At this point in the year, you will have started to notice your lawn starting to grow more as we move through Spring into ever warmer weather.
The Spring months mark the start of the mowing season and you'll find that you're having to increase the regularity that you are out trimming the grass.
Now is a great time to assess your garden tools and decide whether or not you have the best lawn mower possible for your lawn size and type. Having the correct machine will not only improve your lawn's health, but it will make the job considerably easier and quicker to do.
Questions to ask yourself on your lawn mower needs...
Before you begin browsing the shops or online, you need to think about your garden and the requirements that you have.
- Think about the size of your garden and whether you have the energy and strength to push around a heavy mower across large areas of grass - a small garden needs a much different lawnmower to a large garden.
- Think about how regularly you use your garden and whether you enjoy being out there doing gardening tasks - if you don't have the time or mowing the grass isn't your favourite thing to do at the weekend, then maybe an AutoMower is the lawnmower of choice for you?
- You also need to consider where you're storing the lawnmower and what access to power you have in your garden?
- Think about what look you want to create on your lawn, either a striped, formal lawn or a more easy-going type of finish and which machine will help you achieve that look?
- Finally, look over your lawn for any slopes, difficult areas or ponds.
What are the different types of mower?
The two main types of mower that you have probably heard of are cylinder and rotary mowers.
Cylinder lawnmowers
Cylinder lawn mowers have a cylindrical blade at the front of the mower which spins against a flat, low mounted blade to cut the grass in a similar way that scissors would cut. These are perfect for those gardeners who regularly mow their lawn and who are looking for a more formal finish in their garden as a cylinder mower will give a short, neat and striped effect.
NB. A cylinder mower isn't suited to long grass and undulating gardens.
Rotary lawnmowers
These lawn mowers have one flat blade sat underneath the deck of the machine which rotates and cuts the grass. Rotary lawn mowers are great for longer grass as you can adjust the height of cut, and if you have a larger area to cut you'll find it much quicker with a rotary mower.
Mower Power!
With both cylinder and rotary lawnmowers you have a choice of electric, battery or petrol powered machines.
Electric lawnmowers are lighter, quieter and cheaper, so if you're shopping on a budget this would be the choice for you - but be mindful of where you would plug the mower in? Have you access to an outside plug or do you have an extension lead?
Battery lawnmowers are also lightweight and quiet, but tend to be more expensive than electric as you also have to purchase the battery and charger. The good news is though many of the battery lawnmowers are usually part of a range where the batteries are interchangeable with other tools such as stimmers, hedge-trimmers and chainsaws - the Stihl AK and AP cordless garden tool range is a great example of this.
Petrol lawnmowers tend to be larger and more powerful, making them a great choice for tackling longer, thicker and overgrown grass. And with their larger size, they'll cover bigger areas quickly.
The Stihl RMA 448VC battery mower with an 18" width of cut
Size Matters!
A small lawn is measured as under 50 m2. and requires a smaller lawn mower with a blade size of 30-35cm (12-14") - electric or battery lawnmowers would be ideal.
A medium lawn is measured as 50-150 m2. and requires a medium size lawn mower with a blade size of 35-43cm (16-18") - this will ensure that you don't have a mower that is too large and cumbersome for the average medium sized garden - take a look at a petrol or battery lawnmower.
A large lawn is measured at above 150 m2. and requires a blade of 45cm +. A petrol mower is more suitable for a larger garden as cords aren't feasible for a large lawn. Just remember as with all petrol machinery, it will need regular service and maintenance.
Top Tip Time!
Once you've bought your new lawnmower and you're ready to get going, there are a few final lawn tips to remember:
- Never cut below 1/3 of the length of the grass
- Regularly check and main the lawnmower blades
- Regularly empty the grass clippings from the collector whilst mowing
- Cut your grass more frequently when the weather is warm and ensure that your lawn is well watered and fertilised so that the grass will grow back in a healthy manner
If you're still unsure of which type of lawnmower would best suit your requirements, call into Balmers GM at our Burnley or Wakefield depot for some free expert advice!