Robotic lawn mowers offer several advantages and disadvantages. Read our thoughts about the pros and cons of a robotic lawn mower:
Pros:
1. Time-saving: Robotic lawn mowers can operate autonomously, saving you time and effort that would otherwise be spent mowing the lawn manually. Alternatively if you employ a gardener, they could focus more time tending to other jobs around your garden.
2. Convenience: Once set up, robotic lawn mowers require minimal supervision. They can mow the lawn according to a predefined schedule, even when you’re not at home.
3. Consistent results: Robotic mowers operate with precision, resulting in a consistently well-mowed lawn without missed spots or uneven patches.
4. Quiet operation: Compared to traditional gas-powered lawn mowers, robotic mowers are much quieter, making them more neighbour-friendly and suitable for early morning or late evening operation.
5. Environmentally-friendly: Many robotic lawn mowers are electrically powered, and certainly as technology develops, have a number of environmental benefits.
Cons:
1. Initial cost: Robotic lawn mowers typically have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional mowers which can be a barrier for some homeowners.
2. Set up: Setting up a robotic lawn mower often involves installing boundary wires and programming the mower’s schedule, as technology develops models are now available for small to large lawns that don’t require a perimeter wire.
3. Limited terrain adaptability: Robotic mowers may struggle with certain terrain features such as steep slopes, narrow passages, or obstacles like tree roots.
4. Maintenance: While robotic mowers require less maintenance than traditional mowers, they still need periodic cleaning, blade sharpening and software updates to ensure optimal performance.
5. Security concerns: There is a risk of theft or damage to the robotic mower if left unattended in the garden, however, many models come with security features such as PIN codes and alarms to deter theft.
Robotic mowers and the Environment
1. Environmentally-friendly: Many robotic lawn mowers are electrically powered, thus reducing emissions and environmental impact compared to petrol powered mowers.
2. Healthier grass: Regular mowing promotes healthier grass growth by encouraging the development of dense, lush turf. It stimulates the grass to produce more tillers (side shoots), resulting in a thicker, more resilient lawn.
3. Weed prevention: Regular mowing can help prevent the establishment and spread of weeds, thus reducing the need for using weed controls on your lawn.
4. Reduced thatch build-up: Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic matter that accumulates between the soil surface and the actively growing grass. By mowing more frequently, you can prevent excessive thatch build-up which can inhibit water and nutrient penetration into the soil and create an ideal environment for pests and diseases.
5. Stress tolerance: Regular mowing promotes the development of a strong root system and increases the grass’s ability to withstand environmental stressors such as drought, heat and foot traffic. It also encourages the grass to allocate more energy towards root growth rather than upward leaf growth.
Overall, the decision to invest in a robotic lawn mower depends on factors such as lawn size, terrain complexity, budget and personal preference for convenience versus upfront cost.
If you would like more information about robotic mowers and installation, contact us today.