Want to create a beautiful lawn in less time? Simple landscape adjustments can make a huge difference, making lawn mowing easier and even more enjoyable. Whether you use a riding mower or a push mower, these landscaping tips will help streamline your mowing routine. Plus, clearing obstacles and smoothing out rough edges will give you better mowing results.
1. Prune Trees
Low-hanging tree branches can make it tough to mow around tree trunks. Selective pruning can significantly reduce this hassle. Cut away the lowest branches so you can easily mow around the tree trunk.
Winter is the best time to prune trees because the bare branches make it easier to assess the tree’s structure. Trim any low branches from small trees like crabapple, redbud, and crape myrtle, bringing them back to the main trunk. Large shade trees may also need their obstructing branches cut off. Make sure to prune cleanly without applying wound dressings; the tree will heal naturally.
2. Level the Terrain
Low spots and lawn depressions can affect the comfort of using a riding mower and can cause uneven mowing results. Fill in any low spots and depressions to create a smoother, slightly rolling surface for mowing.
Spring and fall are the best times for this type of lawn renovation. Use high-quality topsoil to fill in the low areas. Compact the soil and then sow grass seed on top. Lightly rake the seed into the soil and water regularly (especially during dry spells) until the grass is established.
3. Create Large Circles Around Trees
Mowing around tree trunks can be time-consuming, especially when you need to trim a tight circle. Increasing the size of the circle around the tree trunk will reduce the time spent mowing in these areas. Use a sharp spade to clear a 6 to 8-foot (1.8 to 2.4 meters) diameter of weeds around the base of the tree. Be sure to only remove the grass and its shallow root zone—tree roots typically grow within a few inches of the surface.
Next, apply a 2-inch thick layer of mulch (such as bark chips, leaf mold, compost, or pine needles) in this cleared area. Avoid having the mulch touch the tree trunk to prevent disease.
Planting shade-tolerant groundcovers in these bare areas is also a great option. Since the area under the tree canopy is usually dry, consider drought-tolerant groundcovers like nettles, epimedium, lungwort, or a native plant like Euphorbia.
4. Create Soft Curves
Sharp angles in the landscape are difficult to mow quickly and efficiently. These tight spaces often require more maneuvering with a mower. Instead, replace sharp corners with soft curves along garden beds and borders.
Widen the edges of beds slightly, creating gentle curves that make it easier for the mower to pass through. Curved edges not only make mowing easier, but they also protect the plants within the bed, as the mower blade is less likely to slip into the bed when turning.
5. Add Mowing Strips
Mowing strips, typically made from bricks, concrete, or stone, are often installed around garden beds. These strips define the bed’s edge and prevent grass from creeping in. They also provide a narrow, flat surface for the mower to run on. When installing mowing strips, ensure they are level so the mower can easily glide over them.
6. Rely on Groundcovers
In some landscaping situations, grass may not be the best choice. For areas like slopes, where mowing is difficult, groundcovers are invaluable. Instead of maintaining a lawn that requires weekly mowing on a slope, consider planting low-maintenance groundcovers. There are hundreds of perennial groundcovers and low shrubs, including ornamental grasses, that provide dense coverage, control erosion, suppress weeds, and improve the overall landscape. Opt for local species like little bluestem grass to enhance ecological benefits.
7. Plant in Groups
To mow your lawn quickly and easily, create a cohesive lawn area. Single, scattered plants in the landscape can interfere with mowing. Group individual plants into gently curved planting beds. Focus on mass planting and grouping. This strategy not only makes mowing easier but also helps the overall landscape feel more unified.