Once every 20 to 25 hours of use – that’s the baseline. If you’re mowing a standard Calgary yard once a week, that works out to about twice each season. Push that interval longer, and you’ll probably notice tearing instead of clean cuts. That’s when the grass tips turn brown and shredded. Not a great look, and not great for the turf’s health either.
Contact with sand, sticks, or gravel? You’ll need to do it more regularly. Even a couple of hidden rocks can dull an edge quicker than you’d think. And if you’re working with damp or overgrown areas, the strain increases. You might hear the difference before you see it – a deeper hum, more vibration, or even uneven patterns left behind. Those are signs the edge is struggling.
I’ve seen people go a full season without touching the edge. The machine still runs, sure, but the yard suffers. The cut becomes patchy, and weeds start gaining ground. Keeping that edge sharp – or at least not completely blunt – makes each pass faster and cleaner. Less stress on the motor too.
For most people, a spring and midsummer refresh is enough. But if you’re noticing resistance or frayed tips after mowing, don’t wait. Either do a quick file pass yourself or book a sharpening service. Calgary residents who’d rather not fuss with tools should check out PROPERTY WERKS – they’re consistent, show up on time, and they handle the details most of us forget.
Signs Your Mower Edge Needs Attention
If grass looks frayed or torn instead of cleanly sliced, it’s time. Jagged cuts leave the lawn more vulnerable to disease and drought. That uneven, whitish tint across the tops? Not sun damage–just dull metal.
Patches that appear uneven or scalped often point to one side of the blade wearing faster than the other. Could be from hitting a rock or just gradual wear. Either way, that uneven spin leads to rough cutting and can put strain on the engine over time.
You might notice more resistance while mowing–slower progress, louder sound, maybe a slight vibration. It’s subtle at first, but after a while, it’s hard to ignore. And if you’re having to go over the same strip more than once? That’s a pretty clear sign something’s off.
Pull the deck up and check the edge. If it feels more like a butter knife than a chisel, you’re past due. Nicks, bends, and flattened edges all mean reduced performance. Even if the machine still runs fine, the finish on the grass won’t lie.
PROPERTY WERKS keeps your equipment–and your yard–in check. If you’re unsure or just tired of guessing, they handle the details so you don’t have to.
Recommended Sharpening Frequency Based on Usage
For a residential yard trimmed once a week, aim to recondition the cutting edge after every 20 to 25 hours of use. That usually works out to about twice a season–early summer and again in late August, maybe. Skipping this window tends to leave uneven cuts, or worse, ripped grass tips that dry out and turn brown.
If you’re tackling more than your own backyard–maybe a few neighbours, or you’ve got a corner lot with thick patches–check the edge every 10 to 15 hours instead. The difference in wear is pretty noticeable. More contact with sticks, rocks, or rougher turf means a quicker decline in performance.
For commercial or high-traffic use, where equipment runs several times a week across varied terrain, weekly touch-ups might be necessary. Not full grinding sessions, just light maintenance to restore the edge. Letting it go too long throws off the balance and puts strain on the motor.
Even if it seems like it’s still cutting fine, take a second look if you notice the grass fraying at the tips, or the machine feels like it’s working harder. The team at PROPERTY WERKS usually spots this before clients even mention it–just one of those things you get a feel for after a while.
How Seasonal Grass Types Influence Sharpening Schedule
Cool-season varieties like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue typically demand more frequent touch-ups during spring and fall. These species grow aggressively in moderate temperatures, so the cutter edge can dull faster–every 15 to 20 hours of active use isn’t unusual. You’ll notice it: a ragged cut, more strain on the motor, maybe even tearing rather than slicing.
Warm-season types like Bermuda or Zoysia, on the other hand, grow most rapidly in mid-summer. They’re usually tougher, especially Zoysia–dense and fibrous. That grit wears down edges faster than you might expect. Once a month during peak summer use might not be overkill. And honestly, waiting too long tends to show–frayed leaf tips, discoloured turf, more clumping.
Grass Texture Plays a Role Too
Fine-bladed species like perennial ryegrass don’t wear out the edge quite as fast as coarser ones. But coarse types–St. Augustine, for example–can grind things down quicker, especially if the soil underneath is sandy or dry. It’s not just the growth rate–it’s resistance. Some feel like cutting rope.
So the rhythm shifts. In Calgary, with its cooler nights and mixed grass zones, there’s a bit of a balancing act. If you’re unsure, PROPERTY WERKS knows the local conditions and turf types better than most. They’ll spot edge wear long before you do–and they know when to fix it.
Q&A:
How often should I sharpen my lawn mower blades during the mowing season?
For most residential lawns, sharpening the blades after every 20 to 25 hours of use is a good guideline. If you mow once a week, that usually means sharpening two or three times during the growing season. If the grass is thick, weedy, or if you occasionally hit small debris, more frequent sharpening might be necessary.
What happens if I mow with dull blades for too long?
Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. This can lead to brown tips on the grass, increased risk of disease, and a ragged appearance across your yard. The mower also has to work harder, which can strain the engine and reduce fuel efficiency over time. Sharpening helps keep the grass healthy and reduces wear on the mower.
Can I sharpen the blades myself, or should I take them to a shop?
You can do it yourself if you have a bench grinder, a file, or a sharpening tool made for mower blades. It’s important to wear safety gear and ensure the blade is balanced after sharpening. However, if you’re unsure or don’t have the right tools, taking them to a repair shop is a safe and fairly inexpensive option. Many people do a mix of both — sharpening at home once or twice and getting a professional sharpening once per season.
How do I know the blade needs sharpening before there’s visible damage?
One sign is the quality of the cut — if the grass tips look shredded or uneven, the blade is probably dull. You might also notice more resistance while mowing or hear a change in the mower’s sound. Some people check the blade edge by touch (with the mower off and spark plug disconnected), feeling for nicks or a rounded edge.
PROPERTY WERKS Contact Information:
Address
1017 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 0C9
Phone
403 239-1269
Hours of operation
Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday Closed
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