Most people don’t go outside the ordinary when it comes to lawn care. In fact, most homes that have lawns also have a lawn mower. This is not the only option! Although some of the ways to cut grass without a lawn mower are outdated, there are many options that are effective. Lawnmowers do their job efficiently, but they’re far from perfect. They take up too much space, have suspicious environmental impacts, and can be noisy or expensive to maintain. If you decide to use something other than a mower to cut your grass, enjoy the opportunity to do something that is rarely done by anyone else. It can be fun to choose alternative methods to lawn care, but just remember that these options are typically less-efficient.
Manual Tools for Cutting Grass
Scythe: The Traditional Approach
Scythes are the original eco-friendly lawn mowers. They’re totally human powered and very simple technology: essentially, a curved blade is attached to a long stick, and the mower swings the sharpened scythe across the grass, cutting it as close to the ground as possible. It’s a little “grim reaper”-ish for me, and they need to be used very carefully to make sure no one accidentally walks in the path of the scythe! But on property where the grass and weeds grow so tall that even a mower can’t get through, a scythe can be a handy tool to have around. A pro tip: A scythe works more efficiently if the grass is a bit moist. So, you can cut it after it rains or early in the morning when the dew adds moisture to it. Scythes aren’t that safe. You’re basically dealing with long swords here, and they can cause gruesome injuries if you use them recklessly. Finding a proper scythe on the internet isn’t that easy to begin with. You might accidentally end up with a dull grim reaper prop. So, do your research before you buy one.
Shears: Precision for Small Areas
If you have some time to kill, shears may be an option for mowing, but only if you have a small yard. Shears are sort of like big scissors, but even with longer blades, it will still take time. While more commonly used to prune hedges, you can still use a pair of shears to cut down turf grass to the desired height. Shears have a scissor-like design and are meant to be held with both hands, making this tool the best option for achieving an accurate, even cut. Despite the sharp pair of blades at the end providing a symmetrical cut, shears are rather cumbersome to use on grass. Everyone knows how to use scissors. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to control. So, unlike most tools on this list, you won’t spend too much time learning to work this one. You get full control over the precision of your cuts. You can probably tell it’s too small to cover your entire yard. I’d use it only around garden ornaments.
Grass Clippers: Close-to-Ground Trimming
A pair of grass clippers look like a large version of hair clippers and work much in the same way. They vary slightly in design and size, but all types of grass clippers will require you to get close to the ground (on your knees) for a perfect cut. Unlike a dedicated lawnmower that’s only meant to be used on grass, the SereneLife Battery Grass Cutter can be used on hedges and hardscape debris cleanup as well. You’ll, therefore, be getting more than your money’s worth when you invest in this portable power trimmer-cum-mower.
Powered Alternatives for Efficiency
String Trimmer: Versatile and Lightweight
A string trimmer is an ideal mower alternative because it works with a similar mechanism. Some people even have both. Is the trimmer efficient, though? So, the lawnmower’s biggest disadvantage is its demanding storage requirements. But you don’t have to worry about that with electric trimmers. They are relatively thin and tall, making them easier to store than lawnmowers. The best part? Most modern string trimmers have a cordless, battery-powered version for easier handling. Even if you have one with an electric drop cord, it can still offer a more comfortable experience than a lawnmower. The key is to buy an extension cord long enough to cover your yard. It’s a simple solution, but it makes all the difference. The area a string trimmer covers with each swipe isn’t nearly as large as that of a lawnmower, so it’ll take longer to get the job done. The second is that your grass clippings will fly everywhere. A mower bag is a hassle to clean, but at least all the grass goes into one place. When you use a trimmer, however, it kicks the grass everywhere, resulting in a lengthier cleanup.
Grass Whip: Dual-Blade Speed
Another tool that you can use to effectively cut down tall grass is a handheld, dual-blade grass whip. It features a long handle, eliminating the need to bend and squat as you mow the lawn, which can lead to back pain. Meanwhile, the double-edged blade allows you to cut tall grass faster, as it works on both the forward and returns swipes.
Push Reel Mower: Quiet and Eco-Friendly
A push mower is a good option especially if you have a small lawn. You’ll need to keep the blades sharpened in order to do the best job on your lawn, but a big advantage is that the only energy needed to power this mower is yours. Bonus: you’ll get some exercise each time you mow the lawn. These pedestrian powered machines are pushed along the lawn and the cylinder blades rotate to trim the grass as you move. They do require a little more push power than automatic mowers, and walking briskly will give a better cut so you’ll get a workout and burn calories each time you mow. So although a push mower isn’t for every garden, they’re best for small to medium-sized (up to 250m2) lawns on flat ground with few bumps, the exercise will help keep you fit and they’re generally much more of a budget option compared to their high-tech counterparts. They’re also kind to your neighbours too, as they’re much quieter than powered mowers. Cylinder mowers generally give a smoother, sharper finish than rotary mowers and their rear roller creates elegant stripes. Usually small, they’re easy to store and light enough to manoeuvre around the garden.
No-Mow Lawn Alternatives
Clover: Low-Maintenance and Pollinator-Friendly
Clover, a low-growing flowering plant, is a popular no-mow alternative to traditional grass lawns. It tolerates a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, although some varieties may perform better in one than the other. Clover adapts to various soil types but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Its seeds are very affordable, costing around $5 – $10 per pound. Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting surrounding plants, and attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects with its flowers. While good for pollination, this might be a concern for those with bee allergies. Clover can spread into unwanted areas if not managed, so check with your local authorities if clover is restricted in your area.
Fescue: Slow-Growing Grass
Fescue takes center stage in the world of no-mow lawns. These fine grasses are specially chosen for their slow growth habit, allowing you to significantly reduce mowing frequency and reclaim your weekends. The seeds are generally less expensive than other grass types, with prices ranging from $2 – $5 per pound. Fescue thrives in cool-season climates and goes dormant during hot summer months. Fescues prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade. Well-drained soil is essential for fescues to prevent root rot. Deep root systems allow fescues to tap into deeper moisture reserves, making them ideal for drier climates. Fescue lawns can withstand moderate foot traffic. They also require less water and no herbicides, reducing your environmental impact. However, fescue lawns have a coarser texture compared to traditional lawns and may not be ideal for those seeking a manicured look.
Creeping Thyme: Aromatic and Durable
Establishing a creeping thyme lawn takes a few years but is well worth it when you reap the rewards. Thyme likes hot, dry temperatures, so it never needs watering. Go ahead and sell your mower, because thyme grows only about two inches tall. This hardy herb will be a carpet of blooms in early summer and green the rest of the season. Plus, it smells wonderful when you walk on it. Creeping thyme can handle foot traffic – not as well as a lawn does though, of course. It will stay green throughout the year, except in the summer when it blooms pink flowers. It also will spread through your lawn easily through its creeping rhizomes.
Steps to Transition to a No-Mow Lawn
- Assess Your Yard: Evaluate sun exposure, soil type, and foot traffic to choose the right alternative.
- Remove Existing Grass: Kill off grass using manual removal or organic herbicides.
- Prepare the Soil: Level the soil and add compost for nutrient-rich planting.
- Plant Your Alternative: Sow seeds or plant plugs for clover, fescue, or thyme.
- Maintain Initially: Water lightly until established, then reduce care as needed.
Comparison of Grass-Cutting Alternatives
| Method | Best For | Maintenance Level | Cost | Eco-Friendliness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scythe | Tall grass, large areas | High (sharpening, physical effort) | Low ($30-$100) | High (no fuel) |
| Shears | Small yards, precision | Moderate (manual labor) | Low ($10-$50) | High (no fuel) |
| String Trimmer | Medium yards, versatility | Moderate (battery/cord) | Moderate ($50-$200) | Moderate (battery use) |
| Push Reel Mower | Small to medium lawns | Low (blade sharpening) | Moderate ($80-$200) | High (human-powered) |
| Clover Lawn | Low-maintenance yards | Very Low (occasional weeding) | Low ($5-$10/pound) | High (no water/chemicals) |
| Fescue Lawn | Cool climates, drought areas | Low (mow 1-2 times/year) | Low ($2-$5/pound) | High (low water) |
Best Product Recommendations
- Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower: A top-tier push reel mower with sharp, silent blades for small to medium lawns. Shop on Amazon
- BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer: Cordless and lightweight, perfect for versatile trimming. Shop on Amazon
- American Lawn Mower Company Push Reel Mower: Budget-friendly and eco-conscious for small lawns. Shop on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a string trimmer for an entire lawn?
Yes, but it’s best for smaller lawns or touch-up areas. String trimmers are less efficient than mowers for large areas, and cleanup can be messier due to scattered clippings.
Are no-mow lawns safe for pets and kids?
Most no-mow options like clover and fescue are pet- and kid-friendly, but check for toxicity (e.g., avoid non-native milkweed). They also attract pollinators, so monitor for bees if allergies are a concern.
How long does it take to establish a no-mow lawn?
It typically takes 1-2 years for plants like clover or thyme to fully establish, depending on soil conditions and watering consistency.
Do manual tools like scythes require much skill?
Scythes and shears require practice for efficient use. Scythes, in particular, need a smooth swinging motion and careful handling to avoid injury.
Conclusion
Cutting grass without a lawn mower opens up a world of creative, eco-friendly possibilities. From the traditional scythe to modern string trimmers and no-mow lawns like clover, each method offers unique benefits tailored to different needs. Whether you prioritize sustainability, low maintenance, or precision, there’s an alternative that fits your lifestyle. Explore these options, assess your yard’s needs, and consider products like the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower to make lawn care effortless and enjoyable. For more lawn care tips, visit BBC Gardeners’ World.