I have decided to start mowing my lawn this year and would like some advice on how to pick a good mower for my needs. I have an average size, low-maintenance bluegrass lawn.
— Jessica Jefferson, Highland Park
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There are many different mowers to consider. Start by looking for a mulching mower. Mulching mowers are designed to cut the grass clippings from mowing into fine pieces that are returned to the lawn. There, they can be rapidly broken down by soil microorganisms, which release nutrients from the mulched plant material back into the soil.
Mulching mowers reduce landscape waste going to compost sites and will save you time that would otherwise be spent bagging grass clippings. I use my mulching mower to grind up most of the fall leaves that end up on the grass. If you have a lot of trees, you will likely need to rake some of the leaves when they are rapidly falling and piling up on the grass before mowing. Leaving too thick of a layer of ground-up leaves on the lawn after mowing can cause problems.
There is little evidence that grass clippings contribute to the buildup of thatch, but if your lawn already has a thick thatch layer, returning clippings may cause buildup to increase. Thatch is a loose, mixed organic layer of dead and living shoots, stems and roots that develops between the blades of grass and the soil surface. Thatch buildup begins when turf produces organic debris faster than it can be broken down.
Thatch that is too thick keeps water, fertilizer and air from penetrating to the roots, and can harbor insects and diseases. Roots may begin growing in the thatch layer and will be more susceptible to drought stress. Thatch does not rewet easily once dry, and once wet stays wet, providing excellent conditions for disease. Power raking can be done to remove a thick thatch layer of 3/4-inch or more. Otherwise, core aerate your lawn to help control thatch and improve growing conditions for the grass.
You will get the best results with a mulching mower by mowing on a regular schedule and when the grass is dry to avoid clumping. Mulching mowers with more powerful engines perform better when the grass has gotten tall or is wet. Avoid leaving clumps of grass on the lawn after mowing.
The size and number of obstacles in your lawn should inform your decision about the best size mower to purchase and whether a self-propelled model would be a good choice. Self-propelled mowers are good for lawns that have lots of slopes. I prefer to use a self-propelled mower that is rear-wheel driven as it is easier to maintain a straight mowing line.
You will be able to cut faster with a mower that has a wider mowing deck. A larger mower is more difficult to maneuver around obstacles such as trees and light poles. Riding mowers work well for very large lawns. Most mulching mowers come with a bag that gives you the option to collect grass clippings. Mowers with bags that attach to the back of the mower are easier to maneuver around obstacles than mowers with bags that attach on the side. There are also good options for battery-powered mowers.
Be sure to keep your lawn mower in good condition with regular maintenance. Quality care includes changing the oil and filter, inspecting and replacing the spark plug, and cleaning or replacing air filters. The air filters plug up more quickly in fall when you are mowing over dry fall leaves. Keep the mower blades sharp by sharpening them after about every eight hours of use.
For more plant advice, contact the Plant Information Service at the Chicago Botanic Garden at [email protected]. Tim Johnson is senior director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden.