Dimensions of lawn mower. Grass Cutting Height Chart: How High to Cut Your Grass

Lawnmower buying guide: How to choose the best lawn mower

A lush, leafy green lawn is what many gardeners dream of having. And for that, you need a good lawnmower.

In fact, the lawn is often the largest area of the garden. So having a high-quality lawnmower that suits your grass and garden size is vital. In fact, I think it’s the most important gardening tool you can own.

But shopping for a lawnmower can feel overwhelming. There are so many different types and the jargon is confusing. Often the models get more expensive, but the added extras are hard to identify.

So I’ve put together a lawnmower buying guide. It is completely independent and objective. I am not reviewing or recommending specific models or brands, or trying to sell you anything.

The buying guide simply aims to explain the different features and show which type of lawnmower is best for different garden sizes, styles and power requirements.

Lawn mower types

Cylinder

Cylinder lawn mowers have cylindrical blades that rotate vertically at the front of the mower. They cut against a fixed blade at the bottom. The cylinder should have multiple blades – three or more is best.

Cylinder lawnmowers are best for flat lawns that you want to keep short and well-manicured. They can be electric, petrol-powered and push mowers.

Rotary

Rotary lawnmowers have a single blade that rotates horizontally underneath the mower, like the propellers of a plane.

Rotary lawn mowers are the most versatile type and will cope with most types of grass. They are better than cylinder mowers at cutting longer and rougher grass.

A rotary mower may be powered by mains electric, rechargeable battery or petrol engine.

Hover

Hover lawnmowers hover above the ground, making them easier to push and adept at mowing uneven surfaces. They are a good choice for unusual-shaped lawns and cheaper than other types.

However, hover lawnmowers are not always suitable for larger gardens. They are usually electric powered and have rotary blades.

Lawnmower power options

Electric lawnmowers

Most lawnmowers are powered by mains electricity. This is the best choice for small and medium-sized gardens. The mowers are smaller, cheaper to buy and easy to store.

Check that the cable will allow you to mow to the end of your garden before you buy.

You should expect to pay £100 to £200 for an electric mower. Hover lawnmowers are cheaper, starting at around £50.

Cordless lawnmowers

Cordless battery-powered lawn mowers are a hassle-free garden mower. They have all the benefits of an electric mower but you don’t need to worry about a cable.

However, they can be more expensive than mains electric models because of the battery. Modern lithium ion batteries are lighter and last much longer than traditional nickel-cadmium versions, but they are more costly.

You should expect to pay £300 to £500 for a cordless lawnmower.

Petrol lawnmowers

Petrol-powered lawn mowers are the best choice for large gardens where a mains cable would be unsuitable. They are bit more expensive but much more powerful and faster at cutting. They are also easier to manoeuvre around large objects.

However, bear in mind that petrol lawnmowers will need servicing like car engines, and you will need to check and top-up the oil.

You should expect to pay £150 to £500 for a petrol lawnmower, depending on your power requirements.

Push lawnmowers

These are generally small cylinder lawnmowers that you simply push along with your muscle power. They are best for small gardens and don’t use electricity or produce noise and emissions.

However, push lawnmowers are not suitable for larger or sloping gardens or people who have difficulty pushing.

You should expect to pay £40 to £100 for a push lawnmower.

Lawn mowers for different garden sizes

Think of your lawn as a tennis court. A full-size court would be a medium lawn, half the court or less would be a small lawn. Anything bigger is a large lawn.

• Small lawn (up to 100 sq m): electric and cordless lawn mowers.
• Medium lawn (100 – 250 sq m): electric, cordless and petrol lawn mowers.
• Large lawn (250 sq m): petrol lawn mowers.

Other lawnmower factors to consider

Self-propelled

Some electric and petrol lawnmowers are self-propelled. This means that you don’t need to push them – simply steer them in the right direction!

It makes mowing much easier, especially with large lawns and heavy machines. Some models come with adjustable speeds, so you can set it to a comfortable walking pace.

Grass box

It is generally advised to collect grass clippings rather than leaving them on the lawn. Most lawnmowers collect the clippings in a box at the back. This is better than mowers that leave you to rake them up afterwards!

If you have a medium or large lawn, look for a high-capacity grass box. This will cut down how often you need to stop mowing and empty the box.

Mulch mowers

You can also get lawn mowers that chop up the grass clippings very finely and push them back into the lawn as mulch. These are sometimes called recycling mowers. The mulch adds nutrients back into the lawn.

The fine shredding helps the clippings break down quickly so they don’t smother the rest of the grass. Mulching mowers are expensive but a good choice if you don’t have anywhere to dispose of grass clippings.

Cutting width

A lawn mower’s cutting width refers to how wide a stripe the lawnmower can cut. A larger cutting width will reduce how much time you spend mowing the lawn.

Here’s a handy guide using the lawn sizes from above.

• Small lawn: 300mm cutting width.
• Medium lawn: 350-400mm cutting width.
• Large lawn: 400mm cutting width.

Cutting height

Cutting height refers to how high the grass will be when you have cut it. Most lawnmowers have adjustable cutting heights – you simply move the blades up or down.

This helps you dictate the height of the grass, and leave it longer in autumn or during dry periods. Cutting height ranges are usually 20mm to 60mm – see my section on proper mowing technique below for advice.

Rear roller

If you want the striped lawn finish you see on football pitches, you need a lawnmower with a rear roller. The heavier the mower and its roller, the longer your stripes will last.

Rear rollers also allow you to mow right up to the edge of the lawn.

Mowing edges

If you have lots of lawn edges, it is worth looking for a model that can cut right up to the edge. Generally cylinder blades or versions with rear rollers are better at this.

Any mower with inset front wheels or a grass collection comb is also great for mowing edges – no need to go back round with a strimmer.

Robot lawn mowers

Robot lawn mowers are becoming more commonplace these days. The technology is getting better all the time and they can now recognise obstacles and lawn edges. And they are a lot more affordable, though still not cheap.

Robot lawnmowers are for you if you really, really hate mowing the lawn. There is some set-up involved as you have to lay a perimeter wire. Then just leave the mower to get on with cutting. Some models even ‘self-park’ into a charging station after mowing.

Proper mowing technique

Now you have the best lawnmower, you need to get your mowing technique sorted too. A great-looking lawn needs a regular mowing regime that encourages the grasses to develop fine leaves. It also keeps the growth lush and dense, and stops weeds and moss spreading.

The single biggest mistake most people make when cutting the lawn is to cut too low. This is known as ‘scalping’ the grass, and can seriously weaken it.

For normal lawns that get wear and foot traffic, keep the grass around 5cm high. For ornamental lawns that don’t get used much, you can go as low as 2.5cm.

Always remove leaves and grass clippings after mowing and feed the lawn in spring and autumn with special lawn fertiliser. Make sure you choose the right one – spring feeds encourage leafy growth and autumn mixtures build stronger roots.

Grass Cutting Height Chart: How High to Cut Your Grass

David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience.

Sonya Harris is an award-winning gardening expert with two decades of experience teaching and sharing her extensive knowledge about small space gardening. She is a Master Gardener and founder of the award-winning Bullock Garden Project in New Jersey. Sonya has written for Martha Stewart Living, won South Jersey Magazine’s One to Watch Award, and is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

Finding the optimal grass cutting height is important to maintain your lawn’s health. If you mow the lawn too short it can damage your lawn. But cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses also require different cutting heights. Below, review our grass-cutting height chart for types of grasses and learn how high to cut grass in the spring, summer, and fall.

How High to Cut Grass in Spring

In the spring, cut cool-season grasses to 3 or 4 inches. Once your grass reaches a height of about 6 inches tall, it’s time to mow. Warm-season grasses should be cut to 2 or 2 ½ inches, and you’ll know it’s time to mow once these grasses reach about 4 inches tall.

Grass starts growing quickly in the spring, especially after rain, and can be cut shorter at the beginning of the growing season to help remove winter debris and encourage new growth. It’s tough to know how often to mow because it depends on several factors, including rainfall amounts, grass type, and soil health.

How High to Cut Grass in Summer

In the summer, keep both cool-season and warm-season grasses slightly taller. Cut cool-season grasses to 3 or 3 ½ inches. Mow warm-season grasses to 2 or 2 ½ inches. In summer, grass can be kept a bit higher to prevent weeds, help shade the soil line, and maintain water in the soil.

How High to Cut Grass in Fall

Cool-season grass can be mowed down to about 2 ½ inches before winter’s first frost. Warm-season grasses can be cut to 1 ½ or 2 inches in the fall before cooler weather appears.

In fall, grass should be cut to a medium length to keep it at a reasonable height over winter but to keep the roots protect during winter. Finding that right height is a little tricky because grass that’s too tall in the winter tends to become matted and prone to diseases.

A Trick to Help You Remember These Measurements

Draw a line across one of your lawn mower tires that stands 3 2/3 inches above surface level. Draw an arrow, as well, to indicate which direction is up/down. That way, you’ll see where the grass level stands in relation to the line so you’ll know when and how much to mow your lawn. It can take some experimenting to see what mowing height you need to set your mower to and then you can mark that slot to find it quickly.

Different types of mowers have different ways to set the height so it’s best to consult your owner’s manual. You can typically use the mower’s levers or gears to set the correct height according to the type of grass you have.

The 1 out of 3 rule refers to the preference that you should never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blades every time you mow your lawn. For example, if you are cutting your lawn and it has grown 3 inches tall, do not cut more than 1 inch off of the blade, which is 1/3 of the total height. Cutting only 1/3 of the blade keeps the grass healthy without damaging its growth.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is mowing the grass too short in the summer. Keep the grass slightly longer in the summer so the longer blades can protect the roots from the harsh summer sun.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Lawn Tractor Tires – Sizing Buying Guide

Replacing a damaged or worn-out lawn tractor tire is easy to do, and a whole lot easier than taking the tractor in to be serviced at the dealership or local repair shop. The first step is to find the right replacement tire. When you are shopping for new lawn tractor tires, there are four primary considerations: tire size, ply-rating, the type of terrain and traction requirements, and of course, the price.

Lawn Tractor Tires Sizing

Like any other tire, lawn tractor tires have a series of numbers molded on to the side that spell out specific details about the tire. There are two different sizing systems: two-number system, and three-number system.

Lawn tractor tires using the two-number system display numbers as 4.80-8, for example. This means the tire’s width is approximately 4.8 inches and the rim is 8 inches in diameter. Those are the only two numbers you need to find the right size replacement tire.

The three-number lawn tractor tires numbering system works a bit differently. 15×6.00-6 is a common size. The first number before the “x” indicates the tire’s diameter when inflated and not under load. The middle number between the “x” and the “-,” indicates the tire’s width. The final number indicates the width of the rim. Note that the last number is width, not diameter of the rim. This is always the case with three-number sizing for lawn tractor tires and other garden equipment tires.

Lawn Tractor Tires Ply-rating

Lawn Tractors are very rarely over-loaded, but a tire with a higher carrying capacity is also more resistant to punctures because the casing of the tire is thicker and stronger. If your lawn tractor runs over rough terrain with lots of thorns, or you use the tractor for work other than just mowing, consider replacing with a “B/4-ply” rated tire instead of a “A/2-ply” rating. The number of plies is always stamped on the side of the tire. There are only two options, A/2-ply or B/4-ply in the common sizes for lawn tractors.

Traction Needs

There are three main classifications of tread pattern types for lawn tractors: mixed-use turf tires, knobby all-terrain tires, or ribbed tires.

• Turf treads are most common and usually have circumferential rows of chevron shaped tread blocks. These are designed to provide some traction on slick grass, while not digging up and damaging the turf. If you are replacing one tire, you can usually find a tread pattern that is identical, or close to identical to the pattern on the remaining tires, or what came on the tractor when new. A good versatile turf tire is the WDT P512A tire.
• Knobby, all-terrain treads typically have large tread blocks and deeper grooves to provide traction in loose surfaces like dirt, sand or mud. These tires sometimes have a herringbone tread pattern, like the tread on a farm tractor. They feature a high void area (space between the blocks) to evacuate debris from the tire. If you use your tractor primarily for towing or other jobs on dirt paths without the mower deck, a knobby, all-terrain type tread like the WDT P328 tire may be the answer.
• Ribbed treads have circumferential grooves and straight ribs that are either flat or slightly scalloped. These patterns provide some lateral stability to keep the tire from sliding sideways, but are primarily designed to roll easily and last a long time. They don’t provide as much traction as a turf or knobby, all-terrain tire.

Price

You can find a large difference in the price of lawn tractor tires. This is due to factors like the brand name, the associated features and benefits, and even the country of manufacture. A few minutes of online research to see typical for your specific size of tire will be helpful to manage your expectations and to set your budget. This will likely determine if you are going to buy a premium name brand, or if you are better suited to a cheap tractor tire made in china. Small lawn tractor tires can be found for as little as 20, and can run as high as 60 or 70.

No matter what size, ply rating or type of lawn tractor tire you need, you can find multiple options at low on Tires-easy.com. Tires-easy.com has one of the largest selections of lawn tractor tires on the web, a super knowledgeable customer service team, and an extensive distribution network for fast and accurate shipping every time.

[prompt type=”left” title=”Exclusive Member Discounts!” message=”Create an account for free on Tires-Easy.com and check out the discounted on a great selection of tires.” button_text=”Sign Up” href=”https://www.tires-easy.com/login”]

Tire reviews, ratings and news

The Best Lawn Mower for Small Yards, Including Cordless and Reel Mower

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best lawn mower for small yards 2023. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best lawn mowers for small yards are easy to use, compact and easy to store, and, most importantly, can reach areas of a lawn, i.e., around garden beds, that larger, more heavy-duty mowers can’t. A lot of mowers on the market nowadays also include necessary accessories that deem it unnecessary for buyers to purchase various other garden tools like trimmers. Smaller lawn mowers tend to have some key features that make them unique including foldable handles and a shorter cutting width.

The list below has a selection of small units with various deck sizes, including one mower with a deck that completely detaches to transform into a string trimmer and lawn edger. Before that, our buying guide can help you know what to look for when shopping for the best mower for your smaller yard especially if storage space is limited.

Here is a list of the best lawn mowers for small yards, followed by a buying guide to help you select the best lawn mower for small yards.

Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards 2023

Whether you cut the lawn regularly or once a month, there are plenty of mowers to choose from for small yards. A manual mower, a reel style mower, or models with a decent cutting width, here is the list of the best lawn mowers for small yards.

Best Lightweight Mower for Small Yard: Yard Machines 20-Inch Push Mower | Buy Now

Best Practical Mower for Small Yard: BLACKDECKER 20V 3-in-1 Kit | Buy Now

Best Corded Lawn Mower for Small Yard: Sun Joe Mow Joe 20-Inch Electric Mower | Buy Now

Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best lawn mowers for small yards, according to many happy buyers.

listed in this article were as shown in US on amazon.com (USA), homedepot.com, and walmart.com, as of May 2023

Best Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Makita XML03CM1

For a battery-powered, cordless lawn mower with a bit of punch, the Makita XML03CM1 is a strong contender. There are four 4.0 batteries included with the unit, and it has an 18-inch steel mower deck that’s easily folded away for storage. It moves around a lawn with ease and can do so quietly thanks to a special mode that keeps noise down with a constant speed of 2,500 rpm.

“I was able to cut 7,000 square feet with three sets of batteries,” wrote a customer. “I used one, inserted the second, and in the meantime charged the first set. [The] motor is really powerful and doesn’t stop on really high grass and weeds. This takes approximately 40 minutes to charge 1 set of 4.0 Ah batteries. It’s easy to remove grass from the basket and to clean the mower.”

Cutting width: 18 inches

Power: Battery powered

Weight: 79.8 pounds

Best Durable Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Toro Recycler 21-Inch Lawn Mower

One durable lawn mower that produces smooth, reliable power is the Toro Recycler. Customers have praised this outdoor power tool for handling lawns well. With a full tank of gas, it should have around 90 minutes of run time. The gas-powered mower is lightweight, made of quality materials, and can be stowed vertically. It’s also a rear-wheel drive and uses a pull cord to start.

“The Toro Recycler 22 in. SmartStow really is a great lawnmower,” wrote one reviewer. “The pulling power it has is great. Now I do my whole lawn in about one hour on one tank, front and back. I like even better [that I can] just fold the handle forward, lift, and roll into its spot.”

Cutting width: 21 inches

Power: Gas mower

Weight: 67 pounds

Best Push Lawn Mower for Small Yard—PowerSmart DB2194PR 21-Inch

Praised for getting into hard-to-reach places and for working wonders on uneven lawns, the PowerSmart DB2194PR 21-inch 3-in-1 gas push lawn mower has proven highly effective. The compact size makes it ideal for small yards, but its 21-inch cutting width allows it to hit every blade. The bag has mulching capabilities and a side discharge to direct grass clippings toward one side.

“It is pretty light and easy to maneuver,” wrote a customer. “[It] did a great job in mulching the clippings, and so far, it has a sharp cut.” Another user wrote, “I found this easy-to-use, and it’s a very effective lawn mower at a decent price.”

Cutting width: 21 inches

Power: Gas-powered push mower

Weight: 63 pounds

Best Lightweight Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Yard Machines 20-Inch Push Mower

Customers were thrilled with how lightweight and easy to maneuver the Yard Machines 20-inch push mower was. Though it doesn’t have a push-button start, buyers found that the machine started up easily and also praised it for cutting down tall weeds without hassle. Start this mower by using the pull cord and walk behind the mower to push it over the lawn.

One customer wrote, “I’ve used it for about three hours run time, and it has been constantly easy to start; it appears to use less gas for the same cutting time, and it’s quite lightweight.” Another buyer commented, “It was incredibly easy to set up, starts every time on the first pull, and powers through tall and/or wet grass.”

Cutting width: 20 inches

Power: Gas-powered push mower

Weight: 50 pounds

BUY NOW: US269 (Was US329), The Home Depot

Also Available at: Walmart, Amazon

Best Electric Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Litheli Cordless 13-Inch

There are five height adjustments on the Litheli Cordless 13-inch electric mower. This is a mower built especially for users wanting a quiet machine that’s easy to move, compact, and fit for small yards. For added protection, the machine has two safety power switches–one on the handle and one inside the battery compartment.

“It meets all my expectations,” wrote a customer. “It arrived earlier than expected. It comes mostly assembled and is lightweight but also does a great job mowing the lawn. The battery life lasted about 40 minutes on a full charge.”

Cutting width: 13 inches

Power: Cordless electric

Weight: 27.3 pounds

Best Reel Mower for Small Yard—Remington Push Reel Lawn Mower

Gas-powered mowers can be side-stepped for lower-maintenance electric options, such as the Remington RM3000 16-inch reel push power tool. It has nine different height adjustments and finding fuel isn’t necessary for its sharp blades to function. When in action, the engine runs quietly to help with cutting during the early mornings or late evenings, without feeling guilty about disturbing the neighbors.

“This mower is so easy to use and has very sharp blades,” wrote a customer. “Perfect for our smaller-sized yard. Love that I don’t have to fill it with gas, or mess with the motor. Nope—just grab and go. Mowing the yard takes only a few minutes!”

Cutting width: 16 inches

Power: Electric

Weight: 28 pounds

Best Cordless Electric Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Battery-Powered Mower

To help cut grass with ease, customers opted for the Greenworks 40v, 16-inch, cordless 4.0Ah electric lawn mower. It has a self-propellor mechanism that adds pressure on the lever and boosts the cut quality to power through tough grass. The batteries pop in and out of the charger with ease and the handle folds down to make for easier storage.

“This is a great mower for trimming around the house before or cleaning up after a larger mower,” wrote a shopper. “It is narrow, light, can be height adjusted on the fly, and can reach the places [that] a heavier mower would need considerable strength and stamina [to push], with minimum effort.”

Cutting width: 16 inches

Power: Electric, battery

Weight: 37.5 pounds

Best Practical Lawn Mower for Small Yard—BLACKDECKER 20V 3-in-1 Kit

There are several reasons why the BLACKDECKER 3-in-1 string trimmer, lawn edger, and lawn mower kit is worth it for owners of small lawns. This is a powerhouse of a kit and customers were impressed with this do-it-all set. Once the wheeled deck is removed, this converts into two other tools—a trimmer and edger. The mower is lightweight and cuts a 12-inch width, while the trimmer and edger are handheld tools and equally as efficient in their roles.

It has a cutting height of 1.6 to 2.4 inches and is most suitable for small yards. It can also tackle inclines. The unit comes with two batteries, and its small size makes it easy to pack away. “Lightweight and I don’t break my arm starting it, like my gas mower,” wrote one customer. “It switches from mower to weed eater and edge trimmer with a tap of foot to release.” Another person who lives on a two-acre hill added that it’s “a go-anywhere masterpiece of yardsmanship.”

Cutting width: 12 inch

Power: Two 2 Ah batteries and charger included

Weight: 14.95

Best Corded Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Ryobi 13-Inch Corded Electric Mower

This corded electric lawn mower from Ryobi impressed customers with its power output. The company produces a number of good-quality power tools, and this one is no different. It is a handy small mower with a long extension cord that’s perfect for small yards as smooth to push around and emits low noise levels. Thanks to its 23-pound frame and 13-inch cutting width, it can get close to objects and keep overgrown grass and weeds at bay.

Many satisfied customers also commented on how easy it was to dispose of the clipping bag contents once it’s filled. “This little Ryobi did an amazing job,” began one customer. “Super easy to maneuver under tree branches, rose bushes, around stumps, and on corners. Not much assembly was required. You lock the handle poles into corresponding holes on the sides of the mower and push down with force to lock into place. Very happy with my purchase!”

Cutting width: 13 inches

Power: Electric

Weight: 23 pounds

Best Lawn Mower for Small Yards with High Grass—Sun Joe Mow Joe 20-Inch Corded Electric Mower

Push mowers such as the Sun Joe Mow Joe 20-inch corded electric machine are a popular choice as they’re easy to use and eco-friendly. It’s lightweight, has seven manual height adjustments, and can cut through tall grass well. Taking less than 15 minutes to assemble, this Sun Joe electric mower for small yards is durable and requires little maintenance. It has a steel blade and is powered by a 12-amp motor.

Other features include a foldable handle, mulching disposal bag, and rust-resistant deck. “This corded electric mower works great…This gets the leaves up pretty well while the grass is not growing as quickly, as the clippings are mostly leaves,” wrote one happy customer. “I just dump the chopped up leaves from the catcher in my wooded areas and flower beds for mulch to keep the weeds down. The large wheels are easy to roll over the bumpy portions of the yard and can turn tight corners.”

Cutting width: 20 inches

Power: Corded electric mower

Weight: 51.8 pounds

The Best Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Summary

One cordless lawn mower that impressed customers with its powerful abilities to cut grass is the Makita XML03CM1 (US399, Amazon). This mower is battery-powered and has an 18-inch steel mower deck. It’s great for keeping noise levels down and easily folds to store away.

Multiple customers hardly needed to use another garden tool or accessory once they purchased the BLACKDECKER 3-in-1 kit (US160.86, The Home Depot). The set includes a lawn mower, string trimmer, and lawn edger. It’s impressively apt at doing all its jobs and is lightweight enough to reach hard-to-reach areas, such as around bushes and trees.

Though it didn’t make it to this list, the 14-inch manual reel mower from the American Lawn Mower Company (US85.49, Amazon) is another good option for anyone with complex lawns with things like exposed tree stumps and exposed roots. This is lighter than a gas mower and can get around tough patches with ease.

Choosing the Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards—Buying Guide

To help make cutting the lawn feel more pleasurable and less like a chore, it’s best to take some time to decide what type of mower will cut the grass as quickly and efficiently as possible. There are around 15 types of general lawn mowers available. Customers often choose electric and reel mowers for small gardens, however, there are a few more options suited to smaller yards.

Cutting Width

The lawn mower’s deck is one of the most important features of this power tool. The deck not only protects the user from the cutting blade and debris flicking up but decks are often available in smaller dimensions to best navigate around a small yard. This part is usually height adjustable to tackle various grass heights and is typically made of corrosion and rust-resistant metal.

Before cutting the grass, it’s wise to think about what cutting width is required. A lawn mower with a large cutting width will be more difficult to maneuver around small yards. On the other hand, if a lawn mower with a cutting width too small is used then the task could take longer than needed. The upcoming selection features cutting ranges between 12 to 21 inches to offer a variety of options for small yards. A 16-inch cutting width is good for boxy or rectangular yards, while a yard with more obstacles is more suited to a 14-inch mower.

Other Considerations

Once the decision has been made on which lawn mower easily cuts the grass of the small yard in question, there are a few other features to consider.

• Grass catcher capacity: Check the size of the bag which is collecting the grass clippings. A larger bag means less trips to the compost heap, although it may make the mower heavier.
• Self-propelled mowers: From the list of the best lawn mowers for small yards below there are a few electric models which are self-propelled. This is a great feature to have in a mower as it means the mower doesn’t need to be pushed. Guide the mower through and it does the job automatically. This makes mowing easier and some mowers have adjustable speeds to assist as required.
• Mulch mowers: A mulching mower is where the blade and mowing deck chop the grass multiple times before spitting out the grass clippings back onto the lawn. Side discharge mowers can direct this cut grass out to the side, and usually, a bag can be installed to directly catch the clippings as they fall out.
• Assembly: Some mowers require assembling. Most will just need the handle slotted into place, and some will come pre-assembled. Check before you buy how intricate or fiddly a model is to put together.
• Handle: Depending on how tall or short the user is, it’s worth checking whether the mower has an adjustable height handle. Also, some handles can be folded down to easily be tucked away for storage which is particularly handy if you mow frequently.
• Cutting heights: Depending on the grass length, the cutting height of a mower may be a significant detail to buyers purchasing a new mower. Most manufacturers will state how tall of grass the mower will cut.
• Start: Though many mowers, typically gas mowers, have a pull cord to start, many newer mowers have a push button start which many customers find easier and preferable.

We hope our review of the top lawn mowers for small yards has been helpful. For more suppliers of related products, including lawn mowers, lawn mower tractors, lawn mower bags, lawn mower blades, and lawn mower handles, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

Other Best Product Articles

• The Best Commercial Smokers For Restaurants
• The Best Commercial Dishwasher
• The Best Commercial Dehydrator
• The Best Tin Snips
• The Best Angle Grinders
• The Best PVC Pipe Cutter
• The Best Snap Ring Plier Set
• The Best Dead Blow Hammer
• The Best Masonry Drill Bits
• The Best Wire Crimper Tool
• The Best Commercial Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine
• The Best Slip Joint Pliers
• The Best Dial Indicators
• The Best Knife Grinder
• The Best Felling Axes
• The Best Lawn Mowers For Hills
• The Best Titanium Hammer
• The Best Exterior Caulk For Brick
• The Best Post Hole Digger/Auger
• The Best Blacksmith Hammer
• The Best Pegboard Hooks and Accessories
• The Best Hoists for Jeep Hardtop
• The Best Workbenches for the Garage
• The Best Planer Jointer Combo
• The Best Degreaser For Heavy Equipment
• The Best Drywall Cutting Tool
• The Best Hearing Protection With Bluetooth

This is the very best small lawnmower for smaller outdoor spaces

Get the best home decor ideas, DIY advice and project inspiration straight to your inbox!

Thank you for signing up to Realhomes. You will receive a verification email shortly.

There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

If you only have a small yard, but it is too much to maintain with a weed eater, you need to invest in the best small lawn mower. Because let’s be honest: a heavy-duty mower is probably overkill — in price, noise, and size — for your tiny yard, but there are plenty of compact mowers designed to maintain smaller spaces. As we just said, this one we reviewed from Worx did wonders on our small yard.

While some small lawnmowers are gas-powered, this one works on two batteries to be kind to the environment — and so that you never run out of power. Small lawn mowers offer different mulching options so that you can feed your lawn as you mow, and this one that we love gives you the choice to either bag it up or mulch your grass back into the ground.

Yes, the Worx WG779.E Power Share from Amazon is pretty amazing. Our reviewer loved it and found it so easy to use to trim her unruly but small lawn. It’s a great option for people who have an ample lawn, but lack the space to store a larger machine as it folds, and even if your yard isn’t small (we’re jealous!) it can be used to mow up to 1/8 acre (AKA 5000 sq ft). Wow!

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

The Worx Power Share 40-Volt 14-in Mower is small but mighty. At only 29 lbs, this mower is easy to move around, and even lighter when you remove the batteries for storage and transit.

Equipped with patented torque technology, you have the capability to increase the power of this mower to Turbo if you’re cutting thick grass (but remember, this will use up more battery). For regular use, we found Eco mode was competent, especially for regular trims. The cutting base is 14 inches across and there are six height adjustments that range between 2.5 to 3.5 inches with an easy-to-use lever for height adjustments. You can either mulch your grass or bag up to.85 bushels before a ‘full bag indicator’ alert notifies you it’s time to empty the bag.

To get started, simply insert the safety button, depress then pull the handle lever and you’re ready to mow. The Worx lawnmower runs on two 20V 4.0 Ah batteries. Power Share advertises that this mower can mow 5,000 square feet with just one charge. However, this wholly depends on various factors like the thickness or height of your grass. Just keep an eye on the battery meter to know when you need to juice up and keep spares on charge. We found it capable of doing a good half hour or more of mowing before it was time to recharge which is plenty for the average yard.

So while we think this is the best small lawn mower, as we’ve already mentioned: you could find it a good choice for a larger yard too.

You can read our full Worx WG779E 40V Cordless Lawn Mower review for more.

How to choose a lawn mower for your small yard

If you have opted for a small lawn mower then it is likely your main concerns will be around how much power and ease of use you can get into a compact package. At one time, electric lawn mowers, including cordless battery-powered models were quite big and heavy to accommodate large battery packs for optimal run time. Luckily, technology has advanced and things like more efficient batteries and brushless motors mean you get greater run time in a smaller package.

Next, consider the cutting width. Most range from 12 inches to 21 inches. It might be tempting to go smaller for ease of movement and storage space limitations, but with edge-to-edge cutting, even the largest model on our list is a great choice if you are looking for a particularly compact lawn mower. That said, bigger will tend to mean weightier, so if you are concerned about lifting — perhaps due to a bad back — take the narrower model and be prepared for a couple of extra runs of your yard.

Finally, if storage is your main reason for buying the best small lawn mower, look at foldable options. Many compact lawnmowers have a foldaway handle and don’t forget the grass box. Our favorite one has a soft material grass box that flattens down. Some mulching mowers have no grass box at all.

Tips for getting the most from your small lawn mower

Lawnmowers aren’t as scary as you think. They’re easy to use if you know the right tips and tricks.

Energy reserve You don’t want to be halfway through mowing your lawn only to discover that you’ve run out of juice. If you purchase a gas-powered lawn mower, make sure you top up before each use and have a gas container with gas stored in your garage or shed in case you need more.

For those who buy a battery-powered lawn mower, you might want to consider buying a backup battery. The harder a battery-powered lawn mower has to work (like a lawn where the grass is higher or thicker), the quicker the battery will die out. If your main battery runs out of charge mid-way through mowing the lawn, just pop in the backup battery.

Never mow a wet lawn If your lawn is wet from morning dew or rain, make sure you wait until it’s dry before you mow the lawn. For one, wet grass is heavier so the lawn mower won’t be able to cut the lawn to the best of its ability. Dry grass stands straight up making it easier to cut. Secondly, wet grass clippings can damage the mower which is an easy way to ruin your day.

Clean the lawn mower deck Every once in a while, turn the lawn mower over and clean under the deck. Grass and grime can build up under there and on the blades, making your lawn mower less effective over time. If you have a gas-powered mower, make sure the gas tank is empty and the spark plug wire is disconnected if you decide to clean the deck with the garden hose. It’s not a bad idea to blow off the lawn mower with your blower after each use.

Be careful what you mow over Before mowing your lawn, try to pick up sticks and other debris that could ruin your lawn mower blades. It’s best to avoid stumps and vines as these can also damage or get wrapped around the blades.

Grass clippings are good for the yard Although some people hate the sight of grass clippings left on a yard, they can actually be beneficial to your yard’s health as they’re a natural fertilizer. A mulching feature on a lawn mower is a good option because it breaks down leaves and grass and helps it to decompose quicker. That said, bagging clippings – especially weeds or grass that’s really high – could be helpful at certain times.

How we review small lawn mowers

Yes, this small lawnmower has been tested by a Real Homes reviewer. Our Content Director of Lifestyle Ecommerce tested it for us in her backyard, and as you can already tell: she loved it.

Lindsey has been writing about homes since 2013, when she joined the Homebuilding Renovating team. Now, she spends her time reviewing and managing several homes titles, including Homes Gardens and Livingetc, helping with best practices for our ecommerce content.

Lindsey reviewed the Worx lawnmower back in 2023, and when speaking about it says With an impressive battery life, good range of movement, and edge-to-edge cutting, this cordless lawn mower is great value for money. Easy to use and store, I almost can’t wait to mow the lawn again.

What type of mower is best for small lawn?

Definitely go for a smaller size lawnmower, and one that’s cordless if you can for total convenience, otherwise a corded model will still work. just check its cord is long enough to reach around your lawn. Try and get one that folds if you don’t have much storage space for your lawnmower, and do consider its cutting width — the higher this number, the faster you’ll be able to mow your lawn. But remember, the bigger the width of the mower, the bulkier it will be to store. We’d always say to go electric over gas for the environment and for convenience and ease.

Can I use a trimmer instead of a lawn mower?

If you want to follow the won’t take up any room route to its logical conclusion, it may be tempting to just use your trimmer instead of a lawn mower. After all, if it’s just a small lawn, how hard can it be? Trust us, it’s very hard work, and you won’t get an even trim no matter how hard you try. Even tiny lawns need lawnmowers, although if yours is really very small, a hand-push one will probably suffice.

If you really don’t want to mow though, don’t! We love the look of a wildflower meadow — as do any garden visitors like bees and small creatures.