How to Cut Meadow Grass

Meadows can provide a spectacular display of wildflowers and seedheads throughout the summer, but for this to continue year after year they will need an annual cut. Choose a dry day towards the end of summer.

Materials Needed:

• scythe
• landscape rake
• hand shears (for small areas, optional)
• string trimmers (for large areas, optional)

1. Prepare the space.

Before cutting down a meadow, shake any ripe seedheads onto the ground. This should ensure that there are plenty of seeds in the ground for the following year.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Simple Steps to Success: Lawns and Groundcover © 2012 Dorling Kindersley Limited

2. Cut down the grasses and wildflowers.

Use a scythe and be extremely careful to keep the blade well away from your body. Make sure that the blade is sharp, and cut the grass at a height of about 2-1/2 inches (6 cm).

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Simple Steps to Success: Lawns and Groundcover © 2012 Dorling Kindersley Limited

3. Use a landscape rake to collect the cut grass into piles.

It is worth leaving these clippings on the ground for a few days before you remove them to allow any extra seed to drop and to allow any resident wildlife to escape.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Simple Steps to Success: Lawns and Groundcover © 2012 Dorling Kindersley Limited