Whether you have a small yard or a sprawling lawn, mowing is an essential task to prevent it from turning into an unruly jungle. But what if you find yourself without a working mower or simply don’t have the time to dedicate to daily lawn maintenance?
That’s where our surprising methods come into play. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of useful alternatives that can help you mow your lawn without the need for expensive equipment or time-consuming maintenance plans. While these methods may not be as fast as traditional lawnmowers, they offer viable options to keep your lawn in check. Read on to discover these surprising and effective techniques.”
Grass Maintenance: Should I Water or Cut the Grass First
You should always water the grass after you cut them. Further, you should never cut the grass if they are wet due to rain or morning moisture.
As you recently mowed the yard, the grasses will certainly need hydration to regain their strength. Immediately after mowing, watering the dried grass helps it recover and works like magic. Remember not to overwater your yard, or else you will have a muddy and dirty lawn.
Additionally, you must keep a check on the weather forecast for that day and the next day. You shouldn’t water the grass if it seems like it will rain. However, you should water them only if the soil needs it.
Does Cutting Grass Short Slow Down Growth? Debunking the Myth
No, this is not true! In fact, the opposite is true. Grasses grow faster when they are cut short. They do this because they want to regain their generic size. Generally, most grasses are 2.5-3 inches tall. It is the highest setting on which a lawn mower can work.
If you don’t mow your lawn for a long time, then they can grow even taller than that. Further, to cut them, you will need to trim them first and then use a mower or any other method.
The Optimal Time to Cut Grass: Best Time of Day for Lawn Maintenance
You can cut the grass whenever you want during the day. However, we suggest cutting them between 8.00-10.00 am. It is because grasses need time to heal and dry before evening, and when the sun is bright after 10, they get the time to recover and regain their nutrients.
Moreover, it is also difficult to stay out in the sun during the day. So, if you cut the grass between the recommended time, then it is better for you and your yard.
How to Cut Grass Without a Lawnmower?
As mentioned earlier, a lawn mower is the fattest and most effective way to cut grass, but the other ways listed in this blog are no less useful. Yes, there are grass-cutting techniques that do not require the use of a lawnmower. But how can you cut grass without a lawnmower?
Some suggestions may seem a bit outlandish, but they could work just as well. Let’s begin:
1. String Trimmer
If you already own a lawn mower, then you know that its size is a major drawback. And only some have the space to store it. Further, it would be best if you also drained the container after mowing the grass. Overall, this is a tiresome task that requires a lot of hardship.
This is where a string trimmer comes into play!! They are comparatively smaller in size, and most of them now available on the market are cordless and battery-powered. It makes it even more convenient to use.
If you have a small yard, this is the perfect solution. Using it is very simple. All you need to do is pull the string to load it. Then, go around the yard and cut the grass.
While using a string trimmer, you must ensure that the grass is dry. If it rained earlier, then wait for the grass to dry first. If the grass is damp, the cut will be irregular and clumpy. Avoid moisture if at all feasible.
However, it has two drawbacks:
- The most obvious one! It is slower than a lawn mower.
- After mowing with the string trimmer, you will see that grass is everywhere and not collected in one place. This makes cleanup a task later on.
2. Scythe
If you do not like the trimmer, you should try the scythe. This is the by-hand method and the inexpensive purchase that every yard owner must have!
It is the easiest way to cut the grass.
When they consider the grim reaper, an image comes to mind for those unfamiliar with a scythe. A scythe is a sharp, big blade attached to a long wooden handle or stick. To use this, you need to hold it by the handle and move the blade over your grass back and forth.
Though it is rare these days, it is among the most effective ways to cut grass if you don’t own a mower. If you know how to use it well, it is the best thing you can use! It is even great if you want to stay in shape, as it involves a lot of physical activity.
Moreover, if you still love a mower to cut the grass, even then, a scythe is a useful tool to trim the grass. The long grass can clog the mower, and it will be very difficult to unclog those heavy mowers.
Even this one has a few drawbacks, like…
- The blade is sharp, and it can be dangerous if handled recklessly.
- It needs a lot of physical work. Hence, it can be tiresome work.
3. Shears
Though it is the most time-consuming method, none in this list can beat the accuracy of shears. It is another by-hand method in the list!
If you have a small yard and a lot of free time, or if you love to maintain your yard, then this method is perfect for you!
Basically, shears are giant scissors that you need to hold with both hands. The pair of blades attached to the handle cuts the grass precisely. It is even useful to trim trees and other shrubs.
One issue with this technique is that it requires kneeling, which can be extremely tiring for the body.
Grass-cutting with shears will require you to maintain a stooped position, which can be difficult for individuals with back problems or older people.
Shears are excellent for making precise cuts, but they are not the simplest option.
Some major drawbacks are:
- It is not suitable for larger yards.
- The position you need to maintain while using shears is quite uncomfortable, especially for the older ones.
4. Hedge Trimmer
A slightly different alternative to a string trimmer is a hedge trimmer. You can also use a hedge trimmer if you do not have a traditional string trimmer.
Even numerous landscaping companies use hedge trimmers to prune back grass and shrubs and to maintain landscaping.
You will need some practice with this because it can be difficult to carve the desired area precisely. When it comes to trimming lawns with the trimmer, the device is easier to maneuver than when it is being used for horticulture.
However, you will need a consistent stroke to trim the vegetation more evenly.
Always be aware of your surroundings when using this device, as it can easily cut through electrical cables and other materials.
This is an excellent option for those with a smaller yard who need an alternative to a lawnmower. Additionally, you can use the trimmer to maintain your landscaping.
Some common drawbacks are:
- You need to be careful while using it, or else it can cut down the electrical cables in your yard.
- It is even dangerous for yourself and others in the yard. So, you should stay careful while using a hedge trimmer.
5. Farm Animals
No, we are not joking. However, it may sound funny, but this is an old-school method and has to be on our list.
Clearly, this is not the solution for everyone. Still, those with a large quantity of land that they do not wish to maintain with conventional mowing can always try incorporating livestock.
Certain farm animals will aid in yard maintenance by consuming excessive vegetation and bushes. Obviously, this comes with great responsibility, and you must be willing to care for the animals.
You should seriously consider the following drawbacks:
- It is not suitable for cities and small farms.
- Maintaining them is another major task.
FAQ’s
Ans: Though lawnmowers are the fastest option, hedge trimmers are no less efficient. They are as fast as lawnmowers and convenient. The only precaution you should take is to be very careful.
Ans: No, mowing your yard after rain or if it is even slightly wet is not advisable. You should wait for your yard to dry, and once it’s dried, you can use any method listed above.
Ans: There are various methods for cutting grass by hand if you love physical activity. Scythes and Shears are the best tools to use if you want detailed and by-hand care for your grasses.
Ans: Though using a knife is a bad option but a special kind of knife, a serrated-edge knife, can be used to cut grasses.
Ans: If you have left your grass unattended for a long time, then it is better if you trim it. Otherwise, you can leave them to grow. Grasses are natural fertilizers for the soil. It helps to maintain the soil’s water contamination and saves you from the expense of fertilizers.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to see their yard turn into a jungle and the reason for it being a lawn mower!
Honestly, most of us are unlikely to abandon our electric or gas lawnmowers in favor of one of these grass-cutting concepts.
But if you want eco-friendly options that may work in the correct situation, you now have legitimate alternatives to mowing your lawn to maintain its appearance.
We know a lawn mower is fast and effective for mowing lawns, especially if you have big ones, but other methods listed in this blog are similarly useful. We bet when you use any of them, you won’t regret that you don’t own a mower.
Henceforth, try these surprising methods to cut the grass in your yard and enjoy beautiful, green, luscious grasses for the time to come.