Mowing gets most of the attention, but the spots a mower can't reach are what make a yard look finished. Fence lines, mailbox posts, tree trunks, light poles and the base of the house all collect tall grass that sticks out after the rest of the lawn is cut. I'm Isaac, the owner of Ready 2 Mow, and here's how I handle those tricky spots around Seminole yards.
Mow first, then trim
I mow the open lawn first so I can see exactly where the mower left grass behind. Then I go back with the string trimmer and clean up the leftovers. If you trim first, it's easy to miss spots or cut the trim line lower than the lawn, which looks patchy.
Try to match the height of the mowed grass. Florida lawns like St. Augustine look best and stay healthier when they aren't scalped, so hold the trimmer level and don't tip it down into the dirt. A scalped strip along a fence turns brown fast and can let weeds move in.
Be gentle around trees
This is the big one. A string trimmer can chew through the bark at the bottom of a tree, and that bark protects the living part of the trunk underneath. Palms, oaks and young trees can all get hurt if the trimmer keeps hitting the same spot every week.
Here's what I do around trees:
- Slow down and keep the string a few inches away from the trunk.
- Let a little grass stay right at the base instead of cutting it down to the soil.
- If you can, make a small mulch ring around the tree so there's no grass to trim against the bark at all.
- Pull any weeds right against the trunk by hand.
A mulch ring also keeps the mower from bumping into the tree, so it's a win both ways.
Fences and screen enclosures
Chain link, vinyl and wood fences all collect grass along the bottom. Work along the fence slowly, and tilt the trimmer so the string throws grass away from the fence instead of into it. That keeps clippings from piling up underneath.
Be extra careful around pool cages and screen enclosures. The string can tear screen in a second. I trim close but not touching, and finish any tight spots by hand.
Mailboxes, poles and sprinkler heads
Small objects are easy to forget but they stand out from the street. Circle around mailbox posts, light poles and sign posts with short, controlled passes. Watch out for sprinkler heads hiding in the grass, too. A trimmer can nick them, and then you've got a broken sprinkler and a wet spot that never dries. I usually walk the yard before I start so I know where they are.
Along the house and beds
Right against the house, trim so the string throws debris away from the wall and windows. Along flower beds, a clean line between grass and mulch makes the whole yard look sharper. If grass is creeping into a bed, it's often easier to pull it by hand than to keep trimming it every week.
Safety stuff
String trimmers throw rocks, sticks and bits of grass hard. I always wear eye protection, long pants and closed-toe shoes. Keep kids and pets inside or far away while you trim, and watch for cars if you're working near the street or a driveway.
Clean up when you're done
After trimming, blow the clippings off sidewalks, driveways and patios and back onto the lawn. Keeping them out of the street and storm drains is better for our area's water, and it makes the job look complete.
Want a hand with the tricky spots?
If trimming around everything takes longer than the mowing itself, I can help. Ready 2 Mow is owner-operated and insured, and I mow, edge, trim, blow and haul away yard debris for homes around Seminole, Largo, Kenneth City, Bay Pines, the beaches and west St. Pete. Quotes are free and I take all payment types.
Call or text me at (727) 304-7803, or request a free quote online.