What is the best way to mow a large lawn?

What is the best way to mow a large lawn?

It doesn’t matter whether it is in your own garden, commercial premises, a school or public open spaces a well maintained large lawn looks amazing and has many environmental benefits. But grass cutting large areas can be time consuming and tedious. So what is the best way to mow a large lawn and maximise its beauty?

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The best method for mowing a large lawn

To create perfection in a large lawn you need a mower with a grass collector and a built in roller.  I love to see stripes in a large lawn but hate to see big clumps of clippings around.

 For a large lawn, electric mowers are simply not practical so I would advise a petrol driven mower, either a self-propelled push mower or a ride-on with a special striping attachment.

The very best way to mow a large lawn – and arguably the most cost effective – is to make the most of the grass cutting services offered by grounds maintenance companies like Keep It Green Grounds Maintenance in Surrey.

Grass cutting services will have invested in the best equipment for the job. You don’t need to buy a mower or the fuel to go in it. Another big consideration these days is security. Good quality lawn mowers are frequently targeted by thieves….if you don’t have one, they can’t pinch it!

How often should you mow a large lawn?

Any natural lawn needs regular mowing during the growing season to keep it tidy. Mowing also stimulates growth from the base of the grass plants. Therefore it encourages the lawn to thicken up and develop that beautiful velvety texture that we all love so much. Conversely, letting the lawn grow long and then scalping it will weaken the grass plants and make them susceptible to disease.

Depending on the weather, you may need to mow all year round but as a rule of thumb, March –-October are the busiest months for mowing.  Growth generally slows in the heat of summer and when the soil temperature dips in winter.

Between March and mid-April I generally recommend mowing at least once a week. 

Late April – June lawns need cutting every 3 -4 days

In July and August the grass growth naturally slows down – a light mowing once a week will keep it neat

September and October sees another little growth spurt but a weekly cut should be enough to manage the lawn’s appearance.

November – February: Growth depends on soil temperature remaining at 6 degrees or more. As a rule of thumb if it keeps growing, you keep mowing. But never mow in frosty weather!

Alternative mowing regimes

Over the last 5 years or so, there has been a move to save money and create wildlife habitat by changing mowing regimes.  Longer grass, especially if it has wildflowers growing in it is a valuable resource for birds, insects, amphibians and mini-beasts. The Meadow Brown butterfly for example depends upon long grass for its breeding cycle.

Large lawns can be turned into mini wildflower meadows simply by changing the mowing regime. Grass is allowed to grow freely between March and July and mown after it has set seed but before it falls over and turns to mush.

It’s great if you can cut paths through a lawn like this. A carefully mown “headland” can make sure that the lawn still looks manicured and formal rather than neglected.

The summer cut does need special equipment. Traditionally it would be scythed but there are some modern mowers that can cope with long grass.

If you want to really support wildlife, why not devote areas of your lawn to wildflowers? There are 2 ways of doing it – either mow less frequently so that daisies, clover and other low growing wildflowers can flourish but the lawn is still managed. OR lay areas of wildflower turf and manage them much as you would longer grass. You could also plant spring flowering bulbs and allow them to naturalise in the lawn. Daffodils are beautiful but fritillaria, crocus and native bluebells are attractive to bees too.

Grass Cutting Services Tailored to You

Keep it Green Grounds Maintenance tailor grass cutting services to you and your lawn. We will discuss with you how you want your lawn to look and behave and together we can agree a budget.

Our team will arrive on appointed days, cut your lawn the way you like it, tidy up and leave. You needn’t be disturbed – in fact you needn’t be at home at all. Our staff are all DBS checked and utterly trustworthy. Plus, of course, knowing that someone is keeping an eye on the place (albeit temporarily) while you’re out will give you peace of mind.

More about grass cutting services from Keep It Green Grounds Maintenance