If you want a lawn fit for a king (or a wedding, or a party, or even just to impress the neighbours), a grand prix on the ride-on with a beer in the coffee holder probably won't do the trick.
Getting your lawn looking gorgeous is a long-term commitment, and that
applies whatever the size.
Depending on the season and the growth pattern, a weekly or fortnightly cut is ideal. And like a good haircut, little and often and not too much off the length, thanks, is a good approach.
If you have a weed-eater, deal with awkward areas around trees and under shrubs first - it's a lot less frustrating than trying to do them with the mower.
If you have a big square or rectangular lawn, going around the edge once or twice and then up and down in straight lines will give you the bowling green look. If it's an irregularly shaped lawn, straight lines over the largest possible area will look more professional than ever decreasing circles.
Using the catcher will give you that lovely swept look, but the disadvantage is, of course, having to empty it. As long as the grass isn't too damp, the mulcher can do almost as good a job.
Try not to send grass clippings halfway up the trunks of your trees and all over your garden beds - you can tell yourself it's great mulch but at the end of the day it'll look sloppy.
Aim the chute away from garden beds, paths, rockeries and edges and back into the middle of the lawn, unless you want to spend equal time with the rake and the broom.
