Choosing a Lawn Mower for Your Small Yard

13 October 2016
 Categories: Home & Garden, Blog


If your new home has a tiny yard, you may be wondering what type of lawn mower would work best in your situation. You probably want to avoid a riding mower since one of those is more appropriate for a large yard with a lot of room to maneuver around in. A push mower is a better choice, but you'll still need to decide between the various types. Here is a quick look at your options.

Gas or Electric

A gas mower usually has more power than an electric model. This is handy if your yard is hilly, is uneven, or has thick weeds that need to be mowed down. However, gas mowers tend to be bigger and heavier than electric mowers. This could be a disadvantage when you have a tiny yard since you'll have fewer long runs and more lifting and turning of the mower. Another disadvantage of buying a gas mower is that you also need to buy and store gasoline, which could be a problem if your yard is too small for a shed.

Electric mowers tend to be lighter, easier to maneuver, and quieter to operate. They start when you depress a switch, so there is no pull cord to contend with. Since they are lightweight, it is easier to move them around flower beds, trees, and other obstructions in your yard. Plus, since they don't have a strong gasoline odor, you can store your electric mower in your garage or on your porch, and that is handy when space is tight.

Corded or Battery Powered

An electric mower is an ideal choice for a tiny yard. If you decide to buy one, you'll need to choose between a model that runs on a battery and one that runs on an extension cord. A corded mower usually costs less, and you won't have to worry about keeping the battery charged. The drawback to a corded mower is that the cord may constantly get in your way as you mow the yard. You have more freedom of movement if you use a battery-powered mower. Since your yard is small, you can probably mow it all before the battery runs out, but if running low on battery power is a problem, you can always buy an additional battery and switch it out as you mow.

Reel Mowers

A reel mower is another option to consider buying. One of these could be suitable if your yard is flat and free from thick weeds. These run on human power alone, so to be effective, you have to keep the blades sharp and in good condition. These mowers are small and lightweight, so they are perfect for tiny lawns. You may need to make more passes to get the job done, but that isn't a problem when your yard is small. These are also an inexpensive option, and since they are small and contain no gas or oil, you can store a reel mower indoors in a closet if you need to.

Choosing the best mower for your small yard comes down to the layout of your yard, its terrain, and the type of grass you have. These factors help you determine how much power you need in a mower. Also, you need to consider your physical abilities. Decide if it is easy for you to pull on a start cord and maneuver around a heavy mower in a tight space, or if you need something lightweight and easy to start. Both electric and gas mowers come in different sizes and have various helpful features, so it's not too difficult to find a perfect match for keeping your small yard well groomed.

Talk to a company such as Snappy's Outdoor Equipment Sales & Service LLC for more personalized advice about what kind of mower might be best for your situation.


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