Baseball field groundskeepers flawlessly mow lawns in green grids of geometric perfection. The yards of these stadiums are the envy of homeowners everywhere. How do we amateurs mow like these consummate pros? It takes some skill to be sure, but it’s not as difficult as you may think. Here’s how to wield mowers as a landscaping paintbrush.
Lawn Care
Before you start etching 180 degree patterns into your lawn, the grass must be in tip-top condition. Every square inch must flow with verdant, vigorous blades of grass colored chlorophyll green. With a dense, healthy turf, your lawn can be transformed into something suitable for the major league stadiums. The density of grass also assists in fending off crabgrass and other intrusive weeds. Whichever mower you choose to cut your grass, keep the blades razor-sharp, at the correct height and mow frequently. Fertilize throughout the year and leave grass trimmings on your lawn for mulch. Should your lawn need a facelift, you can purchase bags of grass seed blends that MLB ballparks use on their fields.
Upon Reflection
How do baseball stadiums achieve that striped look? There are many who believe the stripes are painted on, or that groundskeepers use various grass types at differing heights. The truth is simply a matter of light reflection. Think about running your finger across certain materials or vacuuming the carpet that same striped effect occurs. When the fabric, or blades of grass in this case, bend in opposing directions, light is reflected and creates dark and light stripes.
All in the Bend
To achieve the grassy perfection of Wrigley Field or Fenway Park, you’ll have to do more than mow in opposite directions. You’ll need those blades of grass to bend at 45 degree angles. This is going to take a heavy weight in the form of a roller attachment otherwise known as a striper. With a little creativity, you can make your own rollers. Also, the proper bend isn’t possible when grass is scalped or cut too short. Follow the one-third rule by never slicing off any more than a third of grass blades in a single mowing session.
The Traditional Stripe
First, you’ll want to mow your lawn’s perimeter. The perimeter is the space where you’ll turn the mower in the opposite direction after each straight line sweep. If possible, make the turns on sidewalks or the driveway. Gingerly mow down your first stripe by maintaining a line of sight, suggests YardCare.com, and proceed in alternate line direction. Mow the perimeter a second time.
Checkerboard
The checkerboard design is much the same as the traditional stripe. Go over the perimeter twice, with or without the striper. Mow the exact same way as the traditional stripe. On your second pass, create a criss-cross pattern. For example, if your first pass is mowed in the north and south directions, you’ll go over your lawn in an east and west direction the second time.
Tags: baseball, grass cutting, grass seed, lawn care
