Cutting your grass in the same direction each time you mow is a practice many lawn care experts recommend. But is it really necessary to always mow in the same pattern, or are there times when changing directions can be beneficial? There are good arguments on both sides of this issue.
The case for mowing in the same direction
Here are some of the main reasons why mowing in a consistent pattern is a good idea:
- It helps prevent lawn scuffing. Going back and forth over the same patches of grass can potentially lead to bruising and damage to the blades. Always mowing in the same direction reduces friction and minimizes the chance of scuffing.
- It produces a nicer visual appearance. Mowing in different directions can lead to an uneven look, with blades leaning every which way. Keeping the mowing direction consistent makes the lawn look cleaner and more uniform.
- It allows you to better see where you’ve mowed. When you alternate mowing patterns, it’s harder to tell if you’ve missed any patches. Sticking to one route means you can clearly observe where the mower has already been.
- It leads to more even growth. Because the blades are consistently cut in the same direction and length each time, growth remains more uniform when you stick to a single mowing pattern.
Many professional landscapers and lawn care experts recommend choosing a mowing pattern and sticking to it through the whole growing season. This helps ensure the grass gets evenly and neatly cut each time you mow. Changing directions can lead to a messier looking lawn.
When changing directions may be better
All that said, there are some specific circumstances where altering your mowing pattern can be beneficial:
- If you notice grain developing. Over time, going the same route over and over may lead to visible “grain” in the lawn. This is when the blades lean noticeably in one predominant direction. Occasionally going perpendicular to your usual route can help reduce grain.
- When mowing on hills or slopes. Alternating back and forth rather than mowing straight up and down steep hills or slopes can provide better traction and safety.
- To get a very low cut. For extremely short trims, crossing over the same areas from different angles can help ensure no long stragglers remain.
- When making gradual turns. Rather than pivot-turning at the end of rows, gently arcing your turns in alternating directions reduces marking.
So while consistency is usually best, there are certain circumstances where changing the mowing pattern now and then can be helpful. Use good judgment based on the needs of your individual lawn.
Best practices for mowing direction
If you do decide to stick to a single pattern when mowing, keep these tips in mind:
- Make rows long and straight. Focus on neat, straight back-and-forth rows rather than haphazard crisscrossing.
- Alternate direction seasonally. Even if you stay consistent throughout one growing season, change your mowing direction from one season to the next.
- Reverse direction on hills. When mowing slopes, go back and forth horizontally rather than straight up/down the incline.
- Start/stop in different spots. Vary where you begin and end mowing slightly each time to distribute wear and tear.
- Gradually turn. Avoid sharp pivot turns that can damage turf at the ends of rows.
Following these best practices will help you get the benefits of a consistent mowing pattern without causing issues like lawn grain or wear.
Mowing patterns to choose from
Most lawns can be mowed in simple back-and-forth rows. But if you want to get creative, here are a few different mowing patterns to try:
The standard row
Mowing in straight, parallel rows is the most common and straightforward option. Simply start at one edge of the lawn and work back and forth until finished.
Diagonal rows
For something a little different, mow diagonally rather than straight up and down. This covers the lawn efficiently while adding visual interest.
Contour mowing
With uneven or hilly terrain, try following the shape of the land with curved rows rather than going straight back and forth. This prevents scalping high spots or missing low areas.
Spiral or circle pattern
For fun, mow in concentric circles either winding inward or outward. Or try a true spiral for mega-neat mowing stripes.
Checkerboard
If your lawn is very flat and rectangular, alternate mowing direction in a checkerboard pattern for a cool geometric look.
Should you alternate week to week?
Rather than changing mowing directions mid-mow, some people recommend sticking to one pattern for a whole season, then switching to a different one the next growing season. Others say you should alternate directions week-by-week.
There are pros and cons to both approaches:
| Changing seasonally | Alternating weekly |
|---|---|
|
|
Most experts lean towards choosing a single seasonal mowing pattern and sticking to it consistently throughout the growing season. But alternating weekly isn’t necessarily wrong if it works for your lawn.
Mowing diagonally vs straight rows
One of the most common mowing pattern dilemmas is whether to go straight back and forth or on the diagonal. What are the differences between these two options?
Benefits of straight rows:
- Allows you to see exactly what areas have been cut
- Often the fastest and most efficient route
- Provides clean visual lines
Benefits of diagonal rows:
- Minimizes potential for scalping on hills
- No risk of continuous wear along one set of wheel tracks
- Changes the visual look of the lawn
Most lawn care pros recommend straight rows as the default, since diagonal takes more precision and can potentially miss patches. But alternating diagonally now and then (or week-to-week) offers some benefits.
How do you start mowing in a new pattern?
Attempting to suddenly mow at right angles to your existing pattern can create a checkerboard appearance. Here are some tips for smoothly transitioning directions:
- Make the first pass across the center of the lawn to split it into two sections.
- Mow each section separately in the new pattern, leaving a distinctive uncut stripe down the middle.
- Once the new pattern is established, mow normally over the center stripe.
It takes a couple mows for the new look to fully take effect. So be patient and don’t try to over-correct. The old pattern will soon disappear.
Do robotic mowers only go one direction?
Robotic or automated mowers have built-in navigation that sends them crisscrossing across a lawn seemingly at random. But most models do actually have a preferred mowing pattern.
Here are some directional tendencies for popular robotic mower brands:
| Brand | Mowing Pattern |
|---|---|
| Husqvarna | Straight rows back and forth |
| Honda Miimo | Crisscross diagonally |
| Bosch Indego | Spiral pattern |
| Robomow | Perimeter first then rows |
While patterns vary, robotic mowers generally stick to some logical route rather than totally random crisscrossing. This prevents missed areas and follows grain for a consistent cut.
Should you alternate direction for trimming vs mowing?
In addition to mowing, you’ll need to periodically string trim along edges and obstacles in your yard. When it comes to trimming, it’s best to go the opposite direction from your mowing pattern.
For example, if you mow straight back and forth across the lawn, do your trimming by working all the way around the perimeter. Or if you mow diagonally, trim the edges using a straight back-and-forth motion.
Alternating directions distributes wear more evenly and provides a crisper cut. Try to never trim in the exact same pattern as you’ve just mowed over.
Tips for neatly alternating directions
Switching up your mowing pattern takes a bit more concentration than mindless back-and-forth mowing. Here are some tips for clean, crisp results:
- Use lane markers. Position cones or stakes around the lawn to guide the alternate rows.
- Follow tire tracks. Use the impressions from your last mowing as a guide.
- Go slow. Don’t rush or speed in an unfamiliar pattern.
- Work in sections. Do the main section one direction, then outskirts and tight spots the other direction.
- Use half-passes. When alternating directions, mow each pass halfway into the previous row.
It just takes some extra awareness and focus. But with practice, you’ll get the hang of alternating mowing directions smoothly.
Takeaways on mowing direction
Here are some key tips to remember about which direction you should cut grass:
- Stick to a single pattern for each mowing session and growing season.
- Occasionally changing directions can help prevent lawn grain.
- Go straight back-and-forth for flat lawns, contour along slopes.
- Alternate between straight rows and diagonals seasonally or weekly.
- Always string trim perpendicular to your mowing direction.
- Allow new patterns to take effect over several mowings.
Being thoughtful about your mowing direction pays off through an even, consistent lawn. Mix it up now and then, but avoid sharp pivots or random crisscrossing. With smart routing, your grass will thrive no matter which direction you cut.
