Robotic lawn mowers have become an increasingly popular tool for managing your lawn autonomously, tackling different types of debris in varying ways. The lawn mower’s response depends largely on the type and size of the debris, as well as the specific make and model of the mower.
Large Debris
Branches: These lawn mowers are generally equipped to handle smaller branches, thanks to their durable, sharp blades. However, manually removing larger branches is advisable, as they can cause operational issues or potential damage.
Rocks: Sensors within many robotic lawn mowers can detect larger obstacles such as sizeable rocks or boulders, guiding the mower to steer clear and avoid these items.
Medium Sized Debris
Twigs and Small Stones: With sturdy, sharp blades, many models of robotic mowers can deal competently with these types of debris, chopping them down to size without issue.
Small Debris
Leaves: These robotic mowers efficiently deal with leaves, shredding them into tiny pieces. This leaf mulch then serves as a natural fertilizer, nourishing your lawn.
Detritus: Lightweight, smaller debris or random litter may be either ignored by some models, driving straight over, or may cause other models to become clogged. For this reason, it’s generally best to keep your lawn clear of such detritus where possible.
Pet Waste
Dog Poop: As My Robot Direct’s article “Robot Lawn Mower Dog Poop” explains, most models of robotic lawn mowers can detect or avoid dog poop, but a large volume (such as from multiple dogs) can potentially cause problems. In such cases, the mower may need a human to intervene and clean up the waste.
Wet Debris
Despite being predominantly weatherproof, robotic lawn mowers tend to struggle with wet debris. Wet grass, for instance, is heavier and may clog up the lawn mower’s blades.
Conclusion
While robotic lawn mowers are proficient at handling a range of debris, they are not an all-in-one solution to lawn maintenance. Manual removal of bigger debris remains crucial. Your robotic lawn mower’s efficiency and longevity hinge on maintaining a clean lawn.
