Mowing the lawn can often feel like an unwelcome chore, especially when all you want is to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors. While hiring a lawn care company or delegating the task to the kids are common solutions, another less popular yet increasingly viable option is investing in a robotic lawn mower. This way, your family can enjoy the sunshine, and you won’t have to wait for the next scheduled lawn service.
A robotic mower is essentially a miniature, automated cordless mower. Much like a Roomba vacuum, it’s battery-operated and designed for autonomous operation. However, instead of a vacuum, these mowers feature tiny blades that cut grass into fine clippings. This process eliminates the need for bagging and conveniently returns nutrient-rich clippings back to your lawn.
How Does It Work?
To begin, you’ll need to install boundary wires along your lawn’s perimeter and around the charging dock. While this initial setup can be time-consuming, it’s a one-time process. Once properly installed, the mower will operate within these boundary wires, adhering to the settings you’ve programmed.
There’s no fixed mowing pattern, so don’t expect perfectly straight stripes on your lawn. When the battery runs low, the mower automatically returns to its docking base to recharge. Depending on the brand and model, you can find many advanced features such as rain detection, obstacle avoidance, mobile app integration, and anti-theft capabilities.
Can You Set It and Forget It?
Robotic mowers offer a glimpse into the future of lawn care, but this promise of convenience comes with a few considerations.
While these mowers are programmable, they lack the ability to think independently. Leaving the mower completely unattended, especially if you’re away on vacation, isn’t advisable. A fallen branch or another unexpected object can cause the mower to get stuck. Similarly, an area of unusually thick grass could hinder its operation, and an unexpected power outage would disrupt its charging sequence. Continuous monitoring is still recommended for optimal performance.
How Much Does a Robotic Mower Cost?
Robotic mowers can be a significant investment, particularly if you have a busy schedule or simply dislike mowing. These machines offer many of the benefits associated with regular cordless mowers: they’re quiet, eliminate the need for gas, and require no pushing. However, robotic mowers can be quite expensive, with prices typically ranging from $600 to $3,000. This cost can increase further if you opt to hire someone for the installation.
When compared to the average cost of maintaining a smaller yard with a professional service, hiring someone might initially seem more cost-effective. Furthermore, these mowers generally lack the raw power of a traditional gas mower, making them less suitable for properties with very thick weeds.
Is a Robotic Mower Right for Your Needs?
A robotic mower is an excellent alternative if you prefer not to mow your own lawn, provided it fits within your budget and you have the time to monitor its operation. However, if the primary goal is to have your lawn maintained while you’re away and completely hands-off, then hiring a professional lawn care service might be a more beneficial solution for both convenience and reliability.