Mowing is the most time-consuming maintenance practice related to lawn care, but many aspects of mowing are misunderstood and performed incorrectly. Proper mowing practices play a vital role in helping to maintain a healthy, sustainable home lawn. Lawns often look attractive after mowing, so it is easy to assume that grass thrives on mowing. In reality, mowing is a destructive process that injures the grass plant. Each mowing temporarily stops root growth, decreases carbohydrates, increases water loss, decreases water absorption by the roots, and creates entry routes for a disease. Sound mowing practices help minimize these stresses.