Navigating the intricate dance of mowing around trees can feel like a frustrating chore. You find yourself constantly stopping, starting, and wrestling with the mower to get those hard-to-reach spots under the canopy. It’s a task that can test your patience and leave your lawn looking less than perfect. The secret to a beautiful, well-manicured lawn isn’t just about having a green thumb; it’s about having the right tool for the job. Maneuverability becomes your best friend when dealing with flower beds, fences, and, of course, the trunks of your beautiful trees.
That’s where a specialized mower makes all the difference. Instead of fighting with a bulky machine, you can glide around obstacles with ease, turning a tedious job into a simple, satisfying one. We’ve put together a guide to the 6 Best Lawn Mowers for Cutting Around Trees, focusing on models that offer superior agility, compact designs, and features that make trimming around trunks a breeze. Whether you have a small yard dotted with young saplings or a sprawling property with mature oaks, the right mower is out there.
What to Look for in a Tree-Friendly Mower
Before we look at specific models, it helps to know which features truly matter when your lawn is full of obstacles. The goal is to minimize hand-trimming and maximize efficiency. A mower that’s difficult to steer around a tree will only add to your workload. The most important factors are maneuverability and deck size. A smaller deck can slip into tight spaces that a larger one simply can’t. A mower with zero-turn capability or a tight turning radius is also a huge advantage, allowing you to pivot neatly around a trunk without leaving uncut grass.
Beyond that, consider the mower’s overall size and weight. A lighter mower is easier to control and less likely to compact the soil around sensitive surface roots. Also, think about the discharge options. A mulching mower can be a great choice as it finely chops the clippings and returns them to the soil, feeding the trees without leaving piles of grass around the base. If you bag, look for a compact chute that won’t bump into trunks.
6 Best Lawn Mowers for Cutting Around Trees
Here are our top picks for mowers that excel at navigating the unique challenges of a yard with trees, from nimble push mowers to agile riding machines.
1. The Nimble Electric Walk-Behind: EGO POWER+ Select Cut
For smaller yards with several trees, a battery-powered walk-behind mower like the EGO POWER+ offers incredible maneuverability. It’s lightweight, quiet, and starts with the push of a button. The key feature here is its compact design and easy-to-adjust handles, allowing you to weave around tree trunks with minimal effort. The peak-bagging performance means you can easily collect clippings from around the base of trees, keeping the area tidy and preventing fungal issues.
2. The Agile Zero-Turn Rider: Ariens Edge Zero-Turn Mower
If you have a larger property, a zero-turn mower is a game-changer. The Ariens Edge series is known for its tight turning radius, letting you pivot within inches of a tree. You can mow in smooth, flowing arcs around each trunk without the awkward back-and-forth of a traditional lawn tractor. Its sturdy construction and comfortable seat make mowing large, tree-filled lawns much less of a chore.
3. The Compact Tractor: John Deere 100 Series
For those who need a versatile machine that can handle more than just mowing, a sub-compact tractor like the John Deere 100 Series is a fantastic option. While not as nimble as a zero-turn, its steering wheel offers precise control that many find easier for navigating around specific obstacles. With a mid-size deck, it can fit between trees that are closer together, and the option to use other attachments makes it a great all-around investment for your property.
4. The Simple Reel Mower: American Lawn Mower Company Reel Mower
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. For very small lawns with just a tree or two, a manual reel mower provides the ultimate precision. It’s lightweight, emissions-free, and its narrow profile allows you to get incredibly close to tree trunks. There’s no risk of damaging the bark with a heavy engine, and it gives you a superb, scissor-cut finish. It’s a peaceful, effective way to maintain a postage-stamp lawn.
5. The Versatile Riding Mower: Troy-Bilt TB30 Riding Mower
This is a great middle-ground option. The Troy-Bilt TB30 offers a smaller cutting deck, often around 30 inches, which is more manageable around trees than a larger 42 or 46-inch deck. It features a tight turning radius for a riding mower and a durable engine. It’s less of an investment than a zero-turn but provides much better maneuverability than a bulky lawn tractor, making it a solid choice for medium-sized yards.
6. The All-Terrain Robot: Husqvarna Automower
For a truly hands-off approach, consider a robotic mower. The Husqvarna Automower can be programmed to mow almost continuously, keeping your lawn consistently trim. You set a boundary wire around your trees and other obstacles, and the mower will navigate around them on its own. It’s quiet, efficient, and because it cuts little and often, the fine clippings act as a natural fertilizer, which is great for the health of your grass and trees.
Tips for Protecting Your Trees While Mowing
No matter which mower you choose, protecting your trees is paramount. The most common damage comes from the mower or trimmer hitting the trunk, which can gouge the bark and open the tree up to disease and pests. The best practice is to create a mulch ring around the base of each tree. A layer of mulch two to three inches deep and extending a few feet from the trunk eliminates the need to mow right up against the bark. It also helps retain soil moisture and suppresses weeds. If you do mow close, always be mindful of surface roots to avoid scalping them with the mower blade.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Garden
Choosing the perfect mower ultimately comes down to the size of your yard, the number of trees you have, and your personal preference. A small, electric mower might be all you need for a cozy garden, while a zero-turn rider could save you hours of work on an acreage. The most important thing is to prioritize agility and control. A mower that feels like an extension of your own movement will not only give you a better-looking lawn but will also make the entire process more enjoyable.
By selecting a mower designed for maneuverability, you can say goodbye to the frustration of uncut grass around your trees. Your lawn will look professionally maintained, and you’ll be able to complete your yard work faster and with less physical strain. Happy mowing!