Lawn robots are desired by the owners of every garden, but how not to make mistakes when purchasing and what should you know when installing them? We will dispel the main myths and clearly and simply list what is important to know when planning the purchase of a robotic lawnmower. Continue reading to discover the impressions shared by the Rasa gardener after use and the expert’s answers to the questions you asked us on social media.
Gardener’s Impressions Rasa after use
First I interviewed Ras: their family recently purchased a lawn robot «Gardena Sileno» (about them – here). When I asked Rasa his impressions, at first he hesitated whether he could tell me something: the robot works, there are no sounds, there are no problems, he says what do I tell you?
Finally, he listed the following advantages of a lawn robot:
- The lawn robot can be controlled very easily with a mobile app, even when you are not at home;
- It is not necessary to have any technical knowledge, using the lawn robot is clear and simple.
Rasa says you can also give a lawn robot to your parents, who no longer have the health to take care of the lawn, but are not very friendly with modern technology. You will be able to control the robot yourself with your phone and see how and when it works.
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Crocuses in the lawn are like little diamonds: plant them in your garden! –Is frequent mowing good for the grass?
Since I didn’t learn much from Rasa, I asked Facebook and Instagram accounts what the most frequent questions about lawn robots are.
The first question was regarding lawn health. «Gardena» expert Mindaugas replied that mowing is good and helpful for the grass. When the robot cuts the lawn regularly, the grass gets thicker and looks more beautiful and greener.
Moreover, during regular cutting, the robot spreads the tips of the grass that has been cut, which break down right there. This way, the lawn gets fertilized right away.
Thus, regular mowing helps you maintain a greener lawn – such a lovely green carpet.
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Collecting sprouts: the most common mistakesWhy does the lawn still appear bad?
One lady mentioned that at the beach, where the soil is dry and bare, even with a garden robot the lawn still seems unattractive, it is dry and worn out.
The main reason behind this issue is low moisture. Lawn mowing and fertilizing are only two parts of creating a nice lawn. Without water, there won’t be any life. A lawn damaged by heat and dryness is hard to revive, so you should try to tackle this issue by watering regularly.
Garden robots are well-known
The robot is louder at the start of the season, when the lawn is tougher, thinner, and has more acid. As the robotic lawnmower operates, the noise level drops. The lawn robot «Gardena Sileno» has a sound level of just 59 dB. Such a sound is definitely not bothersome and creates much less noise compared to battery, electric, gas, or other mowers.
As Rasa mentioned, sitting on her terrace, she doesn’t even notice the garden robot.
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«The robot isn’t to blame for the brown tips of the grass, but for its neglect,» states expert Gardena Mindaugas. This suggests that the blades have dulled and need replacing. In spring, when the grass is more acidic, lawn blades wear out quicker. So it’s good to replace them every month. After that, the lawn will be softer, and the blades can be changed less frequently.
Cleaning and washing the lawn robot
Is replacing the blades enough? Not quite. Like any other piece of equipment, the robotic lawnmower requires cleaning every once in a while. It’s not a regular task: when you swap the blades, you also gather any overgrown grass. The underside of the «Gardena Sileno» model lawnmower can be cleaned with a regular water spray. Just avoid using a high-pressure water spray.
«Gardena Sileno» – handles slopes up to 35%.
Another question from Facebook followers is about slopes. Mindaugas states that the «Gardena Sileno» lawn robots can easily manage a 35% slope. However, the installation cannot end on a slope. But handling such a slope is simple, and the lawn is cut neatly on it.
Well, I can say that it is usually not a good idea to grow grass on a steep hill. Instead, it is better to consider long-lasting plants or to find a method to level the ground and put in steps and support walls.
Changing the setup
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Which plants and how to cover the garden at the end of winter?Many people have flower beds or fruit trees around their yard. Are lawn robots a good fit for such places? After all, they often change.
When you plant new flowers or move existing plants, it’s easy to adjust the mowing borders. The working limits of «Gardena Sileno» can be set by extending the cables, so they can be moved to a different location, changing the area that needs cutting. Mindaugas reminds you to follow the guidelines from the manufacturer, as all distances and setup options are clearly marked there. You can do this yourself with ease.
More questions for the expert:
After shooting the episode on Youtube, a few more questions came up on Instagram, and Mindaugas answered them here:
Can the robot cross the path?
The robot can cross a path if it is level with the grass. However, it should not be taller than 1 cm above the lawn. If it needs to go over the edges, the robot’s boundary or guide cable can be placed under the edges.
Is a robotic lawnmower only good for completely flat lawns? (And another similar question: Many flowerbeds, garden, bumpy surface, moles. Area larger than 30 acres. Should I buy a robot?)
It is hard to determine what makes an area uneven. There are dips that the robot can’t handle, and those must be filled before using the robot.
The layout of flowerbeds should be checked to see if they will block the robot’s path and if the robot can move through. If there are dips or moles in the ground, they should be covered. Moles usually don’t like the constant motion of the robot and may relocate as a result.
Do large numbers of slugs in the grass harm the robot? Will it get very dirty?
Yes, the robot will get dirty, and you will need to clean it periodically or simply keep the blade disc lifted so the robot doesn’t contact them.
If I have an 8a plot, should I choose a model for that size or a more powerful one rated for 10a?
In this case, the planting of the area should be considered. If the yard is filled with plants and there are many barriers, you should go for a model designed for a larger space.
How should the lawn be gotten ready before using the robot? What steps should be taken before buying?
We always suggest mowing the grass before setting up the robot. If there are areas without grass, it is wise to seed those spots, and only after the grass has grown should you start installing the robot.
What are the best borders for flowerbeds that work well for a robot? How should they be set up?
The best curbs are the ones that don’t block the robot, meaning the robot can move over them easily, allowing it to cut nearer to the edge.
Do garden robots last a long time? For how long?
Robots can last for many years. However, you must frequently update the software (either on your own or at a service center if you need help), clean and replace the blades. In the winter, keep them in a warm area, charge them, and avoid letting the battery run all the way down.
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