Last week, I was tackling my overgrown lawn, and I almost made a costly mistake! I nearly ran my mower right over a section of lawn netting I’d forgotten about. This got me thinking: can you mow over lawn netting? This post will explore the answer in detail, covering everything from the types of netting to the potential damage, so you can confidently maintain your lawn without costly accidents. You’ll learn how to protect your mower and your lawn, saving you time, money, and frustration.
Understanding Lawn Netting Types and Their Durability
This section focuses on identifying different types of lawn netting and their respective durabilities when faced with a lawnmower. We’ll cover the materials, construction, and potential impacts of mowing over them.
Types of Lawn Netting
- Plastic Netting: This is a common type, often used for protecting seedlings or new grass. Plastic netting varies in thickness and strength. Thinner varieties might tear easily under a lawnmower, while thicker, more durable netting might survive. The specific weave and material will impact its resilience.
- Biodegradable Netting: Designed to decompose over time, this netting is often made from natural materials. Its strength is typically less than plastic netting, making it highly susceptible to damage from a lawnmower.
- Heavy-Duty Netting: This type is usually thicker and made from stronger materials. It’s often used for erosion control or larger-scale landscaping projects. It’s more likely to withstand the force of a mower, but it’s still not recommended to mow directly over it.
Material Composition and Strength
The material a lawn netting is made from significantly influences its durability. Nylon, for example, is a strong material, while some biodegradable options are much weaker. The density of the weave also plays a role. A tightly woven net is less likely to tear than a loosely woven one.
Can You Mow Over Lawn Netting? The Risks and Consequences
This section dives into the potential hazards of mowing over lawn netting and the consequences of ignoring the risks.
Damage to Your Mower
- Blade Damage: Lawn netting can easily wrap around your mower blades, causing them to become dull or even broken. Replacing blades can be expensive and time-consuming.
- Engine Problems: In extreme cases, tangled netting can interfere with the mower’s engine, leading to overheating or other mechanical issues.
Damage to Your Lawn
- Uneven Cutting: The netting might cause your mower to skip over sections of grass, resulting in an uneven cut and a less aesthetically pleasing lawn.
- Netting Fragments: Pieces of torn netting can remain embedded in the grass, creating eyesores and potentially harming your lawnmower if run over again.
Safety Hazards
Mowing over netting can create unexpected hazards. The netting can get tangled in the mower’s discharge chute, leading to a potential projectile hazard or causing the mower to stall unexpectedly.
Safe Alternatives and Best Practices for Lawn Netting Removal
This section explores safe and effective methods for removing lawn netting before mowing and provides valuable tips for preventing future problems.
Manual Removal
- Carefully inspect your lawn for any visible netting.
- Gently remove the netting by hand, taking care not to damage the underlying grass.
Using Tools for Removal
For stubborn netting, you might need tools such as garden shears or a small rake to help lift and separate it from the grass. Avoid using sharp objects that might damage the grass blades.
Preventing Future Issues
- Marking Netting Location: Use flags or other markers to clearly identify areas covered with netting before mowing.
- Using Alternative Protection Methods: Consider alternatives to netting such as plastic covers or other methods to protect your plants from birds, rabbits or other pests.
Choosing the Right Lawn Netting for Your Needs
This section discusses how to choose appropriate lawn netting, focusing on material selection and application for optimal results.
Matching Netting to Your Purpose
The choice of lawn netting depends entirely on its intended purpose. For example, protecting seedlings from birds might require a lighter, less durable netting than preventing erosion on a steep slope. Always choose a material appropriate to the application and duration of required protection.
Considering Netting Longevity
The cost of the netting needs to be balanced with its longevity. A cheap, flimsy netting that needs replacing frequently might be more expensive in the long run than a higher-quality product that lasts longer.
Debunking Common Myths About Lawn Netting and Mowers
Myth 1: A powerful mower can easily handle any type of lawn netting.
This is false. Even the most powerful mower can be damaged by tangled netting. The material’s fibers can easily wrap around the blades, causing damage or even leading to engine problems. A powerful mower just increases the chances of severe damage.
Myth 2: Leaving the netting in place is fine, the mower will just cut through it.
This is untrue. Mowing over lawn netting can lead to the netting becoming tangled in the mower, potentially causing blade damage, engine malfunctions, and creating an uneven cut. The netting can also be flung around as a projectile, creating safety risks.
FAQ
Can I mow over biodegradable lawn netting?
No, biodegradable netting is typically much weaker than plastic netting and is very likely to tear and become entangled in your mower. It’s best to remove it before mowing.
What happens if I accidentally mow over lawn netting?
You risk damaging your mower blades, potentially causing them to become dull or broken. The netting can also wrap around other parts of the mower, potentially leading to engine issues. Pieces of netting might also be flung out, causing safety hazards.
How can I prevent lawn netting from tangling around my mower?
Carefully inspect your lawn for netting before mowing. Use flags or other markers to clearly identify areas with netting. Remove the netting manually before mowing.
What type of lawn netting is easiest to remove?
Lighter, more loosely woven netting is generally easier to remove than heavier or tightly woven varieties. However, always be careful to avoid damaging your grass while removing it.
Is it worth the risk to mow over lawn netting?
Absolutely not. The potential damage to your mower and the risk of safety hazards far outweigh any minor convenience of not removing the netting first. Removing the netting beforehand is always recommended.
What should I do if my lawnmower gets tangled with lawn netting?
Turn off the mower immediately and unplug it if it’s electric. Carefully remove the netting, being cautious not to injure yourself. Inspect the mower for damage and have it serviced if necessary.
Are there any alternatives to using lawn netting?
Yes, there are various alternatives like using protective covers, fencing, or natural deterrents to keep animals and birds away from your plants.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the answer to “can you mow over lawn netting?” is a resounding no. While the temptation to save time might be strong, the potential consequences – damage to your mower, uneven cuts, and safety hazards – far outweigh any perceived benefits. Remember to always inspect your lawn carefully, remove any netting before mowing, and consider alternative protection methods for your plants. Prioritize the safety of yourself and your equipment to maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn.
