Lawnmower or scythe?

hello, we have a large meadow behind the house that we want to leave entirely to nature. Everything should grow as nature allows it to grow. But once a year it should also be mowed there. What is best to use, a lawnmower or a scythe? Who has experience with this and can tell me which is easier?

if the meadow is only to be mowed once a year then you can forget about the lawn mower. The grass will be way too tall, you will never get through it in your life. A scythe is better for that, but you have to practice. Because you need a certain technique, otherwise it won't work.

Hello, there are also mowers that can handle tall grass but they are very expensive. It is much better to learn how to mow with a scythe. Maybe you know someone who can show you. It is also a great fitness exercise and once you know how to do it, it goes very quickly.

We have a similar case behind our house and I have to say: We use both. The tall grass and the brush near the fence are cut with the scythe, occasionally with our petrol trimmer, and then the rest is done with the lawn mower – so it’s not bad to have both at home. ;)

Meadow

Hello
So if you want a real natural meadow, the once-a-year mowing is questionable. There are many plants that cannot withstand such treatment and will die off over the years.
Furthermore, it is recommended to mow the meadow only with a scythe or a sickle bar mower. The scythe cut does not cut as deep and cleanly as the lawn mower does. The grass blades usually remain longer and thus better preserve the natural meadow. The sickle bar mower is recommended if the meadow is really large, as working with the scythe only goes smoothly if you have mastered it, and with a sickle bar mower you can’t go too wrong.
The most cost-effective is definitely the scythe. It is relatively inexpensive and only powered by muscle ;) That fits best with a natural meadow if you mow it with the scythe =).

Best regards, Forester