How to Cut Grass Without a Lawn Mower (6 Alternatives)

Using a lawn mower is usually the most efficient way to cut grass. But there are some situations where you might need to know how to cut grass without a mower. While alternative methods can take longer, they certainly get the job done.

So, if you have tall grass to cut and find yourself without a mower, there’s no need for concern. In this article, we will explore six alternative ways to cut grass without a lawnmower.

Let’s take a look!

Why Cut Grass Without a Lawn Mower?

Since most people use a lawn mower to keep their grass neat and tidy, it may seem unusual why anyone would choose to cut grass without one. However, there are many possible reasons, some of which may include the following:

• Cost and maintenance schedule: Lawn mowers can be expensive to purchase and need maintenance to stay in good working order. Plus, for gas-powered mowers, you also have to buy and store gasoline.
• The mower is out of order: Maybe your lawnmower broke down, won’t start, or is currently being repaired, and you need an alternative way to cut the grass.
• The area to cut is minimal: Maybe you only have a few small spots of grass or weeds to trim, perhaps in a neglected corner of the yard that doesn’t need to look perfect. In this case, a lawn mower may not be required, and you’re looking for an alternative.
• Lack of storage space: Perhaps you have a small yard and don’t have the space or anywhere to store a mower and gas cans.
• The grass is too long for a lawn mower: If the grass has grown too tall, it will clog the mower when you try to cut it. So you’ll need another way to trim it down to a manageable length.
• Uneven ground or lots of obstacles: Maybe the grass is on a steep or rough area that is unsuitable for a lawn mower. Or perhaps there are obstacles or small trees or plants to cut around, and you don’t want to risk damaging them with a mower.
• Environmental reasons: Perhaps you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to cut grass without noise, pollution, or the use of fossil fuels.

How to Cut Grass Without a Mower (Best Options for Larger Areas)

1. Use A String Trimmer

If you have a fairly large area of grass to cut, a string trimmer will be your quickest and most efficient lawn mower alternative.

Also known as a weed eater, weed whacker, or whipper snipper, these motorized tools are great for cutting overgrown grass in areas a lawnmower can’t reach. A string trimmer is also ideal for use on sloping or uneven ground or where there are many obstacles to mow around.

String trimmers come in either gas, electric, or battery-powered models. And like any power tool, there are pros and cons to each. Ultimately, which type you choose will depend on your situation and how much grass you need to cut.

If you have a large yard to maintain, a gas-powered 2-cycle or 4-cycle weed eater will be your best option. In addition, these models also have the most power and aren’t limited by battery capacity or the length of an extension cord. So you can work without restriction for as long as you need.

On the other hand, a battery-powered or corded electric string trimmer could be a better choice if you want to avoid maintenance or the hassle of mixing and storing gas. These models are also eco-friendly as they don’t emit fumes or make much noise. However, they are really only suitable for use in smaller areas due to the battery capacity or distance the extension cord can reach.

Overall, a string trimmer is an excellent tool for cutting tall grass without a lawn mower. While it can be tricky to get an even cut, it does a pretty good job when mowing is not an option. A string trimmer also doesn’t take up much storage room and can be more convenient for quickly trimming small areas than using a bulky lawn mower.

2. Use A Scythe

A scythe is another good option for cutting larger areas without a lawn mower. However, these tools require some skill to operate correctly, as well as a certain level of physical fitness. So for this reason, they are not suitable for everyone.

Mowing with a scythe has some great advantages, including the fact you can cut wet grass and mow on slopes or uneven areas that would be unsuitable for a traditional lawn mower. Scythes are also inexpensive to buy and maintain, lighter than a string trimmer, and environmentally friendly.

On the other hand, they require physical exertion and are best for mowing less manicured lawns that don’t need a close cut. Also, the large, exposed blade could be a safety concern for many people.

Other Ways to Cut Grass Without a Lawn Mower

In addition to the options above, there are a few other ways to cut grass without using a lawnmower. However, most of these are suitable for smaller areas only. Let’s take a look at these now.

1. Garden Shears

Garden shears, or a pair of hedge shears, will do a reasonable job of trimming small areas of overgrown grass. But if you want a closer cut, you will have to squat or kneel to keep the blades level with the ground. This may make it unsuitable if you have back or knee issues, and it is best used for cutting a small area of grass only.

2. Hedge Trimmer

Another alternative is a gas-powered or electric hedge trimmer. These tools can make the task of trimming slightly bigger areas easier. However, as with garden shears, you will need to bend over or kneel to keep the blades close to the ground. Also, the weight of the trimmer may tire your arms or strain your back unless only used for a short period.

3. Sickle

A sickle is another tool you can use to cut small sections of overgrown grass or weeds by hand. Also known as “the scythe’s little sister,” a sickle is inexpensive, light, easy to use, and simple to maintain. It is an ideal choice for cutting grass around small trees, plants, or other obstacles that you don’t want to be damaged by a traditional lawn mower.

4. Farm Animals

Lastly, purchasing some farm animals could be an option if you live in a rural area and have a large section of grass to keep under control. Some sheep or goats will do an excellent job keeping the grass short, as they love to graze all day. And as a bonus, you can use their manure to fertilize your garden. However, when considering animals, keep in mind that they come with their own set of responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, using a lawn mower is usually the most efficient way to cut grass. However, when mowing is not an option, the above alternatives are some of the best ways to cut grass without a lawn mower. Ultimately, the method you choose will depend on how much you need to cut, the type of terrain, as well as your specific needs.

We hope you found these lawn mowing alternatives helpful. For more gardening tips and information, check out our other articles below.

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