Rows Or Circles – Which Lawn Mowing Pattern Works The Best?

Rows Or Circles – Which Lawn Mowing Pattern Works The Best?

In the spring when the grass begins to grow, lawn mowing becomes necessary to keep a property looking its best. Mowing promotes good grass health while improving the appearance of a property and is an essential part of lawn care.

Since getting out the lawn mower is viewed by most as nothing more than a laborious task that must be done, many wonder how to tackle this chore to get it done quickly and still get the best results.

By following the path of experienced lawn maintenance companies, the answer usually lies in rows and circles.

Pre-Mowing for Easier Lawn Mowing

Faster mowing can be accomplished by first mowing around edges and obstacles before even getting to the point of mowing in rows or circles.

Mow around landscaping, walkways, trees, and bushes as well as around any other obstacles to be mowed. Once everything has a one lawn mower wide pass around it, mow once around the property perimeter and then continue on to either rows or circles.

Mowing In Rows

The fastest way to mow rectangular or square lawns is to work in back and forth passes with the lawn mower. This should be done the length of the property, as doing so involves fewer turns and produces longer, straighter passes.

If the lawn is square, mowing in either direction will do. To get the best results to mow to the end of one row, turn the mower, then make the next pass by overlapping slightly to avoid any missed spots and having to go back for them.

Mow up to and around any paths already made around edges and features, keeping the path straight as opposed to following any curves.

Mowing In Circles

To mow in circles, first mow around any obstacles, features, and curves on the property, just as above, and finish by mowing around the perimeter. Rather than starting the back-and-forth pattern of mowing in rows, just continue to go around the perimeter, traveling inward by another lawn mower width at the start of each circle.

Once again, mow slightly overlapping the last path to avoid missing any grass, then continue around making an ongoing spiral inward until reaching the center.

Many lawn maintenance companies mow in circles, finding this method to be especially efficient when there are many items and curves to mow around. It is also effective for larger lawns, as each circle shortens the length of the passes a little bit more. It can be quicker for the irregularly shaped property because lawn mowing in concentric circles is continuous, reducing or even removing turns and angles.

The only drawback to this type of mowing is the mower ends up in the center of the property, so moving it across freshly-mown grass may leave a track. This can be avoided by mowing in a double-spiral pattern. This is done by skipping a row each time around the circle all the way to the center, then turning around and mowing that row by moving outward from the center to the perimeter.

By using one of these two methods, lawn mowing can be easier, and result in a better-looking lawn without messy tracks or uneven edges. Based on the size and shape of the property and any elements that the lawn mower must first maneuver around, homeowners can try each different way to see which works and looks best.

These two methods used by professional lawn maintenance companies every day are the ones most recommended to achieve the best looking mow in the least amount of time!

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