Did you know those mower tracks actually have a name? It’s called lawn striping. Sometimes it’s just the end result of a freshly mowed turf. Other times it can be something that is purposely achieved for the sake of showcasing a beautifully maintained lawn. Let’s look at a few lawn striping tips that can help you achieve that perfect striping effect with a push mower.
1. Change or Alternate the Direction of Your Mow
This tip is the most apparent. By alternating your direction, you create a perfect stripe. This is because stripes are created by bending the grass in different directions. Sunlight reflects differently on that bent grass.
While doing this, be sure to keep a straight line across the length or width of your lawn. This might be easier with a riding mower but with a little more focus, push mowers can achieve a respectable lawn stripe. Also, make your turns as smooth as possible so as to avoid any jagged lines.
What about diagonal lines? It’s a surprisingly effective choice. Neighbors and passersby tend to notice this lawn stripe more often because it does allow for a unique and dramatic effect.
2. Mow When the Grass is Dry
The preference is to always mow a dry lawn. To start with, this helps to protect the blade against corrosion or long-term water damage. It also helps to prevent wet grass from clogging and, over time, that can affect the blade’s ability to produce a quality cut. Wet grass also causes the blades to drag. This results in an uneven cut which makes it needlessly more difficult to leave that pristine lawn stripe.
3. Timing and Consistency are Key
If you’re focused on creating that perfect lawn stripe with your push mower then consistency is important. The tip here is to mow regularly for more visible and longer lasting stripes. Maybe aim for a weekly or bi-weekly mowing schedule. During the growing season a bi-weekly approach might be more ideal.
4. A Lawn Roller Might be Just the Thing
Adding another step to your landscaping process may not be for everyone, but those committed to achieving the beauty of lawn stripes would benefit from just a bit more time invested into their lawn care.
The suggestion here is to use a lawn roller after each pass. Rolling will bend the grass in one direction while your next mower pass bends it in an alternating direction. This will allow for more pronounced lawn stripes. Obviously, the heavier the roller, the more pronounced those stripes will be. These are just a few ideas to help you add depth and sustainability to your lawn stripes with a push mower. When properly applied, your stripes tell your neighbors or clients that you care about a beautifully maintained yard. If you’re in the market for a new push mower then please drop by or give us a call. Our inventory of quality mowers means that we have exactly what you need and at a price you can’t walk away from. We also offer comprehensive lawn mower repair services.
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