The Best Way to Cut Grass (Other Than A Mower)

When it comes to mowing your grass, there are several different methods. Some of them require a lot of work while others are quick and easy.

The best way to cut grass is to use a method that fits your style and the size of your lawn. Regardless of which method you choose, you should follow the one-third rule when cutting your grass.

Scythe

Mowing with a scythe is the best way to cut grass, though it can be difficult at first. Start by practicing with a scythe on green grass that has gone into the head in a field without obstacles.

To make the scythe work properly, you must keep the blade sharp. This is achieved by peening the edge with a hammer, then honing it with a whetstone.

Scythes are also good for removing excess foliage and weeds from areas around gardens and fence rows and clearing away the grass underneath electric fences where machinery cannot reach them.

Using a scythe is much more enjoyable than regular mowing with a mower because the rhythm of the scything is soothing and relaxing. The sound of the scythe blade is almost hypnotic.

Shears

If you want to cut grass without using a lawnmower, you can use shears. Grass shears come in different styles and can be used to clip small areas of grass, weeds, and shrubbery, or to edge garden borders or flower beds.

Long-handled shears enable you to trim your lawn without bending or kneeling, which is helpful for those who suffer from back problems. Shears should have a soft coating on the handle, so you don’t get blisters.

A good pair of shears cleanly slices through fresh grass and other fine herbaceous weeds that a lawn mower leaves behind. Look for blades crafted with stainless steel or other tough materials, rather than flimsy plastic.

Those with back issues will love the swivel-blade head on this Fiskars grass shear, which moves 360 degrees for trimming at the perfect angle. The 36-inch aluminum shaft eliminates the aches and pains often accompanying bending or kneeling.

Scissors

If your grass is growing too tall or you want to save a few minutes, then cutting it with scissors is the way to go. Scissors are easy to use and they can be effective if used correctly.

The best scissors for grass cutting will have a long and sharp blade that cuts cleanly. They will also have a good grip and be durable enough to cut through rigid material.

Some safety features that you should look for in scissors include rounded blade tips, dulled blades, or plastic blade guards. These features are designed to prevent kids from getting accidentally jabbed in the hand with a pointed tip.

For a more precise and comfortable grip, try scissors with ergonomic handles that have contours that reduce hand fatigue. Some scissors even come with a warranty or lifetime guarantee.

Trimmer

If you have a small lawn or want to keep your grass neat and tidy around shrubs and trees, then a trimmer is the best way to cut it. This type of lawncare tool can be gas, battery, or electric-powered and takes up very little room in your yard.

If your grass is wet or damp, it can clog the blades of your trimmer and result in a clumpy, uneven cut. Try to dry the grass before you cut it if at all possible.

Alternatively, try to use the trimmer in a slow, gentle motion. Swing the trimmer gently from side to side, taking small half-steps and moving forward gradually, ensuring that the grass is not clogged up or scalped in any way.

A string trimmer can also be used to taper your grass gradually from your mower to a finer cut closer to curbs, retaining walls, fencing, and trees. Tapering cuts less grass and leaves a tight, tapered edge that blends with the height of your mowed grass for a neat appearance.