Trying out different lawn mowing patterns can improve your lawn’s health while making mowing more fun. The most common and best-looking mowing patterns that can help promote healthy grass growth include stripes, zig-zags, smooth waves, circular, diamond, and checkerboard.
We may not be able to solve the mystery of crop circles, but you can certainly get inspiration for designing your turf.
Best types of lawn mowing patterns
According to experts, you can contribute considerably to the health and beauty of your lawn when you periodically change your mowing direction after every run or two.
Regularly changing the direction of mowing can help promote upright shoot growth, said Sam Bauer, extension educator at the University of Minnesota. He also added that doing so helps prevent continuous scalping and soil compaction.
Still, don’t restrict yourself to just changing the direction to horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. You can make your lawn look even better with a mowing pattern.
Note, though, that if you mow your lawn using the same pattern every time, some parts of your grass will receive more sunlight, while some won’t. For this reason, it’s important to change your pattern consistently so that all the grass blades will receive their fair share of sunlight. Here are some of the best mowing patterns to try:
1. Stripes
If you’re trying out a mowing pattern for the first time, you can go with stripes. As long as you go straight, it won’t take much of your time. In fact, you may be already doing this pattern when you change directions on your mowing runs.
However, the type of grass you have will still play a big part in achieving the best look. Fine fescue and other cool-season grasses work well with the stripe pattern. On the other hand, warm-season grasses like bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass may not have very visible stripes.
Here are some pointers for getting this look for your lawn:
- It’s best to use a lawn striper kit and sharp mower blades so they can cut the grass neatly.
- Mow your grass in straight rows, going back and forth alternately in parallel lines.
- To help ensure your lines are straight, try to use a fixed object as a reference.
- Remember to run your lawn mower at the same speed for each pass.
- You can slightly overlap each previous pass for a more consistent look.
2. Checkerboard
If the previous pattern gives off a manicured golf course look, the checkerboard pattern is all about making your lawn look like a baseball field. The secret to creating this pattern is making the grass blades bend in opposite directions so the light gets reflected either lighter or darker.
Keep in mind that the amount of time and effort you need for this look is almost twice that of the stripe pattern. That’s because you’ll have to make the entire pass twice, one set in the horizontal direction and the next set in a 90-degree angle to the previous pass.
Here are some expert tips:
- Use a lawn striper kit and ensure your mower blades are sharp.
- Mow your lawn in a straight, parallel line, following the pointers for the stripe pattern.
- Once you achieve the stripe pattern, you’re halfway done. It’s time to mow the perpendicular lines at a 90-degree angle.
- To hide your turn marks, mow a strip around the yard’s perimeter.
3. Zig-zags
Want a more elaborate pattern than the previous ones? Zig-zags are the way to go. It would require more effort, though. But if you’re able to pull it off, your lawn will surely stand out. Remember, it’s all about how the light reflects on your grass. So, you just have to do your part in making the right passes and the light will do the rest.
Below are some pointers to achieving this look:
- Begin at the edge of your lawn and start moving your mower in a zig-zag pattern, in one direction.
- Once you reach the far end, make a 180-degree turn and follow the same pattern adjacently as you go back.
- To ensure uniformity, keep a consistent distance between each zig-zag pass.
- For a precise zig-zag pattern, you must pay close attention to the sharp angles while you’re mowing.
4. Smooth waves
Another variation of the stripe pattern, smooth waves are less forgiving when it comes to achieving a straight pass. In fact, you’re even encouraged to create a wave-like pattern as you move from one end of your lawn to the other.
You don’t need to go overboard when trying to create a wave-like pattern. What you’re aiming for is a subtle curve and not an abstract painting. With the same concept as the zig-zag pattern, you’ll need to mow the same way for the adjacent passes.
5. Circular
Choose the circular pattern if you want to showcase your artistic flair. But since it requires more skill, it’s best suited for those who already have good control of their lawn mower.
Here are some tips for doing this unique design:
- You can start on the outer edge of your lawn and work your way to the center, or vice versa. Starting on the outer edge works best if you don’t have any focal point.
- On the other hand, if you have a tree or any yard structure you want to draw attention to, you can start there and move your way to the edges of your lawn.
- Whichever starting point you choose, remember to mow the next circle in reverse direction.
- Slightly overlap the next circle for good symmetry and to ensure smoother curves.
- If you’re going to start from the outside, mow your yard’s edges first. Otherwise, end your circular mowing with a final stripe on your yard’s perimeter.
6. Diamond
The diamond pattern is a variation of the checkerboard. So, if this is your first time doing this, it’s best to practice with the checkerboard first, which most homeowners find easier to do.
Instead of mowing the lawn at a 90-degree angle after mowing the initial stripes, the second mowing will be diagonal – at a 45-degree angle. Compared to perpendicular runs, achieving the angle can be a challenge.
Still, creating a diamond pattern is worth the effort as it adds uniqueness to your lawn aesthetics, especially if almost everyone on the block is doing a stripe or checkered pattern.
FAQ about lawn mowing
Will my grass thicken if I mow frequently?
Yes, your grass will grow faster and thicker if you mow your lawn often. That’s because every time you cut your grass, you’re actually encouraging it to grow. And since you’re not waiting until the grass blades grow excessively long, there’s less chance for them to become thick clumps.
Don’t mow too short, though, and remember to follow your grass type’s recommended mowing height. Additionally, the grass clippings act as organic fertilizer, giving back nutrients to the soil for your turf’s consumption.
What happens if I mow too fast?
Mowing too fast may seem a good way to finish the chore quickly, but it could actually hurt your lawn. Doing so will not only give you a good chance of missing some of the grass blades, but it could cause the grass blades to tear. Aim for a mowing speed between 3 and 6 mph.
How do you mow in a straight line?
Try to find a straight line as a reference point, such as the edge of a sidewalk or your driveway. Lawn care pros also recommend looking about 10 feet ahead while mowing. The method that works for me is to start my first pass following these tips, then use it as a reference for the second and subsequent passes.
Leave mowing to the experts
When you regularly change your mowing directions, every grass blade in your lawn gets its fair share of sunlight. Plus, you’re also dodging soil compaction issues. But it can be tedious if you have to alternate between different lawn mowing patterns every time. So, leave the mowing to a lawn care pro who can expertly create these patterns while helping maintain your lawn.
Main Photo Credit: PickPik
