David Mellor, groundskeeper at Boston's Fenway Park and author of the book, The Lawn Bible, says his "favorite way to draw attention" to his lawn is to mow a checkerboard pattern or diamond pattern into his grass. Instructs David, "You'll need a mower, of course, and a roller for highlighting the pattern. (Weighted lawn rollers are available for purchase or rent at most lawn and garden supply stores.)"
That roller is the key: as in many DIY projects, the concept behind mowing checkerboard patterns is remarkably simple and is based on the fact that the roller will push and bend the grass in one direction, then another. You just have to have the right equipment.
Achieve a checkerboard pattern in the grass by following these few easy steps:
- Mow the perimeter of your lawn
- Mow north to south, for example, then come back with a parallel cut south to north (pretty much as you would normally mow, except for the presence of the roller attachment)
- Repeat until you've mowed the whole lawn this way
- Then switch orientation and do the same at an angle perpendicular to what you've just done (i.e., mow up east-west, back down west-east, etc. until you've mowed the whole lawn)
- Go back and mow the perimeter of your lawn once again (to "touch up")
Related resource: How to Mow a Lawn
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Comments
thanks for the information. good stuff!
Thanks, always wondered about that. I’ll change cutting height for more effect.