My oldest daughters are to the point now where they are large enough (physically) to mow the lawn. I actually had to put off this next stage in molding my children into proper minions because Teleri is such a shrimp. Since her sister Aerin takes after her mother's side of the family and is larger than her older sister, this means that I get to train two future henchgirls for the price of one.
In that spirit, here are the three main tips for lawn mowing efficiency.
- A square is by far the easiest shape to mow. Since all lawns have irregularities, you're generally better off simplifying that shape as you go. i.e. don't be afraid to pass over corners you've already mowed if it helps you to get to a square faster.
- Pulling is easier than pushing, but it is not recommended for the entire lawn. I actually picked this tip up from my mom when I was a lad being minionized myself. It means that if you come into a bad spot, for whatever reason, don't hesitate to whip the mower around to pull it over that spot.
- Keep an eye on your output. Glance occasionally behind the mower as well as in front so that you pick up those areas where the mower simply didn't cut well. Backing briefly over the spot is generally enough to pick it up because backing over it will change the shape of the cut enough that it should pick it up.
Not rocket science, but since I'd just given my wisdom on to the next Proffitt generation I figured I'd throw it up for the unwashed Interweb masses.