Manual cutting of long grass provides a quiet, environmentally conscious alternative to powered machinery, appealing to those with specific terrain like steep slopes or limited access to fuel or electricity. This method requires deliberate selection and preparation of tools, along with the development of specific body mechanics, which offers a low-impact full-body exercise. The process transforms a chore into a rhythmic, physical practice.
Selecting and Preparing Manual Tools
The scythe is the primary tool for efficiently clearing large areas of tall grass, and its design dictates its maintenance. European scythe blades are thinner and maintained by peening—cold-hammering the edge to thin the metal and reform the cutting profile. American blades are thicker and heat-treated, requiring maintenance with a whetstone or file, as attempting to hammer a hard blade can cause it to crack.
The snath, the scythe’s handle, must be correctly fitted for ergonomic operation and back health. For proper fit, the lower handle grip should align with the user’s hip joint when the blade rests on the ground. The upper grip should be positioned roughly a forearm’s length away from the lower grip, ensuring the user maintains an upright posture during the mowing action. A correctly adjusted snath allows the blade to rest lightly on the ground, with the cutting edge angled slightly above the soil surface.
Mastering the Scythe Technique
Effective scything relies on a rhythmic, full-body motion rather than brute force chopping. The technique begins with a relaxed stance, holding the scythe with arms straight and the blade resting on the ground at the far end of the cutting arc. The movement is a smooth, semi-circular sweep, pivoting from the hips and using body weight to drive the blade through the grass.
The blade should slice the grass, not chop it, by remaining flat and close to the ground to allow the curved edge to shear the stems. This sliding cut initiates at the heel and finishes at the toe, laying the cut material neatly into a parallel row called a swath. The mower takes a small step forward with each swing, advancing only a few inches to maintain the consistent, low-effort slicing motion. Trying to cut too wide a path or moving too quickly results in a less efficient cut and unnecessary strain.
Alternative Manual Methods for Detail Work
For areas a scythe cannot effectively reach, such as tight corners, around trees, or on steep banks, a sickle or long-handled shears are more appropriate. The hand sickle, a smaller tool with a curved blade and short handle, is excellent for targeted clearing. Using a sickle involves holding a bunch of grass in the non-dominant hand and using a gentle, pulling motion to shear the stems. Long-handled grass shears operate like large scissors on a shaft and are useful for vertical edging or trimming around obstacles without bending. These tools often feature a rotating head, allowing the user to switch between horizontal trimming and vertical edging while standing upright. The shearing action of both the sickle and shears provides a clean cut, contrasting with the tearing action of some powered trimmers.
Post-Cutting Management and Safety
After cutting long grass, proper management of the clippings is necessary to prevent smothering underlying growth. When cutting very long grass, the material should be raked into piles, or windrows, and removed from the area. Removing this biomass helps to deplete soil nutrients over time, which encourages a greater diversity of finer grasses and wildflowers. The clippings can be composted, used as a mulch in garden beds, or dried to make hay.
Safety is paramount when handling sharp blades; tools should be carried with the blade edge facing away from the body and covered when transported. Before starting to mow, always inspect the area for hidden hazards like stones, wire, or debris, as striking a hard object can damage the blade and cause dangerous ricochets. Maintaining proper body mechanics is important to prevent muscle strain, especially lower back fatigue. The rhythmic scything motion should feel like a controlled dance, with the spine remaining relatively straight and the movement driven by twisting at the waist and hips. Store sharp tools by hanging them safely on a wall or by removing the blade from the snath for long-term storage in a dry place to prevent rust.