As Tommy mentioned on a recent radio show, anyone can have stripes on the lawn. The stripes you see are caused by light reflecting off the blades of grass. The grass has not been cut at a different height. It’s not a difference in the type of grass. The grass has merely been bent and the direction of that bent state determines the light and dark colored stripes. Toward you is dark and away is light. It’s lighter because the light is reflecting off the wide lengthy part of the blade. Whereas, the darker direction reveals more of the tips and the shadow beneath the grass.
To take full advantage of this phenomenon, cutting your lawn in an opposing pattern maximizes the contrast and thus, the visual effect. To further intensify the color, attach a full-width roller to the rear of your mower deck. The roller will bend the grass blade further than just mowing. If you prefer, striping kits can be purchased – there are several on the market.
Like an artist, you need a properly prepared canvas in order to paint your masterpiece across the lawn. So follow good lawn maintenance practices – healthy lawns with rich color produce beautiful stripes. Plan to cut high – longer grass has more leaf to bend thus, allowing for more reflection.
Okay, ready to have some fun? Here are three basic pattern formulas.
Straight Pattern
• Cut the perimeter; 2 passes will allow for turning and a clean visual pattern.
• Cut your first stripe; use a line of sight to keep it aligned and straight.
• Align remaining stripes parallel to the first.
• Run over the perimeter to clean up any turning patterns.
Checkerboard Pattern
• Cut the perimeter; 2 passes will allow for turning and a clean visual pattern.
• Cut your first stripe; use a line of sight to keep it aligned and straight.
• Align remaining stripes parallel to the first.
• Second pass, cut in the opposite direction of the first pattern creating the checkerboard.
• Run over the perimeter to clean up any turning patterns.
Diagonal, Diamond or Criss-Cross Pattern
• Use the checkerboard pattern above but the stripes are in a diagonal direction.
Note: Be careful when turning the mower at the end of each stripe to prevent turf damage. A simple “Y” type turn will reduce the chance of damage. Always alternate the mowing direction every two weeks or so, to reduce wear from the mower tires and to retain the overall turf quality.
Now you can have a professional looking striped lawn and be the envy of the neighborhood.
If you need some help in preparing your lawn for striping – give us call at 336-854-7999 or, visit us online at GrowinGreen.com.
Inspiring You to Love Your Lawn,
