By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

The lawn is essentially a welcome mat to both patients and visitors at healthcare facilities. It also influences the first impressions people have when arriving at the facility. Given this, quality lawncare is key to maintaining a good outward appearance for a healthcare facility.  

Cutting or mowing the lawn should be done frequently, though it will depend on a few factors. 

“This all depends on multiple factors including seasonality, rainfall, and how facilities like to maintain their property. Typically, three-and-a-half-inches to four-inches in length should be kept for healthy grass conditions, and when cutting grass, only one-third should be taken off,” says Ron Scheffler, senior product manager at Bobcat. 

Other factors such as different terrains or landscapes will affect how lawns are managed. Due to this, different types of mowers will be used to address the specific needs of these areas. This is because all mowers do not cut grass equally, instead, some will be more effective in certain situations than others.  

"Depending on the landscaping of the facility, different mowers may be better suited for maintaining properties,” says Scheffler. “A standard sit-down ZT may be best suited for wide open areas, while highly landscaped areas may require a nimbler mower like a stand-on ZT, or medians may need to be taken care of with a walk-behind model. Facilities managers may want to discuss their options with a local dealer.” 

Another key factor to proper lawncare is efficiency. To keep an efficient lawnmower, maintenance on it will need to be done regularly. Too many issues with a lawnmower will significantly impede how efficiently it will cut and maintain a healthcare facility’s lawn.  

“Managers should refer to the mower’s operator’s and maintenance manuals for all their required up-keep. Whether referencing engine oil changes or air filters, these items are typically broken down in hour increments and one needs to reference their hour meter located on the control panel of their mower. Often time an engine owner’s manual also is supplied with the mower to aid in maintenance reminders,” says Scheffler. 

Similarly, there is the matter of energy efficiency with mowers. This centers on the use of gas-powered mowers versus electric mowers. While there is a lot of debate as to which is more efficient, it is largely going to depend on the needs of a given healthcare facility. However, there are benefits to both types. 

“Electric mowers are quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. Producing less sound allows healthcare facilities to continue to maintain their properties while also providing an improved environment to patients and their loved ones during potential stressful times,” says Scheffler. “With increasing healthcare costs and materials, electric powered mowers should be reviewed from a total cost of ownership – fuel savings, especially in today’s economic environment, and overall maintenance will reduce your TCO. Not to mention EV mowers provide healthier surroundings to both people and the environment.” 

Given all this, the lawn requires a lot of thought and planning to be maintained properly. Being aware of that is critical to keeping that “welcome mat” feeling for everyone coming to a healthcare facility. 

Jeff Wardon, Jr. is the assistant editor for the facilities market.