Cutting a small patch of grass requires a different approach than maintaining a large lawn. A “small patch” typically refers to spaces under 50 square feet, awkward corners, narrow strips between a sidewalk and a fence, or small ornamental areas inaccessible to larger equipment. These areas demand specialized tools and techniques for a neat finish, as improper cutting can easily result in scalping the turf or leaving behind a ragged appearance.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Selecting the appropriate tool depends on the size of the patch and the desired aesthetic quality of the cut. Manual hand shears offer the highest degree of detail work, making them ideal for very tiny areas or for precisely trimming around obstacles like garden borders or stepping stones. Small push reel mowers are suitable for patches that require a clean, scissor-like cut but are too small for a standard rotary mower, often providing a superior quality of cut that stresses the grass less.
Small push reel mowers are particularly effective on patches requiring a clean and even result. For the fastest solution, a battery or electric string trimmer provides excellent maneuverability, though it demands careful handling to achieve an even height across the patch. Conversely, while battery-powered string trimmers offer unparalleled flexibility for navigating tight or oddly shaped areas, their high-speed rotation tears the grass, which can sometimes leave the plant more susceptible to disease.
Precision Trimming with Manual Tools
Manual grass shears allow for meticulous control, which is necessary when trimming along curved edges or next to delicate plantings. To maintain a uniform height, the shears should be held parallel to the ground, using short, deliberate snips rather than aggressive chops. This technique prevents the choppy, uneven look that results from trying to cut too much grass at once. For larger patches, a well-maintained reel mower is the preferred manual option for an even cut.
When maneuvering a reel mower in a small space, it is beneficial to use a slight overlap on each pass, typically around one-third of the cutting width, to prevent missed strips of grass. This overlapping pattern ensures the entire area receives a uniform cut, which is often difficult to achieve in confined spaces. Sharp blades and consistent overlap are what distinguish a professional-looking result from a merely trimmed patch.
Effective Use of String Trimmers
Using a string trimmer to cut an entire patch of grass requires a technique focused on preventing the common mistake of “scalping.” To avoid this, the trimmer head must be held parallel to the ground, maintaining a consistent height of approximately two to three inches above the surface. This position ensures the rapidly spinning line contacts the grass horizontally, simulating a mower’s cut rather than digging into the turf.
The most effective method for cutting with a string trimmer is a controlled motion known as “feathering,” where only the tip of the cutting line is allowed to strike the grass. This reduces the risk of cutting the grass too short. Aggressive sweeping motions should be avoided as they can push clippings outward unevenly, create trenches in the turf, and cause the trimmer to throw debris. Before starting, it is prudent to clear the small area of any hidden debris or small rocks, which the trimmer line can easily launch at high velocity.
Handling Clippings and Final Touches
Properly addressing grass clippings immediately following the cut is important for the health and appearance of the small patch. If the grass was cut when dry and the clippings are fine and short, they can usually be left on the surface, where they will quickly decompose. This natural process, called “grasscycling,” effectively provides a light, slow-release fertilizer for the turf. However, if the grass was overly tall or wet, the resulting thick clumps of clippings must be raked up to prevent them from smothering the underlying grass blades.
Leaving thick, matted clippings can impede air circulation and block sunlight, potentially leading to fungal lawn diseases. Once the patch is clean, the final step involves cleaning and storing the tools to maintain their effectiveness for the next use. Wiping down manual shears and reel mower blades prevents rust, while cleaning debris from string trimmer heads ensures they operate smoothly.