Mowing stripes on your lawn has many benefits beyond attracting envy from your neighbors. Lawn stripes can make your property look like it was professionally maintained.

 

A lawn with the right stripes will help the grass get lots of sunlight. The grass will get enough sun from all sides by changing the pattern of your lines. Lawn striping requires that grass be at least 3-4 inches tall.

 

 This is a healthy height for your lawn. A thick, lush grass bed will help to prevent and choke out weed growth. It also promotes more robust root formation.

Stripe Your Lawn Without a Roller

Before you start, think about how you want your stripes to be laid. Are you looking for straight lines, checkerboard patterns, or diagonal stripes? You have many lawn mowing options. Once this is figured out, ensure that your grass is tall enough. Short grass can be more challenging to lay down. Also, ensure that your mower blades are sharp.

You don't need a roller to manage your lawn stripes. 

 

There are several methods you can use instead. You can use your mower and the mowing board for the first method, or you can use a soft bristle push-broom. A straight 2x4 or floor squeegee could be used.

 

The best grasses for striping are fescues or ryegrass. Many people ask me, " Can you strip Bermuda grass?" because it is such a popular grass. Yes, it is possible, but it can be more difficult.

 

 It is challenging to lay Bermuda grass because of its fast growth and large grass blades. However, there are methods.

 

Let's look at how you can stripe your lawn with a rake.

 

Mower, Stripe Your Lawn

This method of lawn staking works best when you have a riding mower with an adjustable deck. This method is also the most efficient for large yards. A push mower can achieve the same striped look, but it will take more time and energy if there is a lot to mow.

Let's assume you have a plan and are ready to mow. Start by trimming around your yard's perimeter using the mower's cutting deck.

 

 Next, cut your yard in straight lines. Assume consecutive lines are your goal, and you will be heading east to west.

 

Move from one end of your yard towards the other, turn 180 degrees, and then mow a line running west to west. Continue to mow your entire yard. After your yard has reached a uniform height, set the mower deck at the lowest setting and turn off the blades. 

 

The deck should roll as low as possible across the grass, but not lower. Keep the deck as low and straight as possible. Next, run the mower deck east-west once, then do a 180. Then drive west to the following line.

 

The mower deck bends the grass one way, and the next pass turns it in the opposite direction. This gives the grass its striped appearance. The grass's position will affect how the sun reflects light.

 

Do not be discouraged if you don't see dramatic results the first time. Sometimes it takes a few passes before the grass lays down or several mowings to create a beautiful striped pattern.

 

Read more; lawn mowing tips

Push Broom

These next steps will work if you have a smaller yard or a push mower rather than a riding mower. You can use a push mower to stripe your lawn instead of a roller.

Start with a soft bristle brush. 

 

You don't want to use a stiff bristle broom. They could cause damage to your grass and pull some of the roots out. I don't wish to have a raggedy, damaged lawn.

 

You will pull the broom behind your back and drag it across your lawn using light pressure. You bend the grass in one direction and then turn the next stripe in the opposite direction.