How Robotic Mowing Works

A Husqvarna Automower® operates within a defined boundary set by guide wires or GPS mapping, cutting grass continuously and in random patterns to maintain a consistent height. Instead of removing large amounts of grass at once, it clips just a little at a time, leaving behind fine clippings that act as natural fertilizer.

The result? A lawn that’s consistently short, lush, and evenly cut without the weekly rush of traditional mowing schedules. Because the mower runs frequently, the turf often looks neater day-to-day than it would if only cut once a week.

The Advantages of Robotic Mowing

1. Consistent, Healthy Turf
   Robotic mowing keeps turf growth extremely even. The grass never becomes overgrown or stressed from infrequent cutting, leading to a thicker, more resilient lawn. The constant mulching of tiny clippings also adds organic nutrients back into the soil, improving health over time.
2. Quiet and Low-Impact Operation
   Unlike traditional mowers, Automowers operate quietly enough to run during the day without disrupting businesses or residents. For properties that value a peaceful environment,  such as medical offices, downtown homes, and hotels,  this can be a major advantage.
3. Environmentally Friendly
   Battery-powered robotic mowers produce zero direct emissions and use very little electricity. Over time, this can reduce the environmental footprint of landscape maintenance, aligning with sustainability goals for both homeowners and commercial property managers.
4. Reduced Turf Compaction
   Because robotic mowers are lightweight and move frequently over different parts of the lawn, they help reduce the soil compaction that can happen with large riding mowers. Less compaction means better root growth and healthier turf overall.

The Drawbacks and Limitations to Consider

1. Initial Setup Costs
   Installing a robotic mowing system requires up-front investment, especially for large or complex lawns. The boundary wire installation, charging station, mower itself, and programming all require professional setup. While the long-term maintenance savings can offset the initial cost, it’s not always the best fit for every budget.
2. Terrain and Layout Challenges
   Automowers perform best on smooth, open areas. Properties with steep slopes, many obstacles, uneven ground, or tight, intricate spaces can pose challenges. If your site requires frequent navigation around trees, play areas, or landscape beds, the mower’s efficiency drops.
3. Ongoing Supervision and Maintenance
   While robotic mowers are largely self-sufficient, they’re not completely hands-free. The mower’s blades must be replaced regularly, and occasional service is needed to keep sensors and wheels in top condition. Plus, someone still needs to remove debris from the lawn to prevent damage. This is why a robotic mower is a great choice as a part of a full-service maintenance plan. Maintenance and supervision can be tackled by your existing landscape team.
4. Not a Complete Replacement for a Maintenance Crew
   Even when robotic mowing is in place, there’s still plenty of hands-on work to keep a property looking sharp. Edging, trimming, blowing, pruning, weed control, fertilization, and seasonal cleanup all remain essential parts of full-service maintenance.

Where Robotic Mowing Works Best

At TruNorth, we’ve found that Husqvarna Automower® systems can be a great fit for certain types of properties, especially those with stable, predictable needs and clean, open layouts.

1. Commercial Properties with Consistent Turf Areas
   Business parks, medical facilities, and corporate campuses often have wide, flat turf areas surrounded by defined landscape beds. These are ideal settings for robotic mowing. The mower can keep the lawn looking pristine every day, while TruNorth’s maintenance team focuses on detail work and landscape management.
2. Downtown or Urban Residential Properties
   In-town homes with smaller, enclosed lawns can also be perfect candidates. The quiet operation and compact design of the Automower mean minimal disturbance to neighbors, and the consistent mowing schedule helps keep limited green space looking immaculate.
3. Environmentally Focused Clients
   For clients committed to reducing their carbon footprint or earning green certifications, robotic mowing is an appealing step forward. Combined with TruNorth’s sustainable landscape practices, it supports a more eco-conscious property management plan.

Where It’s Not the Best Fit

Despite their advantages, robotic mowers aren’t ideal for every site.

1. Large, Open Fields or Athletic Areas
   For expansive lawns where cutting speed and coverage matter most, traditional commercial mowers remain more practical.
2. Rough or Sloped Terrain
   If a property has uneven ground, steep hills, or frequent debris like sticks or pine cones, a robotic mower can struggle to navigate effectively.
3. Properties with Heavy Foot Traffic or Ongoing Projects
   In areas where lawn use is frequent,  such as playgrounds, construction-adjacent zones, or event spaces,  a robotic mower’s consistent pattern can be disrupted too often to be efficient.

How Robotic Mowing Fits Into Full-Service Maintenance

One of the most important things to understand about robotic mowing is that it’s a tool, not a replacement for professional landscape maintenance. At TruNorth Landscaping, we view the Husqvarna Automower as one piece of a comprehensive program, one that still requires regular care to achieve the clean, manicured look our clients expect.

Even with a robotic mower handling the day-to-day grass cutting, our crews still perform:

• Edging along sidewalks, driveways, and planting beds 
• Trimming around trees, signs, and structures 
• Blowing to clear clippings, debris, and leaves 
• Pruning and bed maintenance to maintain plant health and visual appeal 
• Seasonal cleanups to remove leaves, branches, and prepare turf for winter 

In other words, robotic mowing can keep the turf short and consistent, but it’s the human touch that keeps the entire property looking polished and professional. If you are looking to simply purchase a robotic mower, have it installed, and do the rest of the work yourself, the Green Team division of our company can help with that!

Partnering With a Landscape Team That Knows Both Worlds

Technology can enhance landscape care, but experience and oversight remain irreplaceable. A robotic mower that’s thoughtfully integrated into a broader maintenance plan can save time, reduce environmental impact, and deliver a consistently clean look. But when the wrong property or setup is chosen, it can lead to inefficiencies, frustration, or poor turf health.

At TruNorth Landscaping, our team helps clients determine whether robotic mowing is the right fit — and if so, how to blend it seamlessly into their ongoing maintenance plan. From evaluating site conditions to managing the detail work that keeps everything neat, we help make sure innovation actually improves your property’s results.

If you’re curious about whether a Husqvarna Automower® could work for your site, TruNorth can help you evaluate your options and integrate it responsibly, so your property stays beautiful, efficient, and well-cared-for all season long.

Ready to see if a robotic mower would be a good fit for your property? Get started by filling out our contact form.