Why Try Lawn Striping and Other Mowing Patterns?

Mowing your lawn may be a weekly task on your to-do list, but it's a good idea to change things up and try something different. You can inhibit growth and compress soil by consistently mowing in the same direction . By varying the mowing pattern every two to three weeks you can maintain healthy grass. Give your lawn a new look, this technique adds curb appeal to your home.

 
If you're not already in the habit of alternating your mowing pattern, These tips will get you on the right path. Next time you get your mower out try something new:

Pattern Designs

Regular Stripes and Plaid Pattern
These are two popular patterns, to recreate them, begin by mowing the perimeter of your lawn. Now mow your entire lawn back and forth in opposite directions.  Use a "Y" pattern at the end of each row to reduce damage to your grass.

You'll achieve even better results, by attaching a roller or lawn striping kit to your mower to press the grass to the ground as you mow. Once this is complete cut around the perimeter again to cover up any offsets in the pattern. 

The plaid design is also popular, it's a little more work but it looks great.  To achieve this look once you have mowed stripes into your lawn (you don't need to mow around the perimeter after the first set of stripes), mow straight lines back and forth in the opposite direction of the entire lawn. Now you can finish the job by going over the perimeter a second time. 

Diagonal and Crisscross Patterns
Follow the same steps for diagonal stripes but mow in a diagonal direction to your previous stripe pattern to create a diagonal or crisscross pattern on the lawn.

GENERAL MOWING TIPS

Cutting Heights and Grass Types 
Adding these pattersn to your lawn can give it an aesthetic lift but it is important to consider a few factors that can affect your results.  

It is better to raise the cutting height of the mower because shorter grass may lessen the affect of the stripe.  There will be less striping intensity, as the shorter grass blade will not bend over as far and therefore reflect less light. A longer cut will enhance the striping pattern and can make a noticeable difference.

Certain breeds of grass also tend to bend easier and may provide a better stripe pattern. Warm-season grasses typically found in the southern regions of the United States are usually more difficult to stripe as they are more rigid and harder to bend.