Lawn Mowers for Small Yards

LESLIE: Well, if you have a big lawn, gas-powered mowers do the job and they do it well. But they do have some drawbacks, especially if you’ve got a smaller yard.

TOM: But the good news is that there are other options and we hear about them right now from This Old House host Kevin O’Connor and lawn and garden expert Roger Cook.

Hey, guys, thanks for stopping by The Money Pit. And Kevin, there are a lot of options today besides gas-powered mowers.

KEVIN: You know, when it comes to mowing our lawns, we are all familiar with the traditional walk-behind or riding gas mowers. They’re essential for a big yard but they can be noisy, they require a lot of maintenance and, well, they’re not so great for the environment. But fortunately, there are some alternatives for smaller yards.

ROGER: Yeah, there are electric power mowers that are both corded and battery-operated. They’re both quiet and they require very little maintenance. But don’t forget reel-type mowers. They’re great for doing a small yard and you also get exercise at the same time.

KEVIN: Alright, but when it comes to performance, do reel mowers really cut it?

ROGER: Kevin, think of them like a pair of hand pruners. There’s a fixed blade and then there’s a sharp piece that goes over that bed knife it’s called. When it does, it cuts the lawn really cleanly and that’s good for the lawn and it also leaves behind the clippings which provide nitrogen for the lawn. So it’s all a good thing.

Now, for more information on mowers and how to use them, go to ThisOldHouse.com and check out the video.

TOM: And I love the idea of the walk-behind mower because it’s so much cheaper than the gym membership. (Tom, Kevin and Roger laugh)

Kevin O’Connor, Roger Cook, thanks for stopping by The Money Pit.

ROGER: Oh, it’s been fun.

KEVIN: Good to be here.

LESLIE: Yeah, and you know what, you guys? You’re totally right because there’s no better workout than a full day of yard work. And you know, speaking of which, today’s This Old House segment was brought to you by Cub Cadet. Cub Cadet – you can’t get any better.