The Best Method To Mow Stripes Into Your Lawn

Do you ever drive by a ball field or golf course and do a double take because the lawn's stripes are so perfect? You see those razor-sharp edges on the crisp clean lines, and the sun gleaming off the grass like someone painted it two different colors. You're green with envy and wish you could do that to your own lawn. So, you get home, mow the grass, and take a step back to look at your hard work... but it's just not the same. There are a few key reasons your lawn is lackluster compared to the showy lush green of professional sports fields. You need a special piece of equipment and a tried-and-true method to mow those beautiful stripes into your lawn.

First and foremost, you need either a roller or a striping kit that attaches to your mower. These tools are what press the grass down to achieve the stripes. This is important because the stripes are caused by the grass bending in two different directions, causing the light of the sun to reflect off it differently. Without one of these two tools, you can still achieve the result, just not as gleaming and eye-catching as those professional lawns. You can either buy the equipment or DIY your own lawn striper. The second key to nailing the wow factor is in the way you mow — you need to lift the blades of the mower to allow the blades of grass to be taller and easier to bend, and mow in alternating directions.

The most important tip to stripe your lawn like a pro is to nail down your pattern. Let's face it — the pros aren't just hopping on a mower and seeing what happens. This is precise work. So, do your planning with care, map out the stripe pattern, and mow slow and steady with laser focus and patience. Popular designs include stripes, diamonds, and checkerboard, but stripes are a classic option with a stunning visual effect. As you are thinking or drawing out your design, make sure the blades on your lawn mower are sharpened so you have clean edges (you don't want to rip the grass).

Then it's time to make your lawn dreams come true. Find a visual reference to run parallel to and start your first straight line, ideally down the center of your yard. Be sure to look multiple feet ahead of you throughout, not right in front of you, so you can maintain a visual on the straight line you're following. When it's time to turn, lift the mower deck to avoid cutting another design in the yard and mow in the opposite direction, parallel to your first row and butting up next to it. Repeat until your entire lawn is a curated masterpiece with just the perimeter to clean up. Edge that area in one direction to give your handsome lawn a nice border.