The answer to 'my lawn mowing looks bad' is that there are several common causes, including mowing too short, uneven mowing patterns, dull mower blades, and mowing in wet conditions. Symptoms may include an uneven, patchy appearance, brown or yellow spots, and a ragged, shredded look to the grass.
To fix this, first check your mowing height and adjust it to the recommended 3-4 inches for most grass types. Make sure to mow in overlapping, parallel rows to ensure even coverage. Sharpen or replace your mower blades regularly, and avoid mowing when the grass is wet. If the problem persists, you may need to aerate, overseed, or dethatch your lawn to improve its health and appearance.