For three months during the strange and challenging spring and summer of 2020, the main football pitch of Månsarp IF in Sweden has been doubly cared for. On one side, by a conventional rotary mower, on the other – a Husqvarna 550 Automower® robotic mower.
It’s been said that the proof of the pudding is in the eating, now the proof of the mowing is in the health of the pitch, a pitch carefully measured and controlled by Simeon Liljenberg.
After three months and a couple of days, Simeon has returned to Månsarp to see whether there’s any noticeable difference between the two sides.
“The very first thing I noticed, was the difference in colour of the two sides. The Automower® side struck me as a darker green, with less yellow in it, which instantly tells me that it’s healthier.”
This, however, isn’t proof enough. So, Simeon set about to measure with the expert tools of his trade. The state of the plants and the soil, the overall well-being of the two sides is carefully monitored and compared. And, after a mere three months, there are noticeable differences between the side that’s been cared for by Automower® and the one cut with the rotary mower.
Razor-sharp cuts
The Automower® side displays blades of grass with razor sharp cuts whereas the other side – from time to time – looks as if they’ve been more torn or shredded than cut. The “ripping” of the grass creates unnecessary stress for the grass, making the lawn or pitch more susceptible to diseases and fungal growth. Reduced damage to every individual plant produces an overall healthier, greener result.
”A sharp, clean cut makes it easier for the plant to grow”, says Simeon. “Dull cuts can lead to degeneration and – in the worst case – the trauma to the plant will weaken it, making it less resilient.”