Lawn care is not boring. Unless you do it like everyone else.
But if you’d like your home and your lawn to stand out from your neighbors, and to make everyone jealous, then it’s time to try some new lawn mowing patterns. It doesn’t take too much extra effort or special equipment to make your lawn look amazing.
On top of having the best looking lawn on the block, using various lawn mowing patterns can actually make your yard healthier.
Here’s why you should try different ways to mow your lawn and the 10 best patterns to follow.
Benefits of Different Lawn Patterns
Most people mow their lawn the exact same way every time. But this isn’t in the best interest of your grass.
When you do this, the wheels of your lawnmower will roll across the same spots every week for years. This could eventually create bald lines in your yard where the grass has been trampled to death.
It also helps to mow your grass in different directions so your grass isn’t stuck growing in the same direction all the time. On top of that, your weekly chore of mowing the grass will actually be interesting.
Most people would prefer not to mow their lawn because it’s monotonous. But using different patterns makes it interesting and causes you to think creatively.
You may actually find yourself daydreaming during the week about how to perfect your new pattern. But if that still doesn’t sound fun, you’d probably benefit from hiring out your lawn services to a professional who can create these patterns for you.
What You Need to Know About Different Lawn Mowing Patterns
Remember to never pull a lawnmower toward you. If you fall, it could be disastrous. You shouldn’t need to with any of the patterns below.
Also, if a more defined pattern is desired, be sure to raise the blade height of your lawnmower. The pattern you are seeing is a result of natural light reflection on the grass.
Grass bending towards you will look darker because the sun is not hitting the underside of bent grass. Grass leaning away from you will look brighter, as this is the side of the blades the sun is touching.
As such, you’ll only want to trim the tips of your grass, keeping your blades longer. Longer blades will bend easier, providing a sharper-looking pattern.
And with that, here are are the top 10 patterns to try on your lawn this year.
1. Stripes or Rows
The striped pattern is the classic look. It is the most common type of pattern as it is what most people default to. It’s easy to create but it takes intentionality to perfect.
For the best look, it’s important to align your lines with any hardscaping in your yard, such as a sidewalk, path, or driveway. Take a moment to ensure your lines are going to line up with your reference point.
The other way to create stripes is to mow at a 45 degree, or diagonal angle to your hardscaping. Although the same pattern, this method stands out a little more. If you use this pattern all the time, be sure to start at different points to mix things up.
2. Waves
The wave pattern is a variation of the striped pattern. Instead of moving in straight lines, you mow in a gradual curve across your lawn. Line up each wave with the first wave for a smooth, beautiful look.
You can experiment with the angle of waves. Try it with long, mellow curves, and try it with steeper waves to see what works best in your yard.
3. Checkerboard
The checkboard pattern adds a superb finish to any lawn. The only downside is that it takes additional time. You essentially need to mow your lawn twice. You might only do this with smaller lawns unless you have a riding mower and don’t mind spending some extra time outside.
Start out by mowing your lawn in a straight, striped pattern. Once complete, start mowing across your existing stripes at a 90-degree angle to create the checkboard. In the end, mow a single straight line around the perimeter.
4. Diamonds
Another popular option is the diamond pattern. It’s very similar to the checkerboard pattern but creates a diamond-shaped design rather than a square design.
So you are creating two sets of perpendicular stripes, but you start each set of stripes at an angle in your yard. Start your first angled stripe in the middle of your yard to make it easier.
5. Circle
Circles are a fun, eye-catching yard pattern. To make it, mow a small circle in the middle of your yard. Then mow another circle in the opposite direction to create contrast. Continue this until the yard is complete.
6. Curved
You can create curved designs in your yard if it will look better with your landscaping. If you have a curved edge in your yard, such as a walkway or garden bed, start your pattern by following this. Work your way inwards mimicking your first curved line.
7. Zig Zag
Zigzagging is another easy, fun way to spice up your lawn. Start moving in one direction from the edge of the yard. Then turn your mower 90 degrees for the same distance. Keep this up until completing a full zigzag. Following the first one should be easy.
8. Varied Lines
You can create a striped design with 2 different types of lines, adding a unique contrast to your grass. This is done by leaving grass clippings on the ground, which is healthy for your lawn anyway.
9. Circles and Lines
You can combine a striped and circled design for a dynamic pattern. Start out by creating circles around any features in the yard, such as trees, plants, or sitting areas. Then, mow the rest of your lawn using a striped pattern without going over the circles.
10. Spirals
The spiral pattern is similar to the circle pattern. But instead of turning your lawnmower around for the next circle, you simply keeping spiraling inwards in the same direction.
Which Lawn Mowing Patterns Will You Try First?
As you can see, mowing your lawn doesn’t have to entail the same boring pattern each week. Spice it up and add some other lawn mowing patterns into your weekly yard routines.
You will be amazed at how proud you are of your lawn when it looks fresh and new. And if you need other advice on sprucing up your home and yards, be sure to check out more from our blog today.
