Striping Kit

• Limp grass where wheel tracks are very visible is usually good for striping.

• Stiff grass where wheel tracks are less visible usually produces poor striping.

• Cool-season grass types found in northern areas are usually good for striping.

• Warm-season grass types found in southern areas usually produce less pronounced striping.

• Transition-zone grasses found in the narrow-belt region can produce good striping in some areas, and some portions of the growing season, while producing poor striping in other areas or portions of the season.

• Some grass types produce better striping contrast when mowing short. Other grass types or moisture content of the grass can provide better contrast when mowing at a tall height of cut. Experiment with what works best in your situation.

This is how light reflects on the grass.

• Mowing patterns that generally run east-west have a greater contrast than north-south patterns.

• The striping pattern contrast is less visible around noon and is more visible in mornings and afternoons.

Grass bent toward you appears darker; grass bent away from you appears lighter.

• Mowing patterns that generally run along a road has greater contrast when viewed approaching or leaving the property. The contrast of striping is less visible when looking across the mowing direction.

• If the property has a focal point, or a viewing location, mow in a pattern that is generally to and from the observation point.

• Avoid operating in wet conditions on slopes, if possible.

• Large, flat areas usually provide better striping contrast than on slopes or areas with a lot of trimming and edging.

• Mowing in morning dew can produce good striping contrast.

• Double-cut mowing and mowing a second pass at a 13 mm (1/2 inch) lower height of cut may produce good striping contrast.

• Side-dispersal of clippings can hide striping, reducing the contrast effect.

• Bagging can display heavy wheel tracks, reducing the effect of striping.

• Mulching often displays excellent contrast, enhancing the effect of striping.

• The mowing area size has an effect on the final appearance. Large areas may look better when mowed with a large mower. Small areas may not look right when cut with a large mower.

• Large areas with occasional trees or other obstructions often look best when the mowing pattern appears to go through the obstruction. For example, it looks best for a pattern to match and continue on the far side of a small pond. A different cross-cut pattern on the far side of a pond may not be visible.

• Some areas look best with long, straight lines of a striped-mowing pattern, aligned with the property edge. Some areas look best with a diamond pattern, where neither straight line is aligned with the property edge. Properties with rolling hillsides or ponds look best with a flowing-curves striping pattern. You can highlight and enhance a distinctive feature like a small pond by mowing in a radial or a ring pattern.

• On a new property during the first 2 weeks, you may need to follow the exact same pattern and direction in the same wheel tracks. This begins “training the grass to bend in the desired direction.

• During the third week, use a cross-grain striping pattern.

• During the fourth and fifth weeks, follow with repeating the original pattern. After you establish the primary striping pattern grain, you may alternate the pattern each week to establish a checkerboard or a plaid-style pattern.

• Do not mow in the same pattern every week. This causes compaction in the wheel tracks and may produce ruts or depressions along the wheel tracks.

• Raise the roller when turning; striping is generally not enhanced by end turns.

• Raising the roller reduces confusing the pattern at the ends of the pattern.

• Raise the roller and deck, and drive along a previous path to transport from one area of the property to another section.

• Do not drive across a striped pattern.

• It is usually best to first mow the perimeter to establish a boundary.

• When side-discharging, direct the clippings away from walks, drives, flower beds, buildings, and vehicles. If the discharge throws clippings a long distance, mow additional passes to avoid unwanted cleanup of clippings.

• Avoid driving backward excessively. Driving back and forth or frequent forward and reverse maneuvers around an obstacle compresses the grass and disturbs the professional appearance of a nice job.

• Avoid close trimming with the striping kit installed to reduce damage to landscaping and the roller.

• Follow all safe mowing practices as described in the Operator’s Manual. Do not let the striping pattern cause you to mow in a hazardous manner.