow bahia blue gramma and buffalo grasses two to three inches high. Mow fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass and St. Augustine grasses about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches high. Cut common Bermuda, centipede and zoysia grasses about one to two inches high. Cut hybrid Bermuda lowest, about one inch high. Adjust the blade height . Place your mower on a hard surface and measure the height of the blades with a tape measure. Adjust the deck height to the desired level. Test the setting by mowing a patch of grass and checking the grass height. Adjust the mower as necessary. Mowing on the high side of the range improves drought resistance and root health. Keep it sharp . Sharpen the blade of rotary mowers at least once a season. Remove the blade, with the mower upended. Sharpen the blade on a bench grinder or with a heavy-duty mill file, making sure to check the blade balance afterwards. Center the blade on a nail hammered into a wall or take your blade to a mower repair shop and let them sharpen it. Follow one-third rule. Mow when the grass blades are about one-third taller than the recommended height. To maintain grass at two inches high, for example, mow when the grass reaches no more than three inches tall. Only remove one-third of the grass height when you mow to prevent damage and stress to the lawn. Taking too much off at once starves the roots and may expose new lower leaves to sunburn. Rake up clumps.  Leave small and finely chopped clippings on the lawn where they will decompose and improve the soil's health; remove clumps that can smother the grass. Sweep clippings off sidewalks and driveways for a neat appearance. For further information on when to cut your lawn, click here:

• Tips: Keep your mower blades sharp to prevent damage to the grass blades.
• Ragged cuts invite disease and make the lawn look brown.
• Alternate mowing directions each time you mow to help keep grass growing upright and to prevent soil compaction.
• Mow at a 45 or 90 degree angle to your last pattern.