Keeping a lawn in good condition takes time and consistency, and for many people it can feel like a never-ending task. Robotic lawnmowers offer a practical alternative, taking care of regular mowing automatically and helping to keep grass looking neat with very little effort.

Wentworth Lifestyle spoke with Ryan Patterson, Residential Product Manager, at Husqvarna UK to learn a little more about how they work.

How Robotic Lawnmowers Work

Robotic lawnmowers are designed to mow little and often, rather than cutting large amounts of grass in one go. This approach helps maintain a consistent lawn height and produces fine clippings that naturally break down into the soil, acting as a fertiliser.

Once installed, the mower operates within a clearly defined boundary, working independently across the lawn. When the battery runs low, it returns automatically to its charging station, then resumes mowing once recharged.

Most models can be controlled via a smartphone app, allowing you to set schedules, adjust cutting settings and monitor progress remotely.

Suitable for a Range of Garden Types

Robotic lawnmowers are designed to work in a wide variety of gardens. Whether the space is small and simple or larger with more complex features, there are models to suit different needs.

“They can handle narrow passages, trees, flower beds and multiple zones,” says Patterson. “During installation, the mowing area is clearly defined so the mower knows exactly where to work and where to avoid.” This setup allows the mower to navigate around obstacles and maintain even irregularly shaped lawns with minimal input once everything is in place.

Handling Slopes and Uneven Ground

Many robotic mowers are built to cope with uneven terrain. Depending on the model, they can manage gentle slopes as well as more challenging gradients.

For most households, this means the mower can deal with typical garden features such as dips, bumps and inclines without leaving missed patches or visible tracks.

Working in Different Weather Conditions

Robotic lawnmowers are weather-resistant and can operate in rain, which makes them well suited to UK conditions.

Because they cut small amounts of grass at a time, wet grass is less of an issue than it would be with traditional mowing. Many users choose to schedule mowing during quieter times of day, such as early morning or overnight.

Managing Longer Grass

These mowers are designed to maintain a lawn rather than cut back heavily overgrown grass in one go. If the grass has been left to grow longer, the mower will gradually bring it back to the desired height over several sessions.

This approach is gentler on the lawn and helps promote healthier, more even growth over time.

Safety Features

Robotic lawnmowers include a range of built-in safety features. Lift and tilt sensors immediately stop the blades if the mower is picked up or tipped.

Many models also include obstacle detection, allowing the mower to slow down or change direction when it encounters objects. Additional features such as child locks and PIN protection help prevent unauthorised use.

Some models also include alarms and GPS tracking, which can be useful if the mower is moved outside its designated area.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Ongoing maintenance is relatively simple. This usually involves occasional cleaning, checking that the mower is operating correctly and replacing the blades a few times per season.

The blades are small and easy to change, and regular replacement helps maintain a clean and consistent cut. Servicing through a local dealer is also an option and can help extend the lifespan of the mower.

Costs and Running Expenses

The upfront cost of a robotic lawnmower depends on the model and the size of the lawn. Typically, this includes the mower, charging station and installation components. Professional installation is available but optional, as many systems can be set up by the user.

There are no mandatory subscription fees, and core app functionality is usually included.

Running costs are low. Robotic mowers are powered by electricity and are energy-efficient, with small to medium models using approximately 0.04 to 0.08 kWh per day. This equates to only a small daily cost.

Blade replacements are also relatively inexpensive, typically costing between £20 and £40 per year depending on usage.

Robotic lawnmowers provide a straightforward and effective way to maintain a lawn without the need for regular manual mowing. By working consistently in the background, they help keep grass in good condition while reducing the time and effort required from the homeowner.