Mowing Bermudagrass Lawn with a California Trimmer Reel Mower // Reel Low Bermuda Lawn Care

You wanted it, and I was listening. This video will show you my new California Trimmer reel lawn mower in action. Watch as I mow my bermudagrass lawn and explain how the first two weeks using it have gone. I've been transitioning from the Earthwise 7 blade manual reel mower to this power reel mower. So far, so good. Much more to come so stay tuned!
Don't miss out on the other videos I've done about it so far. I'll leave the links for ya right here:
California Trimmer Reel Mower Unboxing, Setup, & Assembly // My First Power Reel Lawn Mower - • California Trimmer Ree...
Want to be a homeowner who reel mows? // Should you reel mow your lawn? // Is reel mowing for you? - • Want to be a homeowner...
And here's the link for the one mentioned in this video:
3 Reasons for Scalping Bermudagrass // HOC Reset for Thick, Green Lawn // Bermuda Lawn Care Tips - • 3 Reasons for Scalping...
This channel's videos share DIY lawn care tips for the average homeowner looking to fix an ugly lawn or maintain a nice one. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, you'll learn ways to have the best yard on the block without spending a lot of money.
I'm a husband and dad who loves his family and his lawn. Gotta care for and manage a budget for both.
#reelmower #reelmowing #reelmow #reellow #reellowmow #earthwisereelmower #californiatrimmer #californiatrimmerreelmower #lawnmower #lawnmowing #mow #mowing #lawncare #lawn #rotarylawnmower #bermudagrass
/ budget.lawns

[@don-uv2zj]

Always love your video, How your California trimmer vibration when it full power , mine seen like very vibration to the handle bar I can feel it

[@BudgetLawns]

Thank you. I’ve never really noticed anything. A little vibration is normal I’d imagine. I guess it’s all subjective. Appreciate ya.

[@E.ElderGilbert]

You might need to add some Greene county fertilizer to your lawn

[@BudgetLawns]

Why do you say that? This video was shot during recovery from a late season height of cut reset scalp, so the color wasn't back yet. Check out my Instagram...budget.lawns for pics of how my fert plan has worked out this season. No problems in the department. Thanks for watching.

[@greggbates7562]

What the flip are those electric meters doing in the middle of your backyard? That’s something weird that I’ve never seen before!

[@BudgetLawns]

One is for my house, the other is for the house behind me. They're in the utility easement, but I asked that they not be fenced in. I'd rather look at them as opposed to lose the amount of lawn that would be lost to a fence. Thanks for watching.

[@LawnImprovement]

The engine sounds really good on this unit 👍🏼

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks bro! Can't beat the Honda!

[@ChipsNGuac]

🤙🏾💯

[@BudgetLawns]

👊Thanks buddy. Hope you're having a good last run of the season!

[@ChipsNGuac]

Yeah I'm done, may post a Pre Emergent Video this weekend. But im done no overseeding or anything like that for me.

[@BudgetLawns]

@@ChipsNGuac 👍Right there with ya bro! I'm looking forward to enjoying a nice break!

[@TheLawngineer]

Alright!!! Here it is!

[@BudgetLawns]

Haha. I hope I don't disappoint. Enjoy! Thanks for being here!

[@synysterberto]

Hello, just curious why some use a grass catcher and some dont? Thanks!

[@BudgetLawns]

Good question. Some people don't like the look of grass clippings on the lawn. Just a personal preference. For me, I don't collect clippings. Leaving them on the lawn is natural fertilizer, and it's free. Here's a vid I did with some mowing tips, kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn_XgGiLfdOcgK8 Hope it helps. Thanks for watching.

[@synysterberto]

@@BudgetLawns Thanks, I'll check it out!

[@BudgetLawns]

You bet. Thank you.

[@TheLawnShark]

Grass is looking great! The Reel is a different deal for sure!

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks brother. A learning curve big time. Starting to find my rhythm. Appreciate ya!

[@TheEBrig]

Great video! Always picking up something new from your videos.

[@BudgetLawns]

Thank you! Sweet. I hope that's the case for lots of folks. Makes the videos even more worth doing if people learn something new. Appreciate you!

[@1975oldschool]

Have a friend who was using a manual reel mower, but had to switch back to his rotary since his cheap real mower was giving him trouble and he had the same experience as you, that the manual one was floating on top and not really cutting as low as he thought. Thanks for the video!

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks for sharing that. Let's me know I'm not crazy and just imagining things haha. I figured someone else out there had the same experience. You're welcome. Appreciate you watching!

[@danielbulmer7700]

Take it down a few notches for a mow then bring it back up to the 1 inch you want. Looks good!

[@BudgetLawns]

Thank you. Appreciate it. I did a couple test passes at a lower height. Even with the roller on the front I was hitting dirt pretty bad in spots since the lawn is so bumpy. This late in the season, I don't want to hit it that hard on a scalp. I will next spring for sure. We've had really mild temps for August, so not very good bermuda growing conditions, especially with the shorter days. Thanks again for the feedback! 👊

[@danielbulmer7700]

@@BudgetLawns fair enough. Over here is Australia things are just starting to warm up. Lucky we have you guys to keep us entertained over our winter months. Keep up the good work 👍

[@BudgetLawns]

Right on. I bet you're getting excited. Good luck this coming season! Thank you for the support! I really appreciate it.

[@coachpix]

Awesome!!! 💪🏼🇺🇸. Hit with that fertilizer and H2O

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks buddy. Got rain for days headed our way. I'll get that fert down soon too! Appreciate ya!

[@TheCountryCottageGardener]

Enjoyed the video pal 👍

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks bud. Appreciate ya!

[@donslawns1]

I like it bro! Gave you a nice cut and the lawn is responding well!!

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks bud. Appreciate ya as always! 👊

[@williamjohnson9727]

Congratulations again on the new mower. That Honda motor is a beast. Maybe throw down some liquid iron for a quick green up.

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks again brother! It sure is. Sounds awesome. I thought about the iron, but you know me...gotta keep that budget in tact. Haha 😂 Appreciate ya buddy!

[@williamjohnson9727]

@@BudgetLawns I know your pain. I just spent $600.00 on mesotrione, glyphosate, next products, and GCI Blue heat grass seed. I'm in renovation mode.

[@BudgetLawns]

Dang. Good luck in the reno. Keep me posted!

[@toddhickey1956]

I think it’s clear for most of us how to mow in a straight line… generally. The skill set for us to develop is moving around objects; fixing crooked lines due to objects and the the process for turning. Please - the process for turning. Also is there a stripe process that works better?

[@BudgetLawns]

I get it. Moving around objects can be a challenge. My new home will present more for me to deal with. Honestly, I haven't discovered any special tips or tricks to help with that. Really it's just about more experience and finding a routine that you get comfortable with. This may sound crazy, but I'm not a big stripe guy. I prefer the smooth carpet look. Wish I had more concrete answers for ya. Appreciate your questions and you watching.

[@SunnyBermuda]

☀️Grass looks great on camera! Could scalp it down to .5” and let it come back green. Do you miss that manual reel yet? Great video!! ☀️

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks man! I tried a few test spots even lower but the lawn just has to many big dips and bumps, in the back especially. Even with the roller it was getting down to dirt in spots. DIdn't want to put it through that this late in the season. Definitely will in the spring. Funny you ask, I actually still use it every time I mow. I'm gonna do a video explaining that. Appreciate ya as always bro!

[@RaulSachsCarrillo]

F I N A L L Y 🙏 the color of the lawn looks good and the mower in action was good also and I'm glad you left the audio in and those shorts I bet they keep you cool 👀. And thank you for that your awesome buddy👍🙏 as things come to a end for most I'm wondering how long my lawn will stay green with this Arden 15 renovation in California.

[@BudgetLawns]

Haha. Thanks man. Yeah, if folks are like me, they'd rather hear the mower than music. Haha, yeah, I didn't realize that hole was so big until I started editing. You're welcome bud. Thank you so much for your positivity and support!

[@jlvoutdoors]

You and I both need that handle extension kit. I've been putting it off but I'm going to bite the bullet soon.

[@BudgetLawns]

Good thing I've got long arms haha. Definitely not suited for tall folks. Let me know what ya think if you get it. Appreciate ya watching and commenting man!

[@m3awd598]

Definitely go one notch up on HOC and a quick feeding of foliar urea + iron would make it dark green in 1 week! Since your channel is called budget lawns I suggest you try DEF, let me know if you need more info I'm happy to share!

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. I use little to no supplements on my lawn, though. All the lawn has seen this season is granular fertilizer and pre-emergent. That's it. Oh, and lots of sweat 😂. That's how I keep the budget and my time in tact. Appreciate ya watching and commenting!

[@m3awd598]

@@BudgetLawns totally understand and I like what you're doing and it makes your channel unique! Just in case you don't already know, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is 67.5% water and 32.5% Urea, and we already know that Urea is 46-0-0, so DEF is basically 15-0-0 liquid fertilizer. You can get a 2.5 gal DEF for $7.88 from Wal-Mart (in GA at least) so that's a great & practical foliar spray option on a budget! It's more expensive than buying 50 lb bags of water soluble urea but most of us with medium to small yards don't want 50 lb bags! Try it and make a video! You'll be the first KZbinr to do it I believe!

[@BudgetLawns]

@@m3awd598 Right on. Appreciate all the details. Pretty cheap. Definitely budget friendly! 👊

[@thomascorbitt]

Why in the world are there two power meters sticking up in your yard? Why would they not mount those to the house? And why two? Lawn is looking good, though.

[@BudgetLawns]

Haha. Kinda silly isn't it. They're in the utility easement. They don't mount them to the house in neighborhoods around here. There's one for my house and the one behind me. Most of the other yards have the utilities fenced in. But when the house was built, I asked them not to fence them in because it took up so much of the yard. Some yards have nothing in them, some have it way worse. Thank you! Appreciate ya!

[@leomerino3906]

Does that mower leave the lines like the mclane like a small Mohawks?

[@BudgetLawns]

Depends on how smooth your lawn is. My old lawn was bumpy and would get a few in spots but it never bothered me. Perfection is not what I shoot for.

[@DavidNance]

That thing cuts like a hot knife through butter.

[@BudgetLawns]

😂 Yes it does, yes it does!

[@LawnPusher]

Have a good one! PITTL

[@BudgetLawns]

You too my friend.

[@KyleSteele88]

Man can I purchase the VIP pass and go ahead and get the whole set of the Trimmer videos now? But seriously great content. For all us guys who went and bought gas reels this season these honest videos are a must. I’m still struggling to get use to my Tru Cut it’s been a big learning curve from the manual Earthwise 7 blade. I still use the Earthwise too so I wanna see what you’re doing. Keep em coming!

[@BudgetLawns]

Haha. Thanks man. If I could, I'd give ya free admission to 'em all right now. Hope to start working on the next one soon. I'm glad you find them helpful. Crazy that you're still using the manual as well. Sometimes people think I'm crazy for doing things certain ways, but I'm usually not the only one. Appreciate your support. We'll get through this learning curve together.

[@VaushaunBrooks]

Love my earthwise too. What’s been the hardest thing to get used to with the trucut? I’m looking to go powered next season so I’m researching as much as possible. Really helpful to talk to relatable guys with relatable budgets!

[@brooksfiser7968]

Looks great, and you can’t beat the smoothness difference between manual and powered.....but as a manual reel fan, I’m slightly disappointed to not see the Earthwise. An episode ago, I was hoping that your big reveal would’ve been a Hudson Star. Would’ve been cool to see a LawnTuber stick with the manual reel, even in the face of everyone pushing the powered reels (that said, the Hudson Stars are even less “budget” than a Cal Trimmers).

[@BudgetLawns]

Thank you. The smoothness is nice. I'm still using the Earthwise every time I mow. I'll do a video explaining why. Yeah, those Hudson Stars are awesome. I had high hopes that I could stick with the manual. Unfortunately, the harsh truth with reel mowing is that if you're gonna commit to it, you gotta have the right equipment. Especially with anything over a 2K sq ft lawn. Manual cutting every other day was just eating up too much time. Between two kiddos, shooting and editing 2 videos a week, grad school and work, I just couldn't spend that much time mowing anymore. This new mower allows me to knock out a quick mow in half the time...super convenient. I know one thing, the wife is happy haha 😂. Appreciate you watching and your feedback!

[@brooksfiser7968]

Budget Lawns 100% agree with you. I love my manual reel, and I just have 2 kiddos and no grad school, and it’s tough to keep up every other day/3 day mowing. The silence is nice, but when you need a double or triple cut, it becomes tough. Love your channel! The most relatable for me. Keep up the great work!

[@BudgetLawns]

@@brooksfiser7968 2 kiddos keep our hands full for sure. Wouldn't change it for the world. 👊 Really appreciate your input. I'm glad this channel is the most relatable for you. When I decided to do it, that was my number one goal...to make it relatable to the average homeowner. Cause that's what I am, and I just couldn't relate to a lot of the other channels out there. Couldn't do this without ya. Thank you!

[@btrook1981]

New mower looks like a lot of fun. I’m sure you’re going to be doing a lot of mowing now that the fun factor took a big leap forward. How do you like to winterize your lawn equipment? Drain all the gas and leave it dry for winter, keep it full with stabilizer, or change out the fuel once a month? I’m torn between them. Edit: watching your winterizing video on this topic now. Didn’t realize you had one

[@BudgetLawns]

Thank ya buddy! The fun factor definitely makes me want to mow more. Glad you found the winterization video. Hope it helped. It's a convenient way to do it and makes it easy to use the equipment through the offseason if you need to. Appreciate ya!

[@elmoreglidingclub3030]

Nice. I’m leaning toward a California Trimmer because of price and features. I also like what seems to be a decently wide range of HOC. Though I won’t be cutting low for a while-gosh, I’ve a lot of grass work to do-I plan to get the grass down under 1/2” someday. So after having your CT for a year now, any comments?

[@BudgetLawns]

I think you’ll be happy. I’m not like a lot of these other guys that are seeking a perfect mower and go through them like water. This one has everything I wanted and need, so I’m still very pleased. 👍👍

[@jimccc9467]

Why would you choose that mower over the Tru cut? The separate drive clutch on the Tru cut lets you spin the blades fast with out running behind it.

[@BudgetLawns]

Great question. I'll be doing a video soon explaining why I chose this one. Of course, price was a huge determining factor, but the Cal Trimmer has a lot of features that I really wanted. As far as speed goes, I walk really fast so having to run isn't a problem for me. My lawn is pretty bumpy anyway, so I don't go max speed to ensure a cleaner, smoother cut. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jimccc9467]

Budget Lawns I have the same issue, my lawn is like a mx track, new construction and the sod was installed poorly. I plan to top dress next year and I have corrected some areas already. The Tru cut clutch let’s me have the engine spinning max but creeping along over the bumps. If you get a chance try one on your lawn.

[@BudgetLawns]

Sounds like it works out great for ya. If I ever get a chance I'll give one a spin. Even still, this is a brand new Cal Trimmer. I was in the market for something new. I wasn't going to buy a used unit online, because I want this one to last a long time. The price of a new TruCut wouldn't have fit in the budget. I got the best I could for what I needed and wanted. I appreciate your feedback though.

[@cmartinjr2]

I’m digging the reel mower. How does it handle? Is it easy to maneuver? You’ll get used to cutting with it. I’m guessing Its like anything, the more you do it the more you’ll get used to it. Lawn still looks amazing though!

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks buddy! Handles great and maneuvers very well. You're right. It takes some getting used to. You gotta find your rhythm. Each time I mow, it gets easier and easier and I feel more comfortable. Appreciate ya!

[@TWinnings_InTheLawn]

Looking good! I understand the struggle to move it up one notch. I scalped on the 4th setting and I'm now cutting on the 3rd setting. How do you like the quality of cut?

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks man. The struggle is REAL! I went down on setting 3 and stayed there. We'll see what happens after all this rain we're about to get. I'll probably have to raise it after a stretch of no mowing. We're forecasted to get close to 8 inches of rain between now and mid week! The quality of cut is fantastic. Super smooth and clean. Definitely no complaints there. Appreciate ya bud!

[@jamosbikeshop1872]

Why do you overlap so much?

[@BudgetLawns]

Good question. I like to double cut if I have time. Gives it the cleanest cut to go over it twice in 2 different directions. However, if I don't have time, I'll just split my single passes in half. I think it gives it a slightly cleaner cut than making full width single passes. It's kinda like a double cut light. It's just the way I like to do it. There's no real science behind it other than it works for me. Thanks for watching. Appreciate ya!

[@YardGuy]

I was like # 69.

[@BudgetLawns]

Haha. Could be worse.

[@jarrodsp71]

Jealous. Did I say jealous?

[@BudgetLawns]

Haha, yours is coming. Just when you least expect it. The wait will be worth it. Thanks man!

[@MikeHaddadLawnAddictions]

1st

[@BudgetLawns]

👊🥇

[@robertschilling3308]

All you did was talk!! Lol

[@BudgetLawns]

So