When it comes to maintaining a beautiful and well-manicured lawn, there are various techniques and tools available to achieve that desired professional look. One such tool that can instantly elevate the appearance of your lawn is a DIY lawn striper kit.
A lawn striper creates neat, crisp stripes on your lawn, giving it that stadium-style finish that is both eye-catching and impressive. Building your own DIY lawn striper kit is a rewarding and cost-effective project. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating your own DIY lawn striper kit, helping you take your lawn care game to the next level.
What is a Lawn Striper Kit?
Before we dive into the DIY process, let’s briefly understand what a lawn striper kit is and how it works. A lawn striper kit consists of a roller or a series of rollers that attach to the rear of your lawn mower.
As you mow the lawn, these rollers gently bend the grass in opposite directions, creating distinct stripes in your lawn. The result is a visually appealing pattern that adds depth and texture to your outdoor space. Lawn striper kits are commonly used on sports fields, golf courses, and high-end residential landscapes.
According to Reddigari & Vila (2021) mowing your lawn in a single direction creates grooves, ruts (track marks), holes, or low-growth spots that lead to a mottled and uneven lawn. On uneven lawns, taller grass blades bend over shorter blades like a canopy, blocking their access to the sun until they eventually die.
Materials Needed
To build your own DIY lawn striper kit, you will need the following materials:
PVC Pipes: Purchase PVC piping that is 3″ thick and cut the width slightly shorter than the space between the two wheels.
Carabiners: 2
Eye Bolts: 2. The eye bolts need to fit inside the carabiners.
PVC Caps: You will need 2 PVC caps to seal the ends of the PVC pipes.
Spray Paint: Choose a spray paint color of your choice to give your DIY lawn striper kit a finished look.
Drill
Screwdriver
Saw
Gravel or Sand
Building Your DIY Lawn Striper Kit
- Begin by cutting the PVC piping slightly shorter than the space between the two wheels. The PVC needs to fit in between both wheels.
- There should be a plastic base on the back of your mower, close to where the bag goes. Drill one hole on each side of that base for the carabiners to attach to.
- Install the carabiners.
- Drill two holes, the same distance apart as the carabiners onto the PVC pipe and attach the eye bolts.
- Fill the PVC pipes with dirt or sand.
- Seal the ends of the PVC pipes with caps.
- Spray paint the entire frame and rollers with your chosen color. This step is optional but adds a personalized touch.
- Attach the striper kit to the carabiners and viola… you’re DIY Lawn Striper Kit is complete.
Using Your DIY Lawn Striper Kit
Once your DIY lawn striper kit is built and painted, it’s time to put it to use:
Mow your lawn as you would normally, making parallel passes in alternating directions with each pass.
As the rollers gently bend the grass, they will create beautiful stripes. Continue mowing until the entire lawn is covered.
Reddigari & Vila (2021) say the taller the grass, the more readily it bends under the weight of the roller. This leads to more blade surface reflecting sunlight and, naturally, a more pronounced lawn striping effect.
For more intricate designs, experiment with different mowing patterns and directions. This will add variety and visual interest to your lawn.
It takes more than just mowing to have a great lawn. Go to our Lawn Fertilization and Weed Control Service Page to find out how we can help.
Maintenance and Safety Tips
To ensure the longevity and safety of your DIY lawn striper kit, keep the following tips in mind:
- Regularly inspect and clean the rollers to remove any dirt, debris, or grass buildup.
- Store the lawn striper kit in a dry and protected area when not in use to prevent damage.
- Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when assembling the kit or performing maintenance.
- Follow proper safety guidelines when using your lawn mower and DIY lawn striper kit to prevent accidents.
For help maintaining a lush, green lawn, check out our full service lawn maintenance service page.
Conclusion
With a DIY lawn striper kit, you can achieve that professional striped look for your lawn without breaking the bank. Building your own kit is an exciting and rewarding project that allows you to personalize your lawn care routine.
Follow the steps outlined in this article, gather the necessary materials, and take your lawn care game to the next level. With a well-maintained and beautifully striped lawn, you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood and have a stunning outdoor space to enjoy all year round.
References:
Reddigari, M. & Vila, B. (2021, April 13). 6 things to know about lawn striping. Bob Vila. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/lawn-striping/
The photo of the lawn striper attached to the back of the mower came from imgur.com. The photo was uploaded by dukeseb. https://imgur.com/gallery/TmryAhO
