Tackling long, overgrown grass is a common headache for UK homeowners. Whether your lawn has been left unattended over the rainy season or you’re dealing with fast-growing grass in spring, standard mowers often struggle, leaving uneven cuts, scalped patches, or clogged blades.
Choosing the right mower is essential not just for a neat lawn, but also for reducing the physical effort, protecting your mower, and maintaining healthy grass. From powerful petrol mowers to quiet electric options and intelligent robotic solutions, the market offers tools suited for every garden size and user need. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about selecting the best lawn mower for long grass.
Part 1. Why Long Grass Requires Special Mowers
When grass grows thick and tall, it can easily strain regular mowers, causing uneven cuts, scalping, or blade clogging. For UK homeowners, this issue is compounded by local weather conditions, with frequent rainfall making lawns wet and heavy, which adds extra resistance for blades and wheels. Some of the main challenges of mowing long grass include:
1. Strain on mower engine
Cutting long, thick, or overgrown grass puts significantly more strain on a mower’s engine compared to regular lawns. This happens because taller and denser grass increases friction against the blades, forcing the motor to work harder to maintain cutting speed. Wet grass, common in the UK due to frequent rainfall, adds extra weight and resistance, further taxing the engine.
The challenge is amplified on uneven or sloped terrain, where pushing the mower uphill while cutting dense grass can lead to overheating, stalling, or reduced efficiency. Extended mowing sessions are also necessary for overgrown lawns, meaning the engine operates under continuous load, which can accelerate wear and require more frequent maintenance. Choosing a mower with a powerful motor, adjustable cutting height, and robust traction
2.Uneven cutting
Uneven cutting is a common problem when tackling long grass, and it occurs because thicker, taller blades resist the mower’s blades more than shorter, regular grass. When a mower is not powerful enough or its cutting height isn’t properly adjusted, some patches of grass get trimmed while others remain untouched, leaving a patchy
3.Safety risks
Safety risks increase significantly when cutting long grass because the thick, overgrown vegetation can hide obstacles such as stones, sticks, or uneven ground. These hidden hazards may cause the mower to jam, throw debris, or even tip over on slopes. Additionally, wet or slippery conditions common in UK gardens can reduce traction, making it harder to control the mower and increasing the chance of accidents or injuries.
4.Time and effort
Time and effort required for mowing long grass are significantly higher than for regular lawns. Thick, overgrown grass slows down the mower, often requiring multiple passes to achieve an even cut. This means homeowners must spend more energy pushing or guiding the mower, especially on uneven terrain or larger gardens. Electric and battery-powered mowers may need recharging mid-session, further extending the time needed. To reduce fatigue and make the process more efficient, selecting a mower with sufficient power, self-propelled features, and an adjustable cutting height is crucial, ensuring smoother operation and a cleaner finish with less physical strain.
Part 2. What Types of Lawn Mowers Suitable for Long Grass
Maintaining long grass requires the right type of mower, as not every mower is built to handle thick, overgrown lawns efficiently. Choosing between petrol, electric, or robotic mowers depends on your garden size, terrain, and how much time or effort you’re willing to invest. Let’s break down the main options for homeowners in the UK.
2.1 Petrol Lawn Mowers
Petrol mowers are the go-to choice for tackling long, thick grass. They provide high power and torque, allowing the blades to slice through dense, overgrown vegetation without stalling. Many petrol models come with wide cutting decks, which reduce the number of passes needed and save time on larger lawns. Their robust construction also handles rough or uneven terrain well, making them suitable for gardens with slopes or bumpy patches.
Pros: Powerful engine, wide deck for faster mowing, reliable on rough terrain. Grass Height for medium to long grass (approx. 10–30 cm or higher)
Cons: Louder than electric options, require petrol refills, heavier to push or maneuver.
Best for: Large gardens and overgrown areas where consistent cutting power is essential.
Model recommendation: Hyundai HYM510SP
2.2 Electric & Cordless Lawn Mowers
Electric and battery-powered mowers are excellent for homeowners who prioritize quiet operation and eco-friendliness. They are lighter than petrol mowers, making them easier to maneuver around tight spaces or terraces. Many modern electric mowers offer adjustable cutting heights, so you can raise the deck to avoid scalping tall grass.
Pros: Low noise, lightweight, environmentally friendly, easy to start.
Cons: Battery life may limit operation on thick grass, smaller cutting decks mean more passes on larger lawns.Grass Height for short to medium grass (approx. 5–15 cm)
Best for: Small to medium gardens, especially in urban areas where noise or fuel restrictions matter.
Model recommendation: Bosch Rotak 34 Li or Ryobi RY18LMX33A
2.3 Robotic Mowers for Long Grass
For busy homeowners or tech-savvy gardeners, robotic mowers offer fully automated mowing, saving time and effort. Advanced models like Mammotion LUBA AWD can handle long grass by adjusting the cutting height automatically and navigating complex garden layouts. While they are slower when grass is extremely tall, they are perfect for regular maintenance, keeping the lawn manageable without physical strain.
Pros: Automated, convenient, adjustable cutting heights, low ongoing effort.Grass Height for medium grass (approx. 2–10 cm; high-end AWD models can handle taller grass)
Cons: Higher upfront cost, slower for extremely long or very dense grass.
Best for: Medium lawns, busy homeowners, or those who prefer a hands-off approach.
Model recommendation: Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD series
Tips: However, considering practicalities, lawns that are regularly maintained typically don't grow more than 5cm per month, and few people would let their lawns grow as tall as saplings. Therefore, when choosing among these three lawnmowers suitable for growing taller lawns, a robotic lawnmower is a good overall choice due to its environmental friendliness, automation, mowing accuracy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Part 3. User Tips for a Lawn Mower for Long Grass
To help UK homeowners get a smooth, efficient cut while protecting their equipment, here are some practical user tips for managing long grass.
3.1 How to Maintain a Lawn Mower When Cutting Long Grass
Proper preparation and maintenance are crucial when tackling overgrown lawns. Follow these steps to reduce wear on your mower and ensure a neat finish:
- Mow slowly in two passes: For very long or dense grass, it’s better to take it down gradually. The first pass trims the bulk, and the second pass fine-tunes the height for a clean look.
- Clean blades after each session: Long grass clippings can stick to blades and decks, causing rust or clogging. Remove debris with a brush or water hose (for electric mowers, ensure they are powered off and unplugged).
- Adjust cutting height for each pass: Start with a higher setting on the first cut to avoid overloading the engine, then lower the deck slightly for the second pass.
- Check wheels and traction before mowing: Uneven terrain or wet grass can reduce traction. Ensure wheels move smoothly, and consider using self-propelled mowers for easier control.
Following these steps helps prevent mower stalling and reduces the risk of uneven cuts, scalping, or engine strain.
3.2 How to Tackle Long Grass Efficiently
In addition to mower maintenance, how you approach mowing long grass can make a big difference in results:
- Start when grass is dry: Wet grass clumps and can clog blades, so plan your mowing after dew or rainfall has dried.
- Use sharp blades: Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting cleanly, leaving ragged edges and potentially damaging the lawn.
- Cut in a pattern for even coverage: Mowing in alternating directions or a grid pattern ensures no areas are missed and reduces lawn stress.
Mulching vs collecting clippings: Decide whether to mulch the clippings to naturally fertilize your lawn or collect them to prevent build-up. Mulching works well for healthy grass, while collection is better for extremely long or damp grass.
Conclusion
Petrol mowers offer powerful performance, making them ideal for large gardens or overgrown areas, while electric and cordless models are quieter, lighter, and better suited for smaller lawns. Adjustable cutting heights are essential for mowing in stages, preventing scalping, and achieving a clean, even finish. Choosing the right mower—whether petrol, electric, cordless, or robotic—depends on your garden size, grass thickness, and lifestyle.
Recently, homeowners are opting for robotic mowers like the Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD, which provide full automation and convenience, saving both time and effort while delivering professional-quality results. For busy homeowners or anyone looking to save time and reduce physical effort, a robotic mower isn’t just an option—it’s the smart, future-proof choice for a perfectly maintained lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best lawn mower for long grass in the UK?
The best lawn mower for long grass UK homeowners can rely on depends on lawn size and grass thickness. For large overgrown areas, petrol mowers provide power, while robotic mowers like the Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD offer automated cutting with adjustable height for consistent results.
2. Can electric mowers handle long grass effectively?
Yes, electric mowers are capable of cutting long grass if they have a powerful motor and adjustable deck height.
3. How often should I mow long grass to avoid scalping or damage?
For thick, overgrown lawns, mow in stages rather than removing all grass at once. Using a mower with adjustable cutting height ensures an even trim, while robotic mowers can maintain grass on a scheduled basis to prevent overgrowth.
4. Are robotic mowers good for thick or long grass?
Robotic lawn mowers, such as the Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD, are excellent for long grass in small to medium lawns. They handle growth gradually, adjust cutting heights automatically, and reduce the physical effort required compared to manual mowing.
5. What maintenance is needed for cutting long grass?
When mowing long grass, it’s important to keep blades sharp, clean the mower after each session, and check wheels and traction. Robotic mowers often include self-cleaning or smart maintenance reminders to simplify upkeep.
6. Can cordless battery mowers manage long grass efficiently?
Cordless battery mowers can handle long grass for small lawns if the battery is strong and cutting height is adjustable. For very thick or large areas, combining two passes or using a robotic mower may provide better results.
7. Is a petrol mower worth it for a small UK garden with long grass?
Petrol mowers are more suitable for large or uneven lawns with long, dense grass. For small gardens, electric, cordless, or robotic options are quieter, lighter, and more convenient while still effectively cutting long grass.
