Preparing your lawn and Husqvarna Automower® for the mowing season

As the temperature rises and grass growth accelerates, the mowing season begins. This article provides a detailed guide on how to prepare your Automower® robotic lawn mower and lawn for the mowing season.

When to start mowing the grass

Start mowing the grass only when it starts to actively grow. Premature mowing can damage the grass blades, hindering the ability of the lawn to regrow properly. The grass typically begins to grow around 8°C (40°F), though this may vary depending on grass type. A useful guideline is to wait until the grass reaches a height of 5 to 7 centimetres (2–2.8 inches) before conducting the first mow of the season. This rule also applies if you are sowing new grass.

Steps to get your lawn ready for mowing

Cleaning up

Rake leaves and clean up any garden debris (sticks, pine cones, leaves and scattered mulch) to prevent grass mould and reduce wear on the mower’s blades.

Aerating

• Use a pitchfork or a lawn aerator to loosen compacted soil and promote an oxygen-rich environment for healthy root development.
• Be careful not to damage the boundary wire installation.

Overseeding

• Overseed bare or patchy areas.
• Keep the surface moist and cover with a fibre cloth for faster germination.
• If your Automower® model supports Zone Control with AIM Technology or EPOS™ Technology, create a stay-out zone to prevent the mower from entering that area.
• For other models, use Automower® Temporary Fence, Automower® FlexiFence or Automower® Area Switch.
• Read more about creating stay-out zones or islands here.

Fertilising

• Fertilise to maintain a green and healthy lawn.
• Consider using a slow-release fertiliser for more uniform growth.

Watering the lawn

Start watering if it’s a dry spring.

Getting Automower® ready

Checking the boundary wire installation

• Walk around your garden and check the boundary wire installation.
• Ensure no stakes have come out and that there is no visible damage to the boundary wire.
• Get more tips about how to prevent wire break here.

Checking the mower blades

• Sharp blades are essential for a clean-cut lawn and for protecting grass against diseases.
• Replace blades if not changed at the end of last season.
• Always replace the screw at the same time as the blade.
• Learn more about when and how to change blades on an Automower® robotic lawn mower.

Installing the charging station

• Place the charging station in the garden, connect the wires and plug it in. Read this detailed guide for more information: How to connect the boundary and guide wires to the Automower® charging station.
• Ensure that the green light is showing.
• Place the mower in the charging station to charge.
• If the charging station light flashes blue and there is no loop signal, check our troubleshooting information.

Checking the mowing settings and starting operation

• Set a schedule: Set the schedule in the Automower® Connect app and start operation. Once your mower is charged and scheduled to operate, it will start mowing. Read more about the Automower® Scheduler Tool.
• Set the cutting height: When you mow your lawn for the first time after winter, it is important not to mow it too short as this can cause stress to the grass and leave it vulnerable to disease or weeds. Start with a high cutting height and gradually lower it. Read our guide on How to change the cutting height on your Automower® robotic lawn mower.
• Use the TargetHeightfeaturein the Automower® Connect app for automatic, gradual adjustment of the cutting height (available for selected Automower® models).
• If the mower only operates on half the lawn, then it is likely that you have connected a boundary or guide wire to the wrong charging station pin. Check that the connectors are connected to the charging station pins correctly. For more information refer to: Why is my Automower® robotic lawn mower only mowing portions of the lawn?

Enabling smart Automower® features for a healthier lawn

• Use Automower® Smart Routines to adapt to changing weather conditions (for models with cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity).
• In the Smart Home section of the Automower® Connect app, you’ll find Rain Guard, a smart routine that automatically parks your mower when the forecast predicts heavy rain.

For personalised assistance with your Automower® robotic lawn mower, please contact your local Husqvarna dealer.