CORVALLIS, Ore. — With about 80 million home lawns across the country, it’s no surprise that many people are in the market for a lawn mower.
The best mower for you depends on your yard, your goals and your preferences, said Alec Kowalewski, Oregon State University's Grover Family Endowed Sustainable Urban Landscapes Specialist.
Mower options include rotary, reel and electric models. Each type has its pros and cons.
Rotary and electric mowers use a single spinning blade, similar to a string trimmer. Reel (push) mowers use two blades that slide past each other like scissors. Both types work well, Kowalewski said.
“The reel mower is going to be a cleaner cut,” he said. “But that doesn’t have that big of an effect on grass. It takes a really dull rotary mower to make much of a difference. A sharp rotary mower will produce just as good of grass as a reel mower.”
The key, he emphasized, is to keep mower blades sharp, no matter what type you use. Rotary blades are easier to maintain because they detach. Reel mower blades are not removable and must be professionally sharpened.
Mulching mowers are another option. Though typically more expensive, they chop grass into finer pieces, making it easier to leave clippings on the lawn. But any mower can leave clippings behind effectively if the lawn is mowed frequently and kept at the proper height — about 2½ to 3 inches.
“Instead of bagging up clippings, consider leaving them where they fall,” Kowalewski said. “They break down quickly and resupply much-needed nitrogen. The more often you mow, the easier this is to do. Don’t, however, leave clumps of clippings sitting on the lawn.”
When shopping for a mower, Kowalewski recommends doing research and buying the best one you can afford. He suggests looking for brands that offer commercial models, as that durability often carries over to homeowner lines. Popular brands he recommends include Toro, Honda and Jacobsen.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of common mower types:
Rotary mower
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Handles leaves and small twigs easily
- Mows quickly; self-propelled options are available
- Ideal for large areas
Cons:
- Noisy
- Produces carbon emissions
- Can’t mow at very low heights
Kowalewski noted that mowing low isn’t necessary for most Oregon lawns. In Western Oregon, perennial ryegrass and fescue — the most common lawn grasses — thrive when kept 2 to 3 inches tall, which also helps suppress weeds. Older lawns with colonial or creeping bentgrass, however, can be mowed lower, making reel mowers a good choice for those.
Reel mower
Pros:
- Quiet
- Emission-free option
Kowalewski pointed out that lawns can actually offset mower emissions. “Recent studies show grass has the potential to sequester up to four times the amount of carbon dioxide produced by mowing,” he said. “All plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and use it for new growth, including roots that decompose into organic matter and fix carbon in the soil.”
Cons:
- Harder to push, though newer models are lighter and easier to use
- Struggles with twigs and leaves
- Not ideal for uneven terrain
- Less efficient for large lawns
Electric mower
Pros:
- Moderately quiet
- No gas or oil needed
Cons:
- Limited run time for battery-powered models
- Corded models require careful maneuvering
“My grandfather had an electric mower for years and years and years,” Kowalewski said, “and he never ran over a cord.”
Previously titled Choose a lawn mower to fit your needs
