A Beginner’s Guide to Mowing Stripes

Stripes in lawns are achieved by mowing in different directions, thus causing light effects to change the perceived colour of the grass. You can help the process by using a roller mower to flatten the blades.

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It is not necessary to vary the height of the blades at different stages, but if you need any blades, Mountfield parts are very reliable.

Alan Titchmarsh says that lawns are good for the environment and wildlife. Stripes will show off your flowerbeds to their best advantage. Have a look at https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningadvice/11684266/Alan-Titchmarsh-how-to-get-the-perfect-l.

How Do I Achieve the Perfect Striped Lawn?

There are three main factors in achieving that perfect striped lawn, which are: varying mower direction; using grass types which bend more easily; and sunlight – behind the sun, the stripes will appear more intense. This last factor is less easy to control, although the position of trees and beds in your garden will determine how much sun will fall on the lawn.

For the basic pattern, mow around the periphery first, and then mow up and down, turning with a ‘Y’ movement at the end of each row. This minimises turf damage. Finish by mowing around the periphery again to tidy up imperfections.

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What Types of Patterns Are Possible?

You can create a chessboard effect, a criss-cross pattern or zig-zag stripes.

For each of these effects, start and finish with the periphery mowing.

For the chessboard pattern, mow your rows as for the basic stripe. Complete the effect by mowing opposing stripes going from east to west, if you first mowed north to south.

For the criss-cross lawn, the procedure is the same, but using a diagonal action.

For zig-zag stripes, mow a chessboard or criss-cross pattern. Then mow over a dark stripe on to a light stripe and then turn 90 degrees right; mow along this light stripe until you reach the next dark stripe; then turn 90 degrees to the left and mow along this dark stripe until you reach the next light stripe, and so on.

Don’t forget to keep your equipment in good running order. For spare parts, see https://www.diyspareparts.com/parts/mountfield/.

If you follow these simple instructions, your lawn will be the envy of all your neighbours. Stripes can trick the eye; weeds and moss are less noticeable. Clean lines also make fertilising and feeding simpler.