Cutting grass that has grown to a height of a foot or more presents a significant challenge beyond routine lawn care. Standard maintenance equipment is not designed to handle this volume of material, which can lead to damage or an uneven cut. Successfully tackling this overgrowth requires specialized tools or modified techniques applied in a deliberate, staged approach. The right method depends on the density of the growth, the area’s size, and the equipment you have available.
Handheld Tools for Dense Growth
For smaller patches, edges, or areas where wheeled equipment cannot navigate, handheld string trimmers and brush cutters are the most accessible tools. A string trimmer uses a rapidly spinning nylon line to slice through grass and lighter weeds. For tall, dense grass, a gas-powered model with a thicker, heavy-duty line is preferred, as it offers the necessary power and torque.
A brush cutter is a heavier, more powerful machine built for tougher vegetation, including woody stalks, thick weeds, and small saplings. Instead of nylon line, a brush cutter utilizes a metal blade attachment to cut through material that would instantly break a trimmer string. When using either tool on tall grass, employing a smooth, sweeping motion in an arc helps you cut the material in manageable sections. Aim to cut only the top portion of the grass first, which reduces the strain on the motor.
Techniques for Standard Walk-Behind Mowers
Many homeowners attempt to clear tall grass with a standard residential mower, a task that requires careful technique to prevent damaging the engine or the lawn. The most effective strategy is the Staged Cutting Approach, which centers on the principle that removing more than one-third of the grass blade height at once can shock the plant and lead to browning or dehydration. This approach minimizes stress on the grass while preventing the mower deck from becoming clogged.
To begin, the mower deck must be set to its highest cutting height. The initial pass should be executed slowly, cutting only the top third of the grass stalks. Moving slowly is crucial, as it allows the blade to cleanly sever the material without clogging the discharge chute or stalling the engine. After the first cut, allow the grass a recovery period of two to four days before attempting a second pass. For the second cut, lower the deck one setting and repeat the slow, deliberate pass, again removing no more than a third of the remaining height. This gradual reduction ensures the grass has time to recover before the next cut.
Heavy-Duty Field Clearing Equipment
When the area is large, the material is dense, or the growth includes thick brush and saplings, specialized field clearing equipment becomes necessary. A walk-behind brush mower, sometimes called a brush hog, is a heavy-duty rotary machine built with higher horsepower and robust blades designed to withstand impact with tough debris. This equipment efficiently shreds and mulches thick grass and small woody material, making it ideal for reclaiming severely overgrown fields or rural acreage.
Another option is the sickle bar mower, which uses a reciprocating action to shear the material between moving blades and stationary fingers. Sickle bar mowers excel at cutting tall, light material, such as grass for hay, and they can operate at various angles, making them useful for ditch banks. Unlike a brush mower, the sickle bar simply cuts the material and leaves it lying in rows. These heavy-duty machines are often available for rent, providing an efficient solution for projects beyond the capacity of residential tools.
Essential Preparation and Safety Steps
Regardless of the tool chosen, proper preparation is necessary to protect the operator and the equipment. Before starting any cutting, walk the entire area to check for hidden debris such as rocks, metal scraps, stumps, or garden hoses. Striking an unseen object with a rapidly spinning blade can turn it into a dangerous projectile, thrown at speeds as high as 200 miles per hour.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory, especially when operating powerful equipment that can launch debris. This includes safety glasses, long pants, sturdy boots, and hearing protection to guard against the high noise levels of gas-powered machinery. Clear the area of all people and pets to ensure their safety from flying objects.
When using gas-powered tools, allow the engine to cool before refueling. Additionally, avoid mowing when the grass is dry or the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize fire risk.