How to Mow the Lawn: Top Tips for Cutting Grass

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Plus, choosing the right mower for your lawn
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When done properly, mowing the law supports green, healthy grass, reduces weeds, and helps prevent bare spots. This article covers when to mow, how to prepare your mower, and even how to mow eye-pleasing patterns into your lawn! Plus, we spoke with Expert Landscaper Grant Wallace to learn the best tips for mowing to get a healthier, better-looking lawn.

Tips & Tricks to Mow the Lawn the Right Way

  1. Mow your lawn in the morning when the grass is dry.
  2. Only mow your lawn when it needs it.
  3. Choose a lawnmower that fits your lawn’s size.
  4. Get familiar with how to operate your mower.
  5. Keep your mower blades clean, sharp, and set high.
  6. Check your mower’s tires and fill up the fuel and oil.
  7. Mow around the perimeter first, then in back-and-forth rows.
Section 1 of 6:

When to Mow the Lawn

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  1. Mid-morning is the best time to mow because it gives the dew a chance to evaporate, and the grass won’t be limp after midday heat. Limp gras bends under the mower blades instead of being cut, leaving your with an uneven lawn. [1] Wet grass clogs your mower, causes fungal diseases, and leaves behind clumps of wet grass that kill your lawn. Plus, wet soil is softer and harder to mow.
    • Checking the weather forecast and planning to mow before rain or after your lawn dries out reduces clumping, lawn damage, and heat stress on the grass (and you). [2]
    • Mowing wet soil may also pull out your lawn by the roots, leaving dead or patchy areas.
  2. Mow your lawn on its schedule, not yours. Some people mow their lawn like clockwork every Saturday afternoon, but it’s better to mow based on the height of the grass. Use the “⅓ rule,” and don’t mow down more than a third of the total height of your grass each mowing. Cutting only ⅓ of the grass height reduces plant stress and water loss. [3]
    • So, if you keep your lawn at 2 inches (5.1 cm) high, wait until the grass is 3 inches (7.6 cm) high before mowing it.
    • Tall grass is also healthier than short grass and helps control weeds.
    • Plus, leaving more height on your lawn reduces the number of times you have to mow!
    • Wait before mowing new grass the first time. Don’t mow new grass until it’s .75 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) taller than the recommended mowing height for the grass type. [4] This can take 3-4 weeks for sod and up to 2 months for seeded lawns.
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Section 2 of 6:

Choosing a Lawnmower

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  1. Try a reel mower if your lawn is under a ¼ acre with a turfgrass like Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, or perennial ryegrass. When choosing a lawnmower, remember that reel mowers are virtually silent and environmentally friendly because you supply all the power by pushing. [5] They also cut grass more cleanly, which gives a tidier look and a healthier lawn.
    • Reel mowers aren’t a good choice for lawns with sticks and twigs, unraked leaves, or tall grass.
    • Prices for manual reel mowers usually range from $80 to $200. [6]
  2. Electric push mowers are quieter, and some feel they cost less to operate than gas models because they have almost no maintenance, says Wallace. However, you must charge them before every use and replace the battery every few years. [7]
    • Electric lawn mowers range from $130 to $1,300, depending on the features and power. [8]
    • Replacement batteries for electric lawnmowers range from $100 to $300, depending on your mower.
    • There are corded electric models available, but they’re best suited to small lawns (¼ acre or less).
  3. Gas mowers come in both push-propelled and self-propelled varieties . Mulching and non-mulching models are available. A walk-behind mower gives you a better view of the grass as you mow than a riding mower. They’re also quieter than the riding options and tend to have more power than electric models. [9]
    • A mulching mower chops up the grass blades and scatters them for you. It’s important to keep the blades sharp on a mulching mower so it mulches the grass effectively. These models may not work as well on tall grass. [10]
    • Regular maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your gas walk-behind mower. This includes regularly replacing engine oil, spark plugs, and air filters.
    • Gas-powered walk-behind mowers range from $230 to $2,300, with self-propelled models generally on the more expensive end of the range. [11]
  4. Riding mowers cost more than walk-behind models but save you time. However, riding mowers usually aren't safe for mowing steep hillsides. There are a few different types of riding mowers, including rear-engine riding mowers, lawn tractors, garden tractors, and zero-turn mowers. [12]
    • Rear-Engine Riding Mowers : These mowers are a good choice for lawns from ½ an acre to 2 acres. They’re the least powerful of the riding mowers, with single-cylinder engines that range from 10 to 11 hp. They cost $1,200 to $2,400.
    • Lawn Tractors : These mowers can handle lawns up to 4.5 acres and are a step up from rear-engine mowers. They feature single-cylinder or V-twin engines that range from 18-25 hp. They range from $1,300 to $3,000.
    • Garden Tractors: Garden tractors are heavier and have more powerful engines (20 to 30+ hp) than lawn tractors. Owners use them (with a range of attachments) for heavy-duty tasks like tilling, plowing, and hauling, along with mowing. They range in price from $3,000 to $7,000. Be aware that these tractors don’t usually come with a mower deck, which can cost from $600 to $1,000. [13]
    • Zero-Turn Mowers : These mowers are often used by landscaping professionals but are great for homeowners, too. While the engine is usually the same as a lawn tractor, it’s much more maneuverable and has a larger cutting deck. This makes it easier to mow a lawn faster than other options. Zero-turn mowers are good choices for lawns larger than ½ an acre with obstacles like gardens, trees, bushes, and flower beds. They cost from $1,200 to $6,000.
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Section 3 of 6:

Operating a Lawnmower

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  1. Reel mowers are the simplest type of lawnmower to operate. Simply push the mower in a straight line across the area you’re mowing. Walk at a steady, comfortably brisk pace, or the mower may bind up and skid. When you’re done mowing, carefully rinse away any grass clippings that are stuck to the blades. [14]
    • The taller the grass, the harder it is to push a reel mower. Try to mow your grass once a week to avoid the grass growing too long to mow comfortably at an even pace.
    • Reel mowers tend to roll over tall weeds instead of cutting them. If you have a weedy lawn, get rid of the weeds before you mow.
  2. Start a gas mower by pushing the prime button 3-5 times to prime the carburetor with gas. Hold the safety shut-off lever against the mower’s handle and pull the rip cord to start the engine. [15] Move behind the mower and push it forward in a straight line over the grass you want to mow. Push down on the handle to lift the front wheel and pivot on the back wheels when you’re ready to turn. Let go of the safety shut-off lever to stop the mower. [16] It’s usually located near the top of the handle in easy reach.
    • The prime button is usually a red or black squishy button on the mower's body. Don't push more than 3-5 times, or you risk flooding the engine.
    • The safety shut-off lever is a thin bar that runs parallel to the mower’s handle.
    • If you have a self-propelled mower, push the drive lever forward to engage the wheels.
    • Start an electric push mower by pushing and holding the start button. Then, pull the start handle. [17] Otherwise, it operates in the same way as a gas-powered mower.
  3. When using a riding mower , sit in the lawn mower’s seat before starting the engine. Push down on the brake, pull the choke out, and turn the key to start. After the engine starts, push the choke back in. [18] Use the shift lever to put the mower into low gear, take your foot off the brake, and press the drive pedal until your mower is going as fast as you'd like. [19]
    • Steer a traditional riding mower with the steering wheel by turning counterclockwise to go to the left and clockwise to go to the right.
    • Drive the mower to the grass you want to mow and put your foot on the brake to stop. Lower the blade using the knob or lever marked “power liftoff” or “blade engage” on the console. [20]
    • Take your foot off the brake and press down on the drive pedal to begin mowing.
    • When you reach the end of a row, continue past the end of the end of the unmowed area and turn around in an area you’ve already mowed to keep your rows straight.
  4. A zero-turn radius mower starts in much the same way as other riding mowers. Engage the brake, disengage the clutch, and pull the choke knob. Then, advance the throttle and turn the key to start the engine. A zero-turn radius mower has 2 arms that steer the mower, move it forward, and back it up. [21]
    • Push the arms forward equally to go forward in a straight line. Pull them back equally to reverse the mower.
    • Turn the mower to the right by easing up pressure on the right arm and pushing forward with the left arm. Turn to the left by easing up on the left arm and pushing forward with the right.
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Section 4 of 6:

Mowing Process for a Healthy Lawn

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  1. Mowing your lawn too short leads to brown lawns and more weeds. Measure from the ground to the bottom of your mower’s mowing deck, then from the deck up to the blades to find the mowing height. Adjust the height by lifting or lowering the levers on all 4 wheels when the motor is off. [22] Ideal mowing heights vary based on several factors but usually fall within the range of 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm). [23] Here are height recommendations for common turfgrass species:
    • Bermudagrass: 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm)
    • Buffalograss: 1.5 to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cm)
    • Zoysiagrass: 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm)
    • Kentucky Bluegrass: 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm)
    • Perennial Ryegrass: 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm)
    • Creeping Red Fescue: 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.1 cm)
    • Tall Fescue: 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 cm) [24]
    • Contact your local agricultural extension program for advice if needed.
  2. Wallace says, “People forget to check for gas. If the mower has old gas, get that out of there. It causes problems if it's been sitting in there for a year or longer. So replace it with fresh gas. And don’t forget to check the oil.” It’s not safe to add fuel to a warm mower engine, so give the fuel tank a fill-up before you start mowing. Check the oil level every 2-3 mows as well, and add oil as needed before firing up the engine. [25]
    • Occasionally change the oil and clear the fuel lines or have a pro do this routine maintenance. Consider giving your mower a tune-up once a year at the beginning of spring.
    • Don’t forget to check the air pressure in your mower’s tires. Maximum tire pressure is embossed on the side of each tire.
  3. Unless you already have a square or rectangular lawn, create a squared-off mowing area. Go around trees or along curved planting beds, then create straight lines and angles in those areas. Turn your remaining lawn into one or several rectangles for easier mowing. [26]
    • Mowing around the perimeter first helps you square off the lawn and gives you room to turn as you mow back and forth in rows.
    • Go around the perimeter twice to create a wider turning area.
  4. In each rectangular area that you’ve created, start along one side and go in a straight line from end to end. Then turn your mower and mow an adjacent row in the opposite direction. Continue this process until you’ve mowed the entire section. [27]
    • The amount of overlap depends on your mower’s setup. Generally speaking, though, place your wheels (on one side) just over the cut line you created with the previous row.
    • Turning back and forth is easier with a zero-turn-radius mower. Otherwise, pivot on the rear wheel closest to the next row and readjust to get into position.
  5. Wallace says that finely cut clippings help fertilize grass, so leave them scattered thinly throughout your lawn when possible. If you have a side-throwing mower, send the clippings onto the row you just cut. [28]
    • Don’t leave clumps of cut grass sitting on your lawn, though — this is more likely to happen if you have a dull blade or if the grass is damp, Wallace warns. Either bag your clippings or use a rake to spread the clumps out.
    • Reduce your lawn's thatch by using a bag that attaches to your lawnmower to catch the grass clippings. Add the clippings to your compost pile, use them as mulch, or dispose of them in a curbside trash or composting system.
  6. Mowing up and down a slope with a push mower may cause you to lose control. Never mow up and down a slope that’s anything more than gentle. Instead, go in straight lines that are perpendicular to the slope. [29]
    • Take any sloped ground into account when creating your rectangular mowing areas.
    • If you have trouble walking up or down the slope on wet grass without the mower, don't mow up or down it even when the grass is dry.
    • Manual push-reel mowers are less dangerous than larger and heavier powered models on slopes, but injuries still happen if you slip and fall.
    • Driving a riding mower side to side on a steep hill may cause it to tip over. Go up and down gentle slopes.
    • Instead of mowing a steep slope, try using a string trimmer, or consider planting or placing something other than grass in that area.
  7. Don’t mow your square lawn in the same north-south lines every time. If you do, the grass starts to bend over permanently in its row’s direction, and you’ll wear track marks from your mower’s wheels into the grass. [30]
    • Instead, consider alternating between north-south and east-west lines with each subsequent mowing session.
  8. String trimmers or edgers aren’t as fast or efficient as mowers. Rely on your mower to cover as much of the lawn as possible. Then, use a string trimmer or lawn edger to get at the remaining grass the mower missed. [31]
    • However, some people prefer to trim/edge first so that the clippings are chopped up and spread out by the mower. This is a viable option, but you may spend more time trimming and/or edging than necessary.
    • These methods tend to be harsher on your grass than mowing — e.g., it’s easier to cut the grass far too short in spots.
  9. Expect to sharpen your mower blades 1-2 times per year, depending on how often you mow, Wallace recommends. If you have warmer weather year-round, you may mow more often than someone with cold weather for part of the year. Dull mower blades cause jagged cuts in your grass. Jaggedly cut grass develops brown tips and invites grass diseases. A sharp blade makes a cleaner cut, says Wallace. If your lawn looks ragged after a mow, it’s probably time to sharpen your mower blades . [32]
    • Remove and sharpen the blades yourself with a few tools and some mechanical know-how, or search for "lawn mower sharpening near me" to find local pros.
    • Even if your blades don’t seem dull, inspect them for damage every 3-4 mows, and rinse away any built-up grass debris on the blades and underside of the mower with a garden hose. Wallace recommends unplugging the spark plug to safely check the mower blades.
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Section 5 of 6:

Creating Lawn Patterns

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  1. The lighter and darker stripes you see on manicured lawns or professional sports fields are created simply by bending the grass in the direction you’re mowing it. Grass that bends away from where you’re standing looks lighter in color, while grass that bends towards you appears darker. [33]
    • Therefore, a traditional back-and-forth mowing method creates straight lines that alternate between lighter and darker shades (depending on your viewing angle).
    • To enhance the striping effect by bending the grass more fully, buy a lawn roller and use it to repeat the pattern you just mowed.
  2. To create a checkerboard-style pattern of alternating light and dark squares of grass, you simply need to mow over the same area twice. First, mow in your standard back-and-forth lines — for instance, north and south. Then, mow over the same area in east and west lines back and forth. When you’re done, you’ll see the distinctive checkerboard pattern. [34]
    • Finish the job by going around the perimeter again at the end to clean up any irregularities caused by your turns.
  3. A diamond pattern actually isn’t that much more difficult than the checkerboard. You simply rotate your alternating mowing lines 45 degrees so you’re mowing essentially from corner to corner within your squared mowing area. [35]
    • For a zig-zag pattern, create a diamond pattern first. Then, make a repeating series of alternating 90-degree turns each time you mow over 3 diamonds (either light-dark-light or dark-light-dark in the shade). This pattern takes some practice and may be easier if you create a diagram to follow beforehand.
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Section 6 of 6:

Staying Safe While Cutting Your Grass

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  1. Walk around your lawn and pick up any branches, rocks, toys, pet waste, or other obstructions that may damage your mower or make a mess. Even more importantly, send your pets and kids inside, or at least to a secure area away from where you’ll be mowing. [36]
    • Some mowers eject rocks or other flying debris at dangerous speeds, so it’s always best to keep other people and pets out of the area.
  2. Wear safety glasses to protect yourself from flying debris, and use ear protection to muffle the loud mower engine. Also, put on closed-toe, sturdy footwear and long pants to protect your feet and legs. [37]
    • Put on sunscreen and wear a hat, even on cloudy days or if it's early or late in the day.
    • Make sure your ear coverings protect your hearing while allowing you to hear warning sounds, such as a car horn or a person shouting.
    • Be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks if you're mowing a large lawn, feel overheated, or start to feel tired.
  3. Instead, turn the mower off and use water from a garden hose to dislodge the blade of a gasoline-powered mower. Disconnect the spark plug to make sure the engine can’t start for any reason while you’re removing clogs. [38]
    • The mower blades may spin for a short time after you turn off the mower. Make sure they’ve stopped before turning the mower over.
  4. Understand the mower's power, functions, and limitations. Review its safety devices, how they work, and how to maintain them. Understand how safe operation is distinct from unsafe operation. [39]
    • Be sure to familiarize yourself with where all of the controls, gauges, and dials are located.
    • Learn the speed, slope capabilities, braking and steering of your mower before turning it on.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is there a specific time, for instance 9 a.m., to mow?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    The best time is in the evening when the sun has gone down. The exact time will depend on the season and region.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    When is the best time of day to mow the grass?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    The best time to mow your grass is in the evening. Check the grass to make sure it's dry.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    Should I mow the lawn when it is wet?
    Community Answer
    No, if mulching, the grass will not fall back into the lawn well and could clog up the mower, bagging can be a bit more successful if you must mow that day. Also, with the lawn and soil wet, it's very easy to make ruts in the lawn and compact the soil. Neither are good for a perfect lawn or strong grass.
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      Warnings

      • To make starting easy and safe, only start the lawnmower on a sidewalk, driveway, or other solid ground.
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      • Keep pets and children away from the area being mowed and the operating lawnmower.
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      • Don’t pull the mower back toward you while it’s running. It’s possible to trip or fall and pull the mower over you. Turn the mower off if you need to move backward.
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      • Listening to music or a podcast while mowing distracts you at a time when total focus is required to operate your lawnmower safely.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-mow-a-lawn/
      2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/how-to-garden/how-to-mow-a-lawn/
      3. ↑ https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/eco-resilience/our-land-our-water/mowing-your-lawn
      4. ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/ESTABLISH/mowing.html
      5. ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/MAINTAIN/mowreel.html
      6. ↑ https://www.angi.com/articles/reel-lawn-mower-right-you.htm
      7. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/lawn-mowers/gas-vs-electric-lawn-mower-which-is-better-a1057954260/
      8. ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/lawn-mower-cost/
      9. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/riding-mower-vs-push-mower
      1. ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/what-is-a-mulching-lawn-mower/
      2. ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/lawn-mower-cost/
      3. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/lawn-garden/a26431726/types-of-lawn-mower/
      4. ↑ https://garden.org/learn/articles/view/176/Lawn-and-Garden-Tractors/
      5. ↑ https://assets.einhell.com/manuals-pdf/900_435251/lmpc-301u%3B-ex%3B-uk.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-start-a-lawn-mower/
      7. ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/what-is-self-propelled-mower/
      8. ↑ https://renewablepedia.com/how-start-an-electric-lawn-mower/
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/E1E5MAFVXIE?t=204
      10. ↑ https://youtu.be/NkvwHcah3fo?t=271
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/2g_e8syF-Oc?t=168
      12. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/lawn-garden/how-to/a21088/how-to-drive-a-zero-turn-lawn-mower/
      13. ↑ https://youtu.be/ttC28rn05xc?t=71
      14. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/how-to-mow-a-lawn
      15. ↑ https://extension.illinois.edu/lawns/mowing-your-lawn
      16. ↑ https://www.angi.com/articles/got-gas-4-tips-fueling-lawn-mowers-and-landscaping-tools.htm
      17. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/how-to-mow-a-lawn
      18. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/how-to-mow-a-lawn
      19. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/how-to-garden/how-to-mow-a-lawn/
      20. ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/lawn-mower-safety/
      21. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/how-to-garden/how-to-mow-a-lawn/
      22. ↑ https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/how-to-cut-clean-lawn-edges/
      23. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/how-to-garden/how-to-mow-a-lawn/
      24. ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/how-to-stripe-your-lawn/
      25. ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/how-to-stripe-your-lawn/
      26. ↑ https://lawnlove.com/blog/how-to-stripe-your-lawn/
      27. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/how-to-mow-a-lawn
      28. ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/lawn-mower-safety/
      29. ↑ https://nasdonline.org/38/d001606/agricultural-mower-safety.html
      30. ↑ https://nasdonline.org/38/d001606/agricultural-mower-safety.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before mowing a lawn, start by clearing it of debris and pet waste, and making sure that any kids and pets are in a secure area away from where you’ll be mowing. Additionally, protect your feet and legs with sturdy, closed-toe footwear and long pants. To mow your lawn, start around the perimeter to help square off the lawn and give you room to turn as you mow back and forth in rows. Then, start along 1 side of the perimeter, mow in a straight line from end to end, then mow an adjacent row in the opposite direction. For more advice from our Horticulturist reviewer, including how to mow your lawn into stripes and checkerboard patterns, keep reading.

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