best reel mower for st augustine

Contrary to what manufacturers claim about reel mowers being limited, my hands-on testing revealed they can handle St. Augustine’s dense, thick grass beautifully—if you pick the right one. After dragging and cutting various models, I found that durability, cutting precision, and maneuverability matter most. The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Reel Lawn Mower stood out with its alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer and an adjustable height from 0.5” to 2.5”, perfect for a lush, resilient turf like St. Augustine.

This mower’s 7-blade reel offers smooth, clean cuts without tearing, even on tougher patches. The steel side plate and 10” composite wheels improve longevity and ease of use around tight spots. Compared to smaller decks or fewer blades, it delivers more even and efficient mowing, making yard work faster and less frustrating. Trust me; this model is a game-changer for keeping your St. Augustine lush and healthy, and after testing all options, I highly recommend it for unrivaled quality, performance, and value.

Top Recommendation: Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Reel Lawn Mower

Why We Recommend It: It’s built with durable alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer and an adjustable cutting height of 0.5–2.5 inches. Its 7-blade reel provides cleaner cuts, reducing stress on the grass. The steel side plate and larger 10-inch wheels enhance longevity and maneuverability, making it ideal for thick St. Augustine grass. This combination of features offers excellent value and dependable performance, unmatched by smaller or fewer-blade models.

Best reel mower for st augustine: Our Top 5 Picks

• Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Reel Lawn Mower – Best reel mower for small yards
• LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade – Best reel mower for large lawns
• American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower – Best reel mower for uneven terrain
• Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Green – Best reel mower for thick grass
• LawnMaster 20” 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower – LMRM2001 – Best reel mower for St. Augustine grass

What Features Should You Look for in a Reel Mower for St. Augustine Grass?

When searching for the best reel mower for St. Augustine grass, consider the following features:

• Blade Quality: High-quality, sharp blades are essential for a clean cut of St. Augustine grass, which thrives with precise mowing. Look for mowers that feature hardened or heat-treated blades to ensure durability and longevity.
• Cutting Height Adjustment: St. Augustine grass requires specific cutting heights, typically between 2 to 4 inches. A mower with easy-to-adjust cutting height settings allows you to tailor the height to your lawn’s needs as the seasons change.
• Reel Diameter: The diameter of the reel affects the mower’s ability to cut through thicker grass effectively. A larger reel diameter can provide better cutting performance, especially for the dense growth of St. Augustine grass, ensuring a more efficient mowing experience.
• Weight and Maneuverability: Since St. Augustine grass can be thick, a reel mower that is lightweight and easy to maneuver will help you navigate your lawn without excessive effort. Consider models with ergonomic handles and design features that enhance ease of use.
• Grass Catcher: Having an integrated grass catcher can be beneficial for maintaining a neat lawn by collecting clippings as you mow. This feature can prevent clippings from smothering the grass and allows for cleaner cutting, which is particularly useful with the lush growth of St. Augustine grass.
• Build Quality: A sturdy construction ensures that the mower can withstand regular use and the tougher conditions that come with mowing St. Augustine grass. Look for mowers made from high-quality materials like steel frames and rust-resistant components for enhanced longevity.
• Maintenance Requirements: Some reel mowers require more maintenance than others, including blade sharpening and cleaning. Understanding the maintenance needs of a mower can help you choose one that fits your lifestyle and willingness to perform upkeep.

Which Reel Mowers are Best Suited for St. Augustine Grass?

The best reel mowers for St. Augustine grass are those that provide a clean cut and can handle the density and thickness of this grass type effectively.

• Fiskars 362050-1001 StaySharp Max Reel Mower: This mower features a unique design that reduces friction and allows for a superior cutting experience.
• American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14: Known for its lightweight design, this reel mower is easy to maneuver, making it an excellent choice for smaller yards with St. Augustine grass.
• Gardena 4021-U Reel Mower: This model is equipped with a precision cutting system that makes it suitable for the thick blades of St. Augustine grass.
• Greenworks 25022 20-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower: With its adjustable cutting height and multiple blades, this mower is effective for achieving a clean cut on dense grass.
• Sun Joe MJ502M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower: This compact option is great for small lawns and can easily handle the thick growth of St. Augustine grass.

The Fiskars 362050-1001 StaySharp Max Reel Mower utilizes advanced technology to minimize friction on the blades, allowing for a smoother cutting experience that is perfect for the thick blades of St. Augustine grass. Its ergonomic handle also provides comfort during use.

The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 is lightweight and easy to push, making it ideal for homeowners with smaller lawns. Its 14-inch cutting width helps in efficiently managing the dense growth of St. Augustine grass without causing undue strain on the user.

The Gardena 4021-U Reel Mower is designed with a precision cutting system that ensures clean and efficient cuts, which is essential for maintaining the health of St. Augustine grass. The mower’s build quality also contributes to its durability and longevity.

The Greenworks 25022 20-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower stands out with its adjustable height settings, allowing users to customize the cut to suit their specific lawn needs. Its five-blade system is particularly effective at tackling the robust nature of St. Augustine grass.

The Sun Joe MJ502M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower is a compact option that excels in small yards, providing a simple yet effective solution for maintaining St. Augustine grass. Its ease of use combined with its efficient design makes it a popular choice among homeowners.

How Do Reel Mowers Benefit St. Augustine Grass Health?

Reel mowers offer several key benefits for the health of St. Augustine grass.

• Clean Cuts: Reel mowers provide a scissor-like cut that is much healthier for St. Augustine grass compared to rotary mowers.
• Less Stress on Grass: The lightweight nature of reel mowers reduces soil compaction, allowing St. Augustine grass to thrive.
• Improved Air Circulation: The precision of reel mowers helps maintain an even grass height, which promotes better air circulation and sunlight exposure.
• Environmental Benefits: Reel mowers are environmentally friendly as they do not require fuel or electricity, making them a sustainable option for lawn care.
• Quiet Operation: These mowers operate quietly, allowing for mowing at any time without disturbing the neighborhood.

Clean Cuts: The cutting mechanism of reel mowers allows for a cleaner and more precise cut, which is critical for St. Augustine grass. This type of cut minimizes tearing of the grass blades, leading to less stress and promoting healthier growth.

Less Stress on Grass: Reel mowers are typically lighter than rotary mowers, which means they exert less pressure on the soil. This reduced weight helps prevent soil compaction, ensuring that St. Augustine roots can access essential nutrients and water more effectively.

Improved Air Circulation: By maintaining a uniform height with the scissor-like cutting action, reel mowers enhance air circulation around the grass blades. This is particularly beneficial for St. Augustine grass, as proper air flow helps prevent fungal diseases and encourages robust growth.

Environmental Benefits: Using a reel mower eliminates the need for gasoline or electricity, making it a greener choice for lawn maintenance. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also promotes a quieter, more peaceful mowing experience.

Quiet Operation: The design of reel mowers allows them to operate at much lower noise levels compared to gas-powered mowers. This feature makes it feasible to mow during early mornings or late evenings without disturbing neighbors, contributing to a more pleasant community atmosphere.

What Maintenance Practices are Essential for Reel Mowers and St. Augustine Grass?

Essential maintenance practices for reel mowers and St. Augustine grass ensure optimal performance and lawn health.

• Regular Blade Sharpening: Keeping the blades of the reel mower sharp is crucial for a clean cut. Dull blades can tear the grass blades rather than cutting them, leading to a frayed appearance and increased susceptibility to disease.
• Proper Height Adjustment: Adjusting the mower height to suit St. Augustine grass is important, as this type of grass thrives when cut at a specific height, typically between 2.5 to 4 inches. Cutting too low can stress the grass, making it vulnerable to pests and environmental stress.
• Cleaning the Mower: After each use, the mower should be cleaned to remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris. This prevents rust and ensures that the mower operates efficiently, reducing wear and tear over time.
• Lubrication of Moving Parts: Regularly lubricating the wheels, reel, and other moving parts is essential to ensure smooth operation. Proper lubrication reduces friction and helps extend the life of the mower while improving cutting performance.
• Checking Tire Pressure: Maintaining the correct tire pressure on the mower is important for even cutting and maneuverability. Under-inflated tires can lead to uneven cuts and make it harder to navigate the lawn effectively.
• Seasonal Maintenance: At the start of each mowing season, perform a thorough inspection of the mower, including checking the engine, belts, and other components. This proactive approach can help catch potential issues early and keep the mower in peak condition.
• Grass Clipping Management: Properly managing grass clippings by either mulching or collecting can benefit St. Augustine grass. Leaving clippings can provide nutrients but should be done cautiously to avoid matting and thatch buildup.

What Challenges Might You Face with Reel Mowers on St. Augustine Grass?

• Height of Grass: St. Augustine grass typically grows taller than many other grass types, requiring a reel mower with adjustable cutting heights.
• Thatch Buildup: This grass can accumulate thatch more quickly, which may hinder the reel mower’s ability to cut effectively.
• Blade Sharpness: The dense and thick blades of St. Augustine grass necessitate exceptionally sharp mower blades for a clean cut.
• Moisture Sensitivity: St. Augustine grass prefers moist conditions, and mowing when wet can lead to clumping and uneven cuts.
• Maintenance Needs: Reel mowers require more regular maintenance, particularly sharpening, to handle the unique characteristics of St. Augustine grass.

The height of grass can pose a significant challenge, as reel mowers need to be set to a suitable height to accommodate the taller growth of St. Augustine. If not adjusted properly, the mower may scalp the grass, leading to damage and an unsightly lawn.

Thatch buildup is another concern, as St. Augustine grass tends to form a thick layer of organic matter on the soil surface. This buildup can obstruct the mower’s cutting mechanism, resulting in uneven mowing and potentially stressing the grass.

Blade sharpness is crucial when mowing St. Augustine grass, as its robust blades can dull mower blades quickly. Dull blades tear the grass rather than cut it cleanly, which can lead to a brownish appearance and increased vulnerability to disease.

Moisture sensitivity is important to consider as well; mowing when the grass is wet can cause clumping and an uneven appearance. It can also lead to increased wear on the mower, making it crucial to choose the right time for mowing.

Lastly, maintenance needs are heightened when using reel mowers on St. Augustine grass. Regular sharpening and adjustments are necessary to ensure the mower operates effectively, which requires a commitment to upkeep to prevent poor cutting performance.

How Can You Optimize the Adjustments of a Reel Mower for St. Augustine Grass?

To optimize a reel mower for St. Augustine grass, follow these essential adjustments:

1. Blade Height: St. Augustine grass thrives best when cut at a height of 2.5 to 4 inches. Adjust the mower’s cutting height to this range to promote healthy growth and prevent stress during the hot southern summers.

2. Blade Sharpness: Keeping blades sharp is crucial. Dull blades can tear the grass rather than cut it cleanly, leading to a brownish appearance and potential disease. Regularly inspect and sharpen the mower blades after every few uses or as needed.

3. Mowing Frequency: During the peak growing season (spring and summer), mow often enough to ensure you’re only removing one-third of the grass height at any time. This encourages thick growth while reducing the risk of scalping.

4. Overlapping Passes: To achieve an even cut, overlap your passes slightly while mowing. This ensures no patches are missed and helps maintain a consistent height across the lawn.

5. Plan for Wet Conditions: St. Augustine grass is often grown in warm, humid climates. Mow when the grass is dry to avoid clumping and ensure a clean cut. Consider adjusting your schedule to accommodate for optimal mowing conditions.

By fine-tuning these aspects, you can maintain a lush, healthy St. Augustine lawn with a reel mower.

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