How to Imitate Ballfields and Mow your Lawn in Patterns

A Patterned Baseball Field

Recently, I've noticed more and more people, whose lawn I had always admired, now creating patterns, as they do in baseball parks. When I have asked them how it's done, it seems that there's a number of ways this is accomplished.

Things You'll Need

• a good mower with sharp blades
• a soil test to asses need for fertilizer

Instructions

1. Start with a good lawn. You should cut the grass at least weekly, trying not to remove more than one third of the blade in any cutting. It's ok to let clippings fall, because it's an excellent way of to return nutrients to the earth. Follow fertilizing instructions carefully --you can "over fertilize" your lawn.

2. Now, the tricky mowing. Most of us mow the lawn in the same direction, getting the job done quickly. This does not allow for alternative rows to be mowed toward the sun, and make photosynthesis difficult.For the larger sections of yard, try to make sure that the patterns you use are at least at ninety degree angles to each other. 45 degree angles are best. Not only will this help the individual blades of grass stand up straighter, it will allow you to make sure that the blades of grass are cut evenly.

3. So, how are the patterns made?? Professional grounds keepers use rollers on the back of their mowers to help the grass lay flat in different directions so shades of light and dark make straight lines or curves really stand out. Some also use different grasses to accentuate the stripes.

Tips & Warnings

• There are probably more people like me, that feel lucky that the grass gets cut--in any way. But, a patterned lawn seems doable, in fact a real summertime challenge for those who manicure their landscape impeccably.

• Not being a baseball geek, all I have to say is "fun is where you find it"!