Some people think that maintaining a healthy lawn is only about appearance. However, it’s a lot more than that. True, a well-cut and healthy green looks amazing and makes you proud. But another important thing is: good care of your lawn reduces the dust and pollen pollution both around and inside the house, creates more oxygen, and provides safer space for outdoor activities since a well-kept lawn has a better cushion effect.

So there are a lot of reasons why having a wonderfully arranged yard is so important. Moreover, maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn doesn’t require a lot of work but there are some things, like regular grass cutting that you need to take care of. And what is a better way to do that than with the help of the lawnmower.

But here is that stumbling block of a lot of people, especially beginners. They often wonder – “How much horsepower the best lawnmower should have?”, “Which brand is better?”, “What size mower do I need?”. While we’ve tackled these issues before, the latter question remained unanswered. Thus, we’ve decided to investigate and find out, what is the best size for your lawnmower, and what you need to keep in mind. So let’s take a look in more detail:

Why Is It Important to Pick Right Size Lawn Mower?

Many people would say that there aren’t a lot of differences between lawnmowers and that when you need one you simply go and get it. The idea is that its sole purpose is to cut grass and nothing else therefore there isn’t anything else to think about there. Well, that’s not quite right! For example, when you research different models you will see that there are some specifications you need to consider. Among other things here are many reasons why you want to ask “What size mower do I need?”. The most important are:

• With the properly sized machine, you will spend less time working with it.
• It will be easier to work on more challenging terrains.
• Many of them have additional features so it will be easier to tackle some of the obstacles.
• If you are physically unfit then the question of  “What size lawn mower do I need?” is even more pressing. After all, the right size will help you avoid many dangers related to these machines.

How to Properly Measure a Lawn Mower?

By now you’re probably wondering: “Ok, so what size riding mower do I need?”. Well, one of the most important things you need to measure is the deck and blades. For the blades, the most important aspect is length and width. You will measure the length diagonally from one tip to another and the width from edge to edge. 

The size of the blades is important because it determines how the grass is going to be cut. As far as measuring deck goes, simply determine it by stretching the measuring tape from one side of the deck to another.

Factors Affecting Lawn Mower Size

Lawn Size & Terrain

Lawn size is maybe the most important factor that determines the size of a lawnmower you will need. If you have a small lawn then even a push mower will do, but if your lawn is bigger then you need a more powerful machine. 

Also, the type of terrain affects the size of the mower you need. If your land is steep and bumpy, then you’ll need a model with more features, and, of course, also bigger.

Cutting Width	Lawn Size
300 millimeters	Small Lawn
350 -400 millimeters	Medium Lawn
400 millimeters and more	Large Lawn

Grass Type & Height

Generally, we don’t think about it but different types of grass require different mowing. The same stands for the height of grass so you have to make sure to have a mower with various adjustment options. Here, we’ve made a table that will help you understand how to choose a lawnmower according to the type of grass:

Grass Type	Mowing Height
Bahiagrass	2” – 3”
Bermuda grass	½” – 1 ½ “
Centipede	1 ½ “ – 2 ½ “
St. Augustine	2” – 4”

Your Physical Health

Another very important aspect you have to consider. If you are out of shape or have some health issues that limit your mobility, then you need to pick mowers that are easier to operate and are more lightweight. This stands for people of all ages but especially the elderly. 

So to all the people that wonder: “How big of a lawn mower do I need?” keep in mind that regardless of the size, you also need to be sure that you will be able to work with this machine.

Your Budget 

Lawnmowers generally are not very expensive. However, some models offer more features and that is more powerful. These machines are designed for larger lawns and, of course, cost more. Others are more affordable but they might be suitable only for smaller and flat terrains. Before you go shopping check your budget as well as other factors to know what suits you most.

What Size Lawn Mower Do I Need for My Acreage?

Half Acre and Smaller Lawns

For lawns of this size reel of push, mowers will do the job perfectly. If your lawn is flat and without any obstacles a simple reel mower that relies on your strength is sufficient. On another hand, if the terrain is a bit difficult then we recommend that you choose the push model.

1 Acre Lawns 

If your lawn is around an acre in size, the best option would be a self-propelled mower. That is, because of its transmission, it will be a lot easier to push it. Other good options, especially if there are some obstacles, are some small lawns zero turn mowers under $1000, or reel wheels.

Lawns Between 1 and 3 Acres

When you are considering “What size lawn mower do I need?” then keep in mind that for 3 acres you should consider professional models. One of the most important features the best lawnmower for 3 acres should have is the powerful drive – it will help go uphill a lot easier. It’s also great if your lawnmower has various speed settings and attachments. One model we recommend to consider is a small tractor for small acreage. And if the terrain is challenging for the land of this size you can look for the best riding lawn mower for rough terrain.

Large Acreage (3+ acres)

Okay, this is a bigger piece of land you have there and you might think – what can be the best lawnmower for 5 acres? Or even, what size mower for 10 acres should you buy? Generally, it isn’t very different from what we told you about the model for 3 acres. The main difference is the deck size – for such big surfaces you need a machine with a big deck size so you don’t spend hours cutting the grass. 

So if you wonder –  “What size tractor do I need for 5 acres?” then we suggest checking out the models with 48 inches deck size. These machines are really powerful and simple to operate with.

Final Thoughts

So overall, what can be said about what is the best size for your lawnmower? Well, the most essential thing you need to consider is, of course, the size of your lawn. So if you have a smaller lawn, let’s say, from 0-50 m2, then you should definitely opt for a lawnmower with a cutting width of less than 30 cm. However, if your lawn is 100 m2 and more, then the best option would be to choose a lawnmower with a cutting width of 35 and more cm.

Also, make sure to pay special attention not only to the size but also the ease of use of the machine, especially if you have some medical conditions and/or if you’re a senior.

And that’s pretty much it! This was a rather lengthy and at times challenging investigation, but we sincerely hope that the results would prove to be very useful to you in your search! So good luck, and feel free to let us know if you have any more questions, we would be happy to help you however we can.

And you can also share your own knowledge in the comments below! After all, we all have the knowledge, and it’s always a pleasure to share it with fellow gardeners, to make our green corners look beautiful and healthy!