1. Limb Up Trees

Low-hanging tree limbs make it difficult to maneuver a mower under the canopy. Reduce this hassle with selective pruning by removing the lowest-hanging limbs so you can comfortably mow around the trunk.

Winter is the best time to prune trees because leafless branches make it easier to assess the tree’s structure. Remove low-hanging limbs of small trees, such as crabapples, redbuds, and crape myrtles, back to the main stem or trunk. Cut limbs on large shade trees that are in the way back to a major branch. Make a clean cut and do not apply a wound dressing; the tree will quickly seal the cut.

2. Smooth Out the Terrain

Low spots and divots make riding a lawn mower less comfortable and can result in an uneven cut. Create an even or slightly undulating mowing surface by filling holes and low spots in the turf.

Spring or fall is the optimal time for lawn renovation. Fill low spots with high-quality topsoil. Tamp the soil in place and scatter grass seed over the surface. Very lightly rake the seed into the soil and water regularly in the absence of rain until the grass is established.

3. Create Large Circles Around Trees

Mowing tight circles around tree trunks takes time and slows down mowing. Increasing the size of the circle can reduce the time needed to mow around a tree.

Use a sharp spade to remove the grass growing in a 6- to 8-foot diameter circle around the tree trunk. Be careful to remove only the turf and its shallow root zone, as tree roots often grow in the top several inches of soil.

Next, cover the area with a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch, such as shredded bark, leaf mold, compost, or pine straw. Keep mulch away from the tree trunk to help prevent disease.

Planting shade-tolerant groundcovers in the grassless region is another option. The area under a tree canopy is often dry, so choose drought-tolerant groundcovers such as deadnettle, barrenwort, lungwort, and Allegheny spurge.

4. Create Gentle Curves

Sharp corners in the landscape are challenging to mow quickly and effectively. These tight spaces often require a string trimmer to achieve a clean cut. Replace sharp corners on landscape beds and borders with gentle curves.

Expand the bed edge slightly to create a natural curve that your mower can navigate easily. Curving bed edges not only make mowing easier but also protect plants because the mower deck is less likely to creep into the bed when making a turn.

5. Add a Mowing Strip

Installed around the perimeter of landscape beds, mowing strips are usually made of brick, concrete, or stone pavers. They define the bed edge and keep grass from encroaching. They also provide a narrow, flat surface for running a lawn mower.

When installing mowing strips, make sure they are level for easy mower access.

6. Rely on Groundcovers

Turfgrass is not the best choice for every landscape situation. Hard-to-mow areas, such as steep slopes, can benefit from groundcovers. Instead of covering a slope with lawn that requires weekly attention, plant groundcovers that need less frequent care.

There are hundreds of perennial and low-growing shrub groundcovers, including short ornamental grasses that provide thick, dense cover, control erosion, and suppress weeds while enhancing the overall landscape. Choose species native to your area, such as little bluestem, for added ecosystem benefits.

7. Plant in Groups

For quick and easy mowing, aim to create an uninterrupted swath of turf. Single plants scattered throughout the landscape can become mowing obstacles.

Incorporate individual plants into planting beds with gently curving outlines. Focus on grouping plants in drifts or mass plantings. This strategy makes mowing easier while also giving the landscape a more cohesive appearance.

If you want to move away from a traditional lawn altogether, consider planting a bee lawn that requires infrequent mowing.