When selecting the best lawn mowers for Zoysia grass, it’s important to consider factors such as the mower’s cutting mechanism, power source, and ease of use.
Zoysia grass, known for its dense and tough texture, requires a mower that can provide a clean cut without damaging the grass blades. Below are five lawn mowers that are well-suited for Zoysia grass, including their pricing, product descriptions, pros, and cons.
Related: Do New Lawn Mower Blades Need To Be Sharpened?
1. RL20H/HC – 20″ Classic Reel Mower
Pricing: $1,544 on Home Depot
The Trimmer Reel Mower is a manual push mower that uses a reel-cutting system, ideal for Zoysia grass. It typically features multiple blades that provide a scissor-like cut, promoting healthy grass growth.
Pros:
- Provides a precise and clean cut
- Environmentally friendly with no emissions
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Requires more physical effort to push
- Not ideal for large lawns or uneven terrain
2. Honda HRX217VKA
Pricing: $879 on Amazon
The Honda HRX217VKA is a gas-powered, self-propelled lawn mower that offers variable speed and a 4-in-1 Versamow System for mulching, bagging, discharge, and leaf shredding.
Pros:
- Powerful and efficient for thick Zoysia grass
- The self-propelled feature reduces physical effort
- Adjustable speed settings
Cons:
- Gas-powered mowers require regular maintenance
3. Greenworks 48V 14″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
Pricing: $279 on Amazon
This cordless electric mower is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. It features a 14-inch cutting deck and comes with two 24V batteries.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Quiet operation with no emissions
- Convenient battery operation without the hassle of cords
Cons:
- Smaller cutting width may increase mowing time
- Battery life may be insufficient for larger lawns
4. WORX WG743E.1 Lawn Mower
Pricing: $300 on Amazon
The WORX WG743E.1 is a manual cordless lawn mower designed for domestic use. It offers a 40cm cut width and comes with two batteries, making it suitable for small to medium lawns.
Pros:
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Quick charging and consistent performance
- Interchangeable batteries with other WORX products
Cons:
- Collection basket on the small side
- Not designed for commercial use or very large lawns
5. Cub Cadet 23 HP Kohler Engine, tractor Riding Mower (XT1 lt46)
Pricing: From $2499
For those with larger lawns, this riding mower offers a powerful 23 HP Kohler engine and mulching blades, making it capable of handling dense Zoysia grass with ease.
Pros:
- Powerful engine suitable for large areas
- Comfortable riding experience
- Efficient mulching capability
Cons:
- Significantly higher price point
- Requires more storage space
What to look out for when choosing a lawn mower for zoysia grass
When choosing a lawn mower for Zoysia grass, several key factors should be considered to ensure you select the best equipment for maintaining this specific type of turf. Zoysia grass, known for its dense and tough texture, requires careful handling to keep it looking its best. Here are the main considerations:
1. Type of Mower
- Reel vs. Rotary Mowers: Reel mowers are often recommended for Zoysia grass due to their scissor-like cutting action, which provides a clean and precise cut. This is particularly important for warm-season grasses like Zoysia, which benefit from a finer cut to maintain health and appearance. Rotary mowers, while more versatile and better at handling taller grass and obstacles, may tear the grass rather than cut it cleanly, potentially leading to a less uniform appearance.
2. Cutting Height
- Optimal Height: Zoysia grass thrives when cut to the correct height. It should be mowed at a height of 2 to 2.5 inches during the summer. Cutting it too short can stress the grass, especially during hot months, while leaving it too long can encourage thatch buildup and reduce the turf’s density.
3. Maintenance and Ease of Use
- Ease of Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of the mower. Reel mowers might deliver a superior cut but often require more frequent sharpening and adjustments than rotary mowers.
- Ease of Use: Your physical ability and the size of your lawn are important considerations. Manual reel mowers are environmentally friendly and offer a great cut but can be physically demanding over larger areas. Self-propelled or powered options might be more appropriate for larger lawns or for those seeking less physical strain.
4. Power Source
- Manual, Electric, or Gas: Manual reel mowers are quiet and eco-friendly but require more effort to push. Electric mowers (both corded and battery-powered) offer a middle ground, being easier to use while still being relatively quiet and environmentally friendly. Gas-powered mowers are powerful and can cover large areas without the need for recharging or dealing with cords but are noisier and emit pollutants.
5. Mulching Capability
- Grasscycling: Both reel and rotary mowers can leave grass clippings on the lawn, serving as mulch. This natural recycling of nutrients back into the soil is beneficial for Zoysia grass health. However, the capability and efficiency of mulching can vary between models, so it’s worth considering if this feature is important to you.
6. Safety Features
- Safety Precautions: Regardless of the type of mower, safety features are important. Look for mowers that have protective guards and safety switches. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe operation to prevent accidents.
7. Adjustability
- Cutting Height Adjustments: The ability to easily adjust the cutting height of your mower is crucial for maintaining Zoysia grass at its optimal height throughout the growing season. Look for mowers that offer straightforward height adjustment features.
In summary, when choosing a lawn mower for Zoysia grass, prioritize a model that offers a clean, precise cut, such as a reel mower, while also considering the size of your lawn, your physical capabilities, maintenance preferences, and the mower’s features. Balancing these factors will help you select a mower that keeps your Zoysia lawn looking its best.
How to use a lawn mower to cut zoysia grass
Using a lawn mower to cut Zoysia grass effectively requires following specific steps to ensure a healthy and attractive lawn. Here’s a guide on how to use a lawn mower for Zoysia grass:
1. Prepare the Lawn
- Clear Debris: Remove any sticks, stones, or other debris from the lawn to prevent damage to the mower blades and ensure an even cut.
- Check Grass Condition: Ensure the grass is dry. Mowing wet Zoysia grass can lead to uneven cuts and can clog the mower.
2. Set the Mower Height
- Adjust Cutting Height: Set the mower to the correct height for Zoysia grass, which is typically between 2 to 2.5 inches during the growing season. Cutting the grass at the proper height helps maintain its health and prevents scalping, which can weaken the grass.
3. Check the Mower
- Inspect Blades: Make sure the mower blades are sharp. Dull blades can tear the grass, leading to a ragged cut and the potential for disease.
- Check the Mower’s Condition: Ensure the mower is in good working order, with all safety features functioning properly.
4. Mowing Technique
- Mow When Cool: Mow in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to reduce stress on the grass.
- Mow Regularly: Zoysia grass should be mowed regularly, about once a week during the growing season, to maintain the ideal height without removing more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
- Alternate Patterns: Change your mowing pattern each time to prevent compacting the soil and encourage upright grass growth.
- Overlap Passes: Slightly overlap each pass with the mower to ensure no strips of uncut grass are left behind.
5. Mulching vs. Bagging
- Decide on Clippings Disposal: You can either mulch the clippings, leaving them on the lawn to decompose and return nutrients to the soil, or bag them if excessive or if the lawn is being cut after a long period of growth.
6. Post-Mowing Care
- Watering: If needed, water the lawn after mowing to help the grass recover, especially if the weather is dry. However, avoid overwatering, as Zoysia is drought-tolerant.
- Clean the Mower: After mowing, clean the mower to remove grass clippings and debris, which can cause corrosion or clogging during the next use.
7. Safety Precautions
- Wear Protective Gear: Use eye and ear protection, especially when using gas-powered mowers, and wear closed-toe shoes for safety.
- Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for operating and maintaining the lawn mower.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your Zoysia grass is cut properly, promoting a lush, green, and healthy lawn. Regular maintenance of both the lawn and the mower is essential for the best results.
Recommended Mowing Settings for Zoysia Grass
The recommended mowing height for Zoysia grass varies depending on the specific variety and growing conditions, but generally, it should be:
- Summer Mowing Height: 1 to 2.5 inches, with most cultivars best maintained at around 1.5 inches.
- Spring Mowing Height: Before green-up in spring, the grass can be mowed slightly lower than the regular summer height, around 1 to 1.5 inches, to remove dead material and encourage new growth.
- Shaded Areas: In partial shade, Zoysia should be mowed at 2 to 2.5 inches.
How Often Should Zoysia Grass Be Mowed?
- Active Growth Season: Approximately once every 7 to 10 days.
- Growth Rate Dependent: Mowing frequency should be adjusted based on the growth rate of the grass, ensuring no more than one-third of the grass blade is removed in a single mowing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Mowing Zoysia Grass
- Mowing Too Low (“Scalping”): Cutting the grass too short can stress the lawn, making it prone to weeds and less capable of coping with drought or other stresses.
- Mowing Too Often: Overmowing can be just as harmful as not mowing enough. It’s important to mow based on the grass’s growth rate and not on a fixed schedule.
- Cutting Wet Grass: Mowing when the grass is wet can lead to an uneven cut, clumping of clippings, and potential spread of disease.
- Using Dull Blades: Dull mower blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which can make the grass more susceptible to disease and pests.
- Not Alternating Mowing Patterns: Mowing in the same direction every time can compact the soil and cause the grass to lean and grow in the direction it’s mowed, which can affect the lawn’s appearance and health.
- Ignoring Mowing Height Adjustments: Not adjusting the mowing height during periods of stress, such as high temperatures or drought, can further stress the grass.
- Bagging Clippings Unnecessarily: Grass clippings can provide valuable nutrients back to the soil if left on the lawn, unless they are excessive or the lawn was cut after a long period of growth.
By adhering to the recommended mowing settings, maintaining a proper mowing schedule based on the grass’s growth, and avoiding common mowing mistakes, you can help ensure a healthy and attractive Zoysia lawn.
