Tis the season for lawn care!
As you walk the aisles of Home Depot in search for a new lawn mower, you’ve probably come to realize it’s not as simple as just picking the one that’s on sale. There are so many options, and what’s best for you is dependent on a number of factors, including:
- Yard size
- Lawn topography
- Mowing frequency
- Your age/physical fitness level
- How “green” you are
Not to worry; we’re breaking down each of your choices -- so read up, and get mowing!
Reel Mowers
The ultimate “push mower.” You provide the power; the blades spin as quickly as you can walk.
Best for: small, flat yards.
Pros: Eco-friendly. Great workout!
Cons: Can be hard to use. Not great for larger or hilly terrain. Must mow frequently.
Electric and Battery-Powered Mowers
These are handy for keeping small yards nicely trimmed.
Best for: Small-to-medium yards with grass that’s not too thick. Can handle hilly terrain.
Pros: Small carbon footprint. Good workout. Easy to use.
Cons: They don't have as much horsepower as gas mowers. If you opt for an electric mowers with a cord, it can be difficult to navigate around shrubs and other yard ornaments. With battery-powered mowers, once the battery runs out, you must stop mowing until the battery is recharged.
Gas-Powered Mowers
These mowers are efficient at cutting grass because gas engines provide a lot of horsepower.
Best for: Medium-to-large yards that are relatively flat (as they are heavy and hard to push on hills).
Pros: Tall weeds and thicker lawns are no problem with a gas-powered mower.
Cons: Can be cumbersome to push. These mowers weigh substantially more than their electric counterparts. Use gas.
Self-Propelled Mowers
These mowers do the work for you.
Best for: Large yards, older homeowners.
Pros: They pull you along and are quite nice if you have a large lawn.
Cons: They do tend to be more expensive to purchase and maintain. Use gas. Not best for hilly yards.
Of course, if yard work isn’t your thing, you can always “support local businesses” by paying the neighbor’s kid $20 to mow your grass!
Photo credit: Trusted Choice Infographic | Kevin Doncaster, Mow
Source: Trusted Choice, Buying a Lawn Mower