Robotic lawnmowers – green helper or insidious enemy?

Have you been planning to buy a robotic lawnmower for a while? But you're afraid that it will do you more harm than good and you can't quite decide? Then it's time to look into robotic lawnmowers. Find out whether they are your green helper or a sneaky enemy!

What are robotic lawn mowers?

Robotic lawnmowers are autonomous robots that mow the lawn independently. They are equipped with sensors and cameras to detect and avoid obstacles. Most models can also be programmed to work at certain times or to give residents peace and quiet and to avoid certain areas of the lawn at certain times. Because the garden is there for us and the robotic lawnmower mows for us.

Robotic lawnmower – green helper?
Robotic lawnmower – green helper?

Robotic lawn mowers have the advantage of mowing the lawn evenly and cutting the grass finely, which leads to a healthier lawn because the mown part remains on the lawn and acts as green manure. They also save time and effort because you don't have to mow yourself.

However, there are also some disadvantages, such as the high purchase price and the fact that the robot does not always work perfectly and sometimes needs to be improved. For example, a wire has to be laid around the lawn to be mown beforehand so that the mower does not simply fly off or flatten the flowerbed. Or sink itself in the garden pond. That's not fun.

You also have to think carefully at the beginning about where the lawnmower will have its "home" in the garden, i.e. where the charging station should be, where the lawnmower will be safely located when it is idle and charging. And there has to be power there somehow. Too many corners and tight bends also do not promote a comprehensive mowing experience. As you can clearly see in the photo above.

Overall, robotic lawn mowers are a practical and time-saving solution for lawn care in the long run, but it is worth weighing up the pros and cons before deciding to buy one.

How does a robotic lawnmower work?

Basically, it's very simple: the robot drives over the lawn by itself and mows it as it goes. To do this, it is equipped with blades that cut the grass to the desired length. The robot drives over the lawn in an uneven pattern to ensure that it doesn't miss any spots and at the same time doesn't leave deep wheel tracks if it were to always take the same route.

This pattern is determined by the robot's sensors, which scan the lawn and its condition. In addition, the "thing" follows a certain algorithm with which it occasionally changes direction more or less randomly. 

To charge the battery, the robot returns to the charging station on its own. Almost all models can even be controlled via an app, so you can start or stop the robot from anywhere. 

What are the advantages of a robotic lawnmower?

A robotic lawnmower can offer you many advantages. Firstly, you save time and work because you no longer have to mow the lawn yourself. The robot does this job fully automatically and you can devote yourself to other things. Secondly, the robotic lawnmower ensures that your lawn always looks well-groomed. Regular mowing makes the lawn thicker and more even. In addition, the clippings are mulched directly and used as fertilizer, which benefits your lawn.

Another advantage is that the robotic lawnmower normally works very quietly due to its electric motor and therefore does not cause any really annoying noises, not at all in comparison to conventional petrol-powered lawnmowers. The robot is also a good choice for the environment in terms of emissions, as it is powered by a battery and therefore does not produce any exhaust gases. All in all, a robotic lawnmower offers many advantages and can make your life easier.

But can a robotic lawnmower also cause harm?

Unfortunately, the answer is a clear yes. If the robot is not set up or maintained correctly, it can cause damage to plants, animals or even people. For example, the robot can drive over flowers or bushes and damage them. Animals such as hedgehogs or birds can also get caught in the robotic lawnmower and be injured.

That's why it's important that you do your research before buying a robotic lawnmower and follow the operating instructions. This way you can ensure that your green helper doesn't become a sneaky enemy. For example, you should always send the lawnmower home to charge it at dusk. Some devices work with AI and recognize animals. So please find out more about this in advance.

The conclusion is clear: robotic lawnmowers can either be your green helper or a sneaky enemy. It all depends on how you use and care for them. 

Scarifying the lawn – why do all this work?

Gardening is one of the best ways to enjoy and preserve nature. One important task is scarifying the lawn to maintain fresh and healthy grass.

What does scarifying the lawn actually mean?

Many people have probably heard of scarifying the lawn, but does everyone know what it means exactly? Scarifying involves using a special device, the scarifier, to cut the lawn lengthways and crossways, removing moss, weeds and dead blades of grass. This improves aeration and stimulates the growth of new blades of grass.

Why scarify lawns?
Why scarify the lawn?

The result: a healthier and denser lawn. But be careful: scarifying should only be done in spring or autumn when the lawn has enough moisture and is not too dry. And not too often either, as scarifying too often can damage the lawn.

When should you scarify a lawn?

The answer is simple: in spring and autumn! In spring, the lawn should be scarified when temperatures are stable above 10 degrees Celsius and the ground is no longer frozen. At this point, the lawn has already started its growth phase and needs sufficient oxygen and nutrients to stay healthy.

In the fall, the lawn should be scarified before winter to remove dead plant remains and moss and to aerate the soil. This will help the lawn survive the winter better and grow strongly again in the spring. Make sure the soil is not too wet, otherwise the lawn could be damaged. With the right timing and the right technique, your lawn will look healthy and strong again after scarification.

What are the benefits of scarifying a lawn?

Why is lawn scarification so important? Well, firstly, it removes dead grass, moss and weeds that can suffocate the lawn and stunt growth. Secondly, scarification opens up the soil surface and allows for better air and water permeability. This allows the roots of the lawn to grow better and absorb nutrients.

Another benefit is that scarifying makes the lawn thicker and greener as it encourages the growth of new blades of grass. It also reduces the formation of thatch, which forms from dead plant matter and can suffocate the lawn. In summary, scarifying creates a healthier and more beautiful lawn that is more resistant to diseases and pests.

How do you scarify the grass correctly?

When it comes to scarifying your lawn, there are a few important things to consider to ensure you do it right. First of all, you want to make sure you choose the right time. Ideally, you should scarify in the spring or fall when the grass is actively recovering. If you scarify at any other time, the grass could become stressed and struggle to recover.

You should also make sure you choose the right setting for your scarifier. If you go too deep, you could damage the lawn, but if you don't go deep enough, you might not remove enough weeds and moss. Following these tips will ensure you scarify your lawn properly and achieve a perfect garden!

What utensils are needed?

To perfectly scarify your lawn, you will need a few tools. First of all, you need a scarifier. There are electric and manual models. If you have a small garden, a manual scarifier is sufficient. For larger areas, however, you should go for an electric model. You will also need a rake to collect the dead grass and moss. A shovel or leaf blower can also be helpful for removing the fallen material. If you want to spread seeds on your lawn after scarifying, you should also have a spreader on hand. With these tools, you are well equipped to perfectly scarify your lawn and get it back in shape.

Tips and tricks for scarifying the lawn

Before you start scarifying your lawn, you should make sure that the ground is not too wet. Soil that is too wet can damage the scarifier and the result will not be optimal. It is also advisable to mow the lawn before scarifying to get the grass to a uniform length. When scarifying, be careful not to cut too deeply into the ground as this can damage the roots of the grass. A good guideline is a cutting depth of around 3 mm.

After scarifying, you should fertilize and water the lawn to give it the necessary nutrients and moisture. With these tips and tricks, your lawn will look healthy and strong again after scarifying.

Ideally, scarifying your lawn will not only ensure a perfect lawn, but also promote the growth of your plants and prevent pests. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your scarifier and get started!

We wish you lots of fun gardening and a successful gardening season!

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