How to keep leaves from blowing out from mower deck

Having a clean and well-manicured lawn can be a great source of pride and joy.

But if you're anything like me, you're constantly battling against the wind and its tendency to blow leaves and other debris out of the mower deck while you're mowing. 

It can be a real nuisance, not to mention a safety hazard. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the wind's effect and keep your lawn looking pristine.

In this blog post, we'll look at how to keep leaves from blowing out from mower deck, so that you can enjoy a tidy lawn without being constantly interrupted by wind gusts.

How To Keep Leaves From Blowing Out From Mower Deck

One of the best ways to keep leaves from blowing out of your mower deck is to use a mulching blade.

Mulching blades are designed with a special cutting surface that chops the grass into finer pieces and helps to hold the leaves inside the mower deck. 

When using a mulching blade, you should also make sure to mow often to ensure that the leaves and grass are cut into small pieces that will not be easily blown out of the mower deck.

Additionally, you should also adjust the mower blade height to its highest setting to ensure that the leaves are cut as fine as possible.

Finally, make sure to use a bagging attachment to collect the leaves rather than allowing them to be blown out of the mower deck

Why Are Grass And Leaves Blown Out?

The main reason why grass and leaves are blown out from a mower deck is due to air flow.

Air will flow up from the ground and into the mower deck, and the fan blades within the mower deck will create a vacuum effect. 

This vacuum effect, combined with the height of the mower deck, will cause the grass and leaves to be blown out of the mower deck.

Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to help keep leaves and grass from being blown out of the mower deck.

What is the best thing to put on a lawn mower deck to keep the grass from sticking to it?

There are several products on the market designed specifically for this purpose, such as wax-based coatings and non-stick sprays.

Wax-based coatings are applied directly to the mower deck and do an excellent job of repelling grass clippings, which can then be easily removed with a hose or brush. Non-stick sprays are lighter and easier to apply and offer a good level of protection. 

Additionally, both of these products can help to reduce the amount of leaves that blow out from the mower deck by creating a barrier between the mower and the grass.

Do leaves mess up lawn mower?

Yes! Leaves can get stuck in the mower deck and clog up the mower blades.

To prevent leaves from being blown out of the mower deck, make sure you check the underside of the deck to make sure no leaves, sticks, or other debris are caught in it. 

Additionally, you should adjust the mower blades so they are slightly higher than the deck to help contain the leaves within the deck.

When mowing, go over the area more than once to ensure the leaves are cut up into small pieces.

 Finally, make sure to reduce the mower speed and keep a low RPM in order to reduce the amount of air being discharged from the mower deck.

Will wd40 keep grass from sticking to mower deck?

No, WD-40 will not stop grass from sticking to your mower deck.

WD-40 is designed to lubricate metal parts, not act as a barrier between grass and metal.

To keep leaves from blowing out from the mower deck, be sure to use a mulching blade. 

A mulching blade is designed to chop up leaves and grass clippings into smaller pieces, which helps to create a thick layer of material on the ground that can act as a barrier to keep leaves from blowing out.

Additionally, a sharp blade is important to make sure the grass is cut cleanly, reducing the amount of material that can be thrown out.

Finally, mowing at the proper height can help create a barrier to keep leaves from blowing

Should mower deck wheels touch the ground when mowing?

No, the mower deck should be slightly raised when mowing.

This will cause the mower blades to cut the grass and leaves at a higher angle, which will prevent leaves from getting caught in the mower deck and blowing out when mowing. 

Additionally, making sure the mower blades are sharp and in good working condition will help to ensure that the grass and leaves are cut in a clean and consistent manner, which will reduce the amount of clippings that get caught in the mower deck.

Finally, making sure the mower deck is free of buildup and debris will help to reduce the chance of leaves being caught in the mower deck and blowing out.

Choose the right height for cutting

The height of your mower deck should be set to the height of your grass. If your mower deck is set too low, you can actually cut the grass too short, which leaves it susceptible to the wind.

If you set the mower deck too high, it can cause clumping and leave behind clippings that can end up blowing out of the mower deck.

Make sure you set the deck to the right height so you can get an even cut and minimize the risk of leaves and clippings blowing away.

Mow in a different direction each week

One of the best ways to keep leaves from blowing out from your mower deck is to mow in a different direction each week.

This can help prevent the leaves from being trapped in the same place and blowing out of the mower deck.

Additionally, changing up the direction of your mow can help you mow more efficiently and keep your lawn looking neat and tidy.

Make sure to mow in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction each week to ensure that leaves are not being accumulated in one area.

Sharpen the blade regularly

It is important to regularly sharpen the blade of your mower deck to keep leaves from blowing out.

A sharp blade will help to cut the grass more evenly and prevent the leaves from clumping together and blowing out from the mower deck. 

You should sharpen the blade at least once a season, but more often if you cut your grass more often.

If you are unsure how to sharpen your blade, consult the owner's manual of your mower or take it to a professional.

Use a mulching blade

If you’re looking to keep leaves from blowing out of your mower deck, a great option is to use a mulching blade.

Mulching blades are designed to chop up leaves into fine pieces, which helps the leaves break down faster and prevents them from blowing away.

The mulch pieces also act as a natural fertilizer, helping to keep your lawn looking green and healthy.

Additionally, mulching blades are typically more durable and long-lasting than traditional cutting blades, so they can save you money in the long run.

Clear the clippings from the deck

One of the most important steps for keeping leaves from blowing out of your mower deck is to clear away any clippings that may be stuck in the deck.

To do this, turn off the mower, put it in neutral gear, and start from the bottom of the deck. Push the clippings up and away from the deck until they are all cleared out.

This will help you keep the leaves from accumulating in the deck and blowing out when the mower is running.

Avoid mowing wet grass

One of the most important tips for preventing leaves from blowing out of your mower deck is to avoid mowing wet grass.

When grass is wet, it is much heavier and clumps together more easily. As a result, the mower deck can become clogged and the blades can struggle to cut the grass.

This can put stress on the blades, as well as the engine, and can cause the leaves to blow out from the direct contact of the blades.

To avoid this, avoid mowing wet grass and wait until the grass has dried.

Slow down the mowing speed

One of the most common causes of leaves being blown out from the mower deck is mowing too fast.

A slower mowing speed allows the mower deck to better contain the clippings and leaves in the grass, preventing them from flying out. 

If you mow at a slower speed, you will be able to keep the leaves and clippings contained, while still getting the job done.

This technique is especially useful when mowing near an area with a lot of trees, as the leaves tend to pile up quickly. To slow down your mowing speed, simply reduce the engine RPMs or choose a lower mowing gear.

Use a deflector shield attachment

A deflector shield attachment is a great way to keep leaves from blowing out from your mower deck.

It works by deflecting the leaves away from the mower, so they don't end up getting sucked into the mower blade.

These shields are easy to install and can make a huge difference in the amount of leaves that get sucked up and blown out.

Additionally, they can help to reduce the amount of debris that is left behind after you mow.

Conclusion  How to keep leaves from blowing out from mower deck

In conclusion, keeping leaves out of your mower deck is an important part of lawn care.

It is always best to use mulching blades and mulching mower attachments to help keep leaves out of your mower deck, as it helps reduce clumping and clogging.

Additionally, regular mower maintenance and carefully inspecting your mower deck after each use can help keep leaves from blowing out of your mower deck.