How to Get Grass with Stripes – Can I Stripe My Lawn?

Not everyone needs a striped lawn but there's something about grass with stripes that just screams, “I’ve got my life together.” 

Groundskeepers and landscape architects have learned the art of grass striping. And every lawnie who's visited the Adelaide Oval always comes back with renewed desire for a striped lawn. 

Every homeowner wants it – a perfectly manicured lawn whether it's just for the kids to play outdoors or for street appeal, maybe before a resale. 

It helps turn your backyard into the MCG – minus the footy fans and Four'N Twenty meat pies. Admittedly, not everyone needs lawn stripes in Australia, but why does everyone want them?

Are Lawn Stripes Necessary?

Well, it depends. But let’s face it, beyond making your lawn just looking tidy, stripes add a touch of class, showing off a bit of pride in the patch of green we call home. And who doesn’t want their yard to look like it belongs on a real estate ad?

But what are you trying to achieve with a striped lawn? Is it just for show and about the stripes, or is there something else you’re aiming for with your lawn? There are a few different reasons why different folks put effort into their lawns. You might find yourself in one of these four categories:

1. If your goal is to achieve a Display Home then you'll need lawn stripes:

2. If your yard is a Footy Stadium you may want stripes

3. To achieve a Sanctuary you don't really need stripes:

4. And if you only cut your grass to Appease Your Landlord then anything goes:

But can you really have any lawn (or your own lawn as it is) stripped? Well, before you start shopping for a stripping kit, I'll tell you these: whether your lawn can wear a stripped pattern depends on a couple of factors. Here are questions you should start with:

What's your grass and climate like?

First off, deciding to stripe your lawn will depend on the climate. If you’re in a cooler part of Oz, like Tassie or Victoria, your grass type might lend itself nicely to stripes. Cool-season grasses like fescue love being mowed with precision at a height of 40mm to 50mm. It's the best for creating that clean, striped look. 

But if you're up in Queensland, where it can get really hot, cool season grasses are not an option as cool season grasses thrive at temperatures of between 16 to 24 degrees celsius.  Any hotter and they will demand excessive water and go dormant. 

Drought-tolerant grasses like Tiff Tuff Hybrid Bermuda or Sir Grange Zoysia  work best for striped lawns in warm climates as in Northern NSW and Queensland from Coffs Harbour to Townsville. This is due to their fine leaf and heat tolerance. 

How big is your lawn?

If you've got a tiny patch, you could still make it work. But you might end up with more "mower strip" than impressive lawn art. The bigger the yard, the more room to show off your stripes. It’s like having a giant green canvas to paint on. 

Grass with stripes also offers practical benefits. Mowing itself doesn't directly improve soil aeration like when you use an aerator. But the alternating movement of the mower helps reduce soil compaction. This helps with water retention, especially in dry spells. 

So, are lawn stripes necessary? Maybe not. But do they look amazing and give your lawn a boost? Absolutely.

How to get grass with stripes (step-by-step)

Grass with stripes looks like a pro job. Good news: you don’t need to be a professional groundskeeper to achieve it as you can DIY it. With the right tools and a bit of lawn-mowing know-how, your yard will be the talk of the street. Now, here's how to create lawn stripes and give your lawn the big league treatment. 

Step 1: Pick a pattern

First things first – decide on a pattern. Do you want classic criss-cross stripes? Checkerboard? Diagonal? The choice is yours.

Photo credit - Leigh Schilling 

If it’s your first go, keep it simple and stick with basic horizontal or vertical stripes. You can always get fancier down the track. Just remember, a solid pattern gives your lawn that “big league” feel.

Step 2: Make sure you have the right grass

Again, not all grass types will give you that bold stripey look. Cool-season grasses like rye and fescue works best for a striped lawn. They’re easier to bend and create clearer contrasts. 

Lawn stripes are all about the grass blades reflecting light differently when bent in opposite directions. Warmer grasses like buffalo or couch are a bit stubborn and don’t stripe as easily. 

If you live in the North and are looking for good warm season grasses to stripe up, its best to go with kikuyu or zoysia. Using zoysia instead of couch is also a cost effective solution as there's reduced watering and fertilising cost.

Step 3: Mow a mower strip

Start with a straight line, also known as a "mower strip." This sets the foundation for your pattern. Mow a strip down the middle of your lawn to keep things even. 

If you’re like me and can’t walk in a straight line to save yourself, use a landmark like your fence or shed to guide you. Once you have that first line sorted, the rest is easy.

Step 4: Use a cylinder mower or a lawn striping kit 

For perfect lawn stripes, you’ll need a cylinder mower. Grass stripping requires cutting the grass at a precise height while leaving a clean, even finish. And that screams of a cylinder mower like the Allett Liberty.  

Photo credit: https://allett-au.com/products/allett-liberty-43-battery-cylinder-mower

But if what you own is a regular rotary mower and can't afford a cylinder mower right now, that's fine, you can grab a lawn striping kit from Toro. A lawn stripping kit attaches to your mower and helps bend the grass after you mow.

If you want it all done without a kit, using things you have, you can make a DIY lawn striper with a roller or a weighted bar. 

Attach it to the back of your mower to gently bend the grass as you mow. It’s the bending that creates those stripped patterns – light and dark.

Step 5: Alternate directions for contrast

To get those striking contrasts, alternate the direction you mow. One stripe goes one way, the next goes in the opposite direction. 

The back-and-forth motion is what gives your lawn that standout look.

Photo credit: https://allett-au.com/pages/how-to-stripe-a-lawn?srsltid=AfmBOorv7zaiUyVoxdessj3z9WoSx6f_bmlvAWygwgxfBlIbA8nZTtJy

Step 6: Tidy up the edges

Once you’ve mowed your stripes, don’t forget to clean up the edges. A crisp border will make your lawn look polished. 

Now, that's it. Bring out the drone or check things aerially to see what you've done. Your lawn should now have the stripes to rival the MCG. 

Creating Lawn Stripes on a Budget with a Push Mower

Of course, you need a high-tech mower like a cylinder lawnmower to get a professionally-looking lawn with stripes. But if all you’ve got or can afford is a humble push mower, you can still create a lawn worthy of the big courses. They are almost 4 times more affordable than a cylinder mower and get the mowing job done. 

Now here's how to make lawn stripes with a push mower:

Add a DIY lawn striper 

Since your push mower doesn’t have a built-in roller or a lawn striping kit, you’ll need to get creative. A DIY lawn striper can get things done for you here. 

Like I said earlier, you can attach something heavy, like a PVC pipe filled with sand or a plastic barrel, to the back of your push mower. This helps to bend the grass blades as you go. 

The trick is to gently press the grass down – too much weight and you’ll flatten it. Just enough and you’ll get those crisp stripes.

Alternate your mowing directions

The key to getting those light and dark lawn stripes is in the direction of the mow. Push your mower one way to create one stripe. 

Then head back in the opposite direction to make a criss-cross. The grass blades reflect the light differently depending on the way they’re bent, which is how the stripes appear. 

Manage your expectations

Now, here’s the thing – creating perfect lawn stripes with a push mower isn’t going to be as easy or as precise as using a cylinder mower or a lawn striping kit. 

Push mowers don’t have the same weight or roller mechanism. So the stripes might not be as sharp or last as long. But if you’re on a budget and willing to put in the effort, you can still get decent results. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get out in the fresh air and give your arms a workout.

But yes, you can absolutely create lawn stripes with a push mower. It might take a bit more elbow grease. But hey, you always need an extra effort for a lawn that looks like it belongs on the telly.

Choosing the Right Lawn Striper

If you're not working with a cylinder mower, before you start mowing like a footy groundskeeper, you need to pick the right lawn striper. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and what works for a small lawn in the surburbs might not suit a larger property out bush. I'll break down your options.

What's your lawn size?

First up, how big is your yard? If you’ve got a small backyard – say, under 100 square metres – a basic lawn striping kit or even a DIY lawn striper might be enough. You can pick up a lawn striper kit for around $150 to $300 online or at your local store. It attaches easily to most rotary mowers and works well for smaller areas.

If your lawn stretches out over 1,000m³, you’ll want something a bit more heavy-duty, like a Draper Garden Lawn Roller (around 250 USD). These are perfect for covering more ground and getting those stripes looking pro-level.

How big is your budget?

Speaking of money, what’s your budget like? If you’re looking to save some dosh, a DIY lawn striper is your best bet. You can make one using materials like PVC pipe, sand, or a weighted bar for under $50, or even less than $20. It’s a budget-friendly way to create lawn stripes without splashing out on expensive gear. Just remember, you’ll need to attach it to the back of your mower to bend the grass as you go.

If you’ve got a bit more to spend and want the best of the best, cylinder mowers come with built-in rollers that naturally create stripes. The Allett Cambridge Cylinder Mower delivers pro-level stripes with precision.

How precise are you willing to go?

For perfect lawn stripes, you’ll want a high level of precision. Cylinder mowers are the kings of precision. They cut grass more evenly and some come with rollers that help bend the blades for sharp, clean stripes. If you're after top-notch results and don't mind the investment, a cylinder mower is worth considering.

On the other hand, if you’re happy with DIY-level stripes, a basic striping kit or attachment will still get the job done – just not with the same precision. But hey, it still looks great and will turn heads in the neighbourhood.

Where to buy in Australia

You can find lawn striping kits and mowers at stores like Bunnings, Mitre 10, or online at Catch and eBay. If you’re after something more specialised, head to a Total Tools or your local mower shop for a bigger range. Prices vary depending on the type and brand. So it’s worth shopping around to find something that suits your lawn and budget.

Roller, Cylinder, or attachment: Which Works Best?

Here’s a handy comparison table to help you decide between a roller, cylinder mower, or attachment for creating lawn stripes:

How to Maintain Your Lawn Stripe

When you've put in the hard work to get those stunning grass with stripes, you need to keep them looking sharp. Here are some tips on how to maintain your lawn stripes and keep them looking newly-stripped.Just like how your nice low taper fade haircut may disappear when you don't keep it on low cut.

Tip 1: Regular mowing

To keep the stripes crisp, regular mowing is key. So, mow at least once a week during the growing season. 

Set your mower to the right height. Usually around 25 to 40mm works best for most grass types. If you let the grass grow too long, the stripes will fade. Just like how your nice low taper fade haircut may disappear when you don't keep it on low cut.

Tip 2: Keep the grass green and healthy 

A stripped lawn and unhealthy grass don't go together. You can't be aiming for a manicured lawn while having a yellowing lawn problem on the side. So, keep it green and healthy. 

Fertilising regularly keeps your grass healthy and lush. Use a balanced fertiliser about every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. A fertiliser high in nitrogen and iron will encourage growth and color, helping your lawn recover quickly after mowing. Look for something like the Pro Turf from Vanderlands. It’s a solid choice for Aussie lawns.

Tip 3: Use a Plant Growth Regulator 

Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) work because they slow down the growth of grass, and make them denser. This means your lawn stays stripped for longer. It also means fewer mowings and more weekends enjoying a cold one. In other words, less growth means those stripes you’ve carefully crafted stick around longer.

Mix the solution as per the instructions. Apply it evenly on a dry lawn when your grass is actively growing. Make sure you water it in lightly. 

Tip 4: Keep your mower sharp

Dull blades tear the grass, leaving ragged edges that ruin the crisp lines of your stripes. So, make sure to sharpen your mower blades at least once a season. 

This simple task helps ensure clean cuts and healthier grass. If you’re not sure how to do this, many lawn care shops offer blade sharpening services.

Tip 5: Reseed bare spots

If you notice any bare patches or thinning stripes, reseed them quickly. Use a grass seed that matches your existing lawn type for the best results. After reseeding, water the area regularly to encourage growth. 

FAQs: Your Questions About Grass with Stripes Answered

How long does lawn striping last?

You can expect them to last about a week as the grass grow. So, regular mowing in different directions are crucial. Weather plays a big role, too. Heavy rain or strong winds can mess up your stripes pretty quickly. If you keep your lawn healthy with watering and fertilization, those stripes will stay vibrant for longer.

Can you stripe a lawn without a striping kit?

Absolutely, you can create lawn stripes without a striping kit! If you're on a budget or just want to try a DIY approach, you can make a lawn striper from materials you might have lying around. For example, take a piece of PVC pipe filled with sand and attach it to your mower’s rear. This will press down the grass blades just like a striping kit does. Even without a stripping tool, you can still achieve a striped look. Just focus on mowing in alternating directions. The key is to keep the grass blades bent in different ways. 

How do you attach a lawn stripping kit to a mower?

Generally, you’ll mount it onto the back of your mower using brackets or hooks. Make sure it’s positioned to press down the grass after the blades cut it. Most kits come with a set of instructions tailored to your type of mower. Make sure you check it out.

What type of mower works for grass stripping?

A cylinder mower is the best lawnmower for striped lawns and they can create lawn stripes without a striping kit. In fact, many cylinder mowers already have a built-in roller, which does the job of bending the grass as you mow. That’s why you often see cylinder mowers used on cricket pitches and footy grounds; they naturally leave those sharp stripes behind.

Conclusion

So, we've cracked the code on getting grass with stripes, and it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re aiming for a perfect footy field look or just want to impress your mates next door, creating those lawn stripes isn't that hard. I talked about the basics of how lawn stripes are made—it’s all about bending the grass blades in different directions. Like brushing your hair one way, then the other. 

Using a simple lawn striping kit or even a DIY PVC lawn striper can get you there. If you’ve got a basic push mower, just attach a roller to the back, and you’re in business. This makes the grass bend evenly as you mow. You can even get creative with patterns, like checkerboards. In other words, you don’t need to spend big to make your lawn look like the big league. 

Remember: start with a light mow first to get the lay of the land. Then, go over with your striping tool or roller, following the same path. This helps keep lines straight and your mates from calling you out for wobbly stripes.