At one point or another, we’ve all wanted to achieve that professionally-cut, golf course look in your yard. You might actually be surprised on how these sometimes intricate patterns are achieved. With the right equipment and some creativity, mowing patterns in your yard is easier than ever.
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Perception Is Reality
Much like any good illusion, most of the magic that comes from patterns in the grass are due to the reflection of light. It’s that simple. Blades of grass that are facing away from you appear to be lighter since the sun is shining directly on that side, whereas the grass that is rolled towards you is going to appear darker since it casts a shadow on the ground. Now begs the question of how to achieve that effect.
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A Roller For Your Mower
This is something I didn’t know for a while; you can actually buy striping kits for your zero turn mower. They are pretty easy to find and affordable depending on where you choose to make your purchase. If you’re anxious to slap one of those on the front of the mower and take cutting your grass to a new level, then this is probably a good option. But, there’s more you should know first;
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Just A Little Bit Off The Top
Mow the grass at different heights to adjust the intensity of said stripes. Much like the hair on our own heads, blades of grass tend to be more flexible when they are longer and want to spring up when they are shorter. Therefore, mowing the grass at a slightly taller interval of height will make it easier for you to make distinct stripes with your future striping kit. Increasing the height by half an inch should be enough to see a real difference in your cuts.
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Survival Of The Fittest
Using this method to create patterns in your grass has some added benefits, as well. When you’re happy with your grass, your grass is happy too. By having a greater length in its blades, you’re giving it a greater chance to perform photosynthesis and create food. The more surface area, the better. It will help to promote healthy growth and reduce the chance for disease.
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(Do) Judge A Book By Its Cover
However, everyone has at least one or two sore spots on display in their yard. With taller grass, you don’t have to advertise them to every neighbor that takes a morning stroll past your house. They will still be there, but in incognito mode. So, if you’re ever in a rivalry with the family across the street, you can dig up dirt on them (pun intended) by pointing out the fact that they are probably using this clever method.
Well, now you have most of the tricks of the trade under your thinking cap. You can forever achieve that exclusive country club look you’ve always wanted for your yard. Have fun with it. Recreate Picasso paintings with your grass if that’s what you’re into. Maybe you’ll create a new kind of art exhibit for residential mowing with your efforts. I hope you’ve found the information here to be useful and entertaining, and that you have the whole town voluntarily paying admission to see the masterpiece you’ve created. Whatever the case, I wish you some happy mowing!