A lawn is the face of your house – they say!
When I moved to my new house, I was greeted by the tall grass in the 4-acre lawn.
This was not a simple grass but the Zoysia grass – a tough in grass family.
I am fit enough to use a Scythe and cut it down – kidding ?
I immediately ordered a zero turn mower and it cost me more than 3000 USD but I knew this is something ultimate if I wanted to maintain it by my own.
Yes, you can prefer a reel lawn mower or rotary mower.
Things to Consider While Buying a Lawn Mower
Below I have described the factors to consider while buying a lawn mower;
The Area
This is the most critical factor.
Area Less than 1 Acre – If you have a lawn less than 1 acre then you can get a simple manual push lawn mower and you good to do. This will also add some time to your work-out hours.
Area 1 to 2 Acres– In this case the riding lawn mower is preferable.
Area more than 2 Acres – If you are wealthy enough to have area larger than 2 Acres then ZERO TURN LAWN MOWER is the best option.
The Terrains
If the area of your lawn is not flat but there are small hills, bumps and have different type of terrains then the Riding Lawn Mower is the best option to choose.
The Blades
The blades are the most important item to be considered in any kind of Lawn Mower. If your Lawn Mower is very powerful but the blades are not strong and sharp enough then there will be a trouble. The blades steel should be heat treated tough enough to cut any type of grass available nowadays such as Zoysia and Bermuda.
Anti-choking
The lawn mower should have automatic anti choke system to save your time and maintenance cost. In case the grass gets choke due to human error it should be easy enough to get rid of choking stuff.
Low maintenance Equipment
An equipment is preferred which requires low maintenance, efficient enough and flexible as per your requirements. Wear and tear parts must be good and widely available. Engine and electric motor driven lawnmowers are available as per your requirements complying to government norms.
Selection of Grass
Your lawnmower should be capable to mow all kinds of grasses. Nowadays, there are many types of lawn grass available in the market. But, Zoysia grass is mostly preferred due to its ability to stand up to heat, draught heavy foot traffic etc. it is native to Asia but found in United States since a very long time. Following are the shortlisted qualities of this grass
- Beautiful dense lawn look
- Strength
- Low growth
- Warm season grass with improved cold season tolerance
- Heat and drought tolerance
- Low water and maintenance requirements
- Salty water tolerance
Zoysia grass grows more slowly than other types of lawn grasses but forms a dense carpet under your feet. Zoysia naturally develops a deep root system and very efficient at conserving moisture and resisting draught episodes. The grass remains green but if the drought and heat persist it will go dormant and greens up quickly when watered again. Full sunshine is preferred but it tolerates light shades too.
Zoysia lawns needs 1 inch of rain fall or irrigation per week. Compared to other lawn grasses, Zoysia has low nitrogen requirements. Fertilization according to the soil test results is required. Your soil test will also confirm whether your lawn needs other chemicals such as lime etc. to restore and optimize nutrient availability. Hence, the urgent things to be considered are
- Watering – one in a week
- Mowing – 1 to 1/2 inch height is preferred
- Soil Testing – reveals the nutrient needs of your lawn
Irrigation system
Proper irrigation system is the important requirement of a lawn. Sprinklers with automatic timing system and rotary heads can save your time during busy schedules.
Landscaping Architecture/ Designing
Your lawn mower must be capable to mow the grass in such situations and the zero turn lawn mower is the best option to move through zigzag paths Landscaping designing/architecture as per your taste but complying to the local municipality guidelines is must. It glorifies the image of your lawn and gives a stunning look. Irrigation designing with fountains and beautiful rocks can be used as per your taste and budget. Such ideas gives great relaxation and helps in stress management. Use of small flower plants on the boundaries with low tiny brick fence will add to the beaty of your lawn. Colorful lightings together with well chosen but small rocks can be used too.
Final Verdict
According to the professionals the above is the compact guide and key points to be kept in the mind before choosing the best zero turn mower for 10 acres planning for the lawn. Best architecture/design, landscape items, soil, grass, maintenance equipment are the key requirements. A beautiful lawn adds to the beauty of your house but also a best place to manage your stress and spending your leisure.
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