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 may take longer, depending on how much you need to cut, they will certainly get the job done.
So, if you have grass to trim but don’t have access to a mower, there’s no need to worry! In this article, we will explore six alternative ways to cut grass without a lawnmower.
Let’s take a look!
What Will I Learn?
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 for this, some of which may include the following:
1. 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.
2. 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 your grass in the meantime.
3. 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, using a big, heavy power mower would be overkill, so you’re looking for an alternative.
4. Lack of storage space: Perhaps you have a very small yard or don’t have the space or anywhere to store a mower and gas cans.
5. 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.
6. 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 many obstacles, small trees, or plants to trim around, and you don’t want to risk damaging them with a mower.
7. 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)
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 power 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 trim around.
String trimmers, or weed eaters, come in the following three types:
- Gas-powered
- Electric
- Battery-powered
As with any power tool, there are pros and cons to each. At the end of the day, the type of trimmer you choose will depend on your specific situation and how much grass you need to cut.
For example, 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, gas-powered 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 yards 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 a bit tricky to get an even cut, it does a pretty good job when traditional mowing is not an option. A string trimmer also doesn’t take up much storage space and can be more convenient for quickly trimming small areas than using a bulky lawn mower.
Use A Scythe
A scythe is another good option for cutting larger areas without a lawn mower. Scythes have been used for centuries to harvest crops and clear fields, and they are still an effective way to cut grass today. However, these tools require some practice and 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. In addition, the large, exposed blade could be a safety concern for many people.
Alternative 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 only suitable for smaller areas. Let’s 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, so shears are 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 will usually be the most efficient way to cut grass. However, when traditional mowing is not an option, the above alternatives are some of the best ways to cut grass without a lawn mower. At the end of the day, 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 lawn care and gardening tips, check out our other articles below.
You May Also Like:
- What Are the Best 4-Stroke Weed Eaters For Tall Grass?
- Buyer’s Guide to the Best Corded Electric String Trimmers
- How to Keep Rabbits off Your Lawn
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