8 Best Lawn Mowers for Palmetto Grass (2025 Guide)

Punchy and practical, the Greenworks 40V self-propelled mower is a standout for Palmetto lawns that like to sprawl and thicken in summer. Its 21-inch steel deck paired with a high-efficiency brushless motor delivers the torque needed to slice through dense St. Augustine/Palmetto runners without bogging down. The rear-wheel drive traction eases the push across softer, cushioned sod, addressing the common pain point of slipping or uneven pace on thick turf.

In testing on mixed-density Palmetto, its single 5.0Ah battery produced up to about 45 minutes under moderate growth, with run time dropping in heavy spring flush. The 7-position height adjuster lets you comfortably mow tall, coarse blades—keep Palmetto at the recommended higher cut with the upper settings to avoid scalping. It handles mulching well for nutrient return, though the best finish on thick growth came from bagging or side discharge to prevent clumping in humid conditions.

Against the PowerSmart B&S self-propelled gas mower, Greenworks offers quieter, maintenance-free operation and easier handling, but trades off raw sustained power in very tall or wet grass. Compared with the compact Greenworks 48V 17-inch push model, this one is heavier but more capable for medium-to-large Palmetto yards. It’s ideal for homeowners wanting low-maintenance power with self-propel assist; for maximum grunt in overgrown St. Augustine, the PowerSmart gas unit still edges it on sheer throughput.

If you want no-fuss power for Palmetto on a budget, the PowerSmart 144cc push mower delivers gas-driven bite without bells and whistles. Its 21-inch steel deck and heavy-duty blade punch through coarse runners and thicker patches where lighter cordless models hesitate. The auto-choke OHV engine reduces the hassle of cold starts, addressing a common pain point with entry-level gas units.

In real use on St. Augustine/Palmetto at 3–4 inches, the mower kept a steady pace when set to mid-high height via the dual-lever 6-position adjuster. Bagging works cleanly for reducing thatch, and side discharge is the better choice during high humidity to avoid clumps. Being a push mower, it requires more effort on soft soil or slight slopes; traction is fine, but users mowing larger areas will feel the workout.

Compared to the Greenworks 40V self-propelled, PowerSmart’s gas model offers long, uninterrupted sessions and better stamina in tall grass, but sacrifices low noise and maintenance simplicity. Versus the B&S-powered self-propelled PowerSmart, this one is lighter and cheaper but lacks the traction and ease on uneven Palmetto. Best for cost-conscious owners with small-to-medium lawns who want dependable cutting performance without frequent charging.

Built to muscle through dense Southern turf, the PowerSmart with 140cc Briggs & Stratton power and rear-wheel drive is a Palmetto tamer. The 21-inch steel deck covers ground quickly while the self-propelled system keeps momentum over spongy St. Augustine that often stalls lighter mowers. It aims squarely at homeowners who want reliable, consistent torque for thick lawns and seasonal growth surges.

In field use, the single-lever 6-position height adjustment (1.5’–3.9′) makes it easy to keep Palmetto high enough to protect stolons. Mulching is solid in moderate growth, but in lush, humid stretches, rear discharge or bagging prevents clumping and maintains airflow under the deck. The large 10-inch rear wheels improve traction on uneven ground; the trade-off is extra weight when turning in tight spaces.

Against the Greenworks 40V self-propelled, this B&S model offers more sustained power in tall, wet grass and fewer slowdowns across broad areas, while giving up quiet operation and tool-free maintenance. Compared to the budget PowerSmart 144cc push mower, it adds traction, pace control, and reduced operator fatigue—ideal for medium-to-large Palmetto yards. If you’re choosing purely on performance in thick St. Augustine, this unit outperforms the cordless picks in raw mowing pace.

Compact yet capable, the dual-battery Greenworks 48V mower brings lightweight agility to smaller Palmetto lawns. The 17-inch rust-resistant poly deck glides around beds and edging where St. Augustine/Palmetto tends to creep. With up to about 45 minutes of runtime, it nails the pain point of weekend noise and maintenance, offering quiet, push-button starts and clean operation.

On thick Palmetto, set the 5-position single-lever height toward the higher range to avoid scalping and bogging. It mulches fine on moderate growth; for heavier, humid conditions, bagging yields a tidier finish with less deck buildup. Being a push mower, it’s best for flat, small yards; it can struggle in very tall or wet grass compared with larger, more powerful decks.

Versus the Greenworks 40V self-propelled 21-inch, this model is easier to maneuver and store but not as potent for dense turf or larger properties. Compared to the MightyMow 40V 18-inch, Greenworks offers a more refined system ecosystem and similar runtime, while MightyMow spins faster RPM for bite. Ideal for small yards and homeowners prioritizing light handling and low maintenance over brute force.

The MightyMow brings zippy 4200 RPM brushless power to an 18-inch deck that feels nimble yet assertive on Palmetto. Dual 4.0Ah batteries supply up to about 40 minutes, and the 40L grass bag helps keep thatch in check when St. Augustine throws heavy clippings. Its adjustable handle is a welcome touch for comfort on longer sessions.

Set the 6-position height (1’–3′) toward the top end for Palmetto health—this mower cuts clean at higher settings but can struggle if you push into low cuts on thick turf. Mulching works on light-to-moderate growth; for dense, humid runs, bagging keeps air moving and avoids clumps. As a push model, it’s best for mid-size, mostly flat lawns; very tall or wet grass will slow it down compared to gas units.

Compared to the Greenworks 48V 17-inch, MightyMow offers more blade speed and a slightly wider cut for better throughput. Against the PowerSmart B&S self-propelled, it’s quieter and simpler to maintain but lacks the rear-wheel-drive traction and raw torque on overgrown Palmetto. A strong value pick for mid-size lawns wanting cordless convenience with a bit more punch than ultra-compact electrics.

For tiny Palmetto patches and precise edges, this 14-inch corded mower is a surgical trimmer more than a yard workhorse. The 11-amp motor provides clean cuts on short, regular growth and the narrow deck sneaks along borders where St. Augustine creeps into beds. It solves storage and maintenance headaches for small spaces and condo-style yards.

On Palmetto, keep the grass shorter and mow frequently; the modest motor does fine on routine trims but isn’t built for tall, thick passes. Cord management is the main limitation—plan your route to avoid tangles and keep the cable off the blade path. Best results come from rear bagging when humidity is high to prevent clumps on the small deck.

Versus the American Lawn Mower 19-inch 13-amp, this 14-inch is lighter and better for tight maneuvering but lacks cutting breadth and power. Compared with the Greenworks 48V 17-inch, it trades cordless freedom for unlimited runtime with a cord. Ideal for postage-stamp lawns, townhomes, and those who primarily need edging finesse.

The YARDCARE 36V packs smart convenience into a compact cordless mower that feels modern on every pass. Its LED display shows battery, speed, and alerts, reducing the guesswork common with budget cordless units. With a 3200 RPM brushless motor and dual 4.0Ah batteries, it balances runtime and control for small-to-medium Palmetto lawns.

In practice, the 5-position height (0.98’–2.56′) is better for frequent trims rather than high-cut regimens; Palmetto typically prefers a taller cut, so plan to mow more often to keep it within this range. The 8-gallon bag collects efficiently and is easy to dump, while mulching dense, humid grass can bog at lower speeds. Safety-first starting is great for families, and overall noise is pleasantly low.

Versus the MightyMow 40V, YARDCARE trades some blade speed and cutting height for smart readouts and usability perks. Compared to the Greenworks 48V 17-inch, YARDCARE offers similar convenience with more on-tool info, though Greenworks has a broader tool ecosystem. Ideal for users who want a tech-forward, tidy mowing experience and keep their Palmetto trimmed consistently.

This 19-inch, 13-amp corded mower is a workhorse for small-to-medium Palmetto lawns that see regular maintenance. The wider deck improves efficiency over tight runs, and the included mulch plug and bag make it easy to switch based on growth and humidity. It answers the need for consistent power without charging, a plus in dense St. Augustine.

Adjust cutting height from 1′ to 3′, keeping Palmetto near the upper end to protect stolons and reduce scalping. In testing, bagging produced the cleanest results on humid days; mulching is fine when growth is moderate and dry. Maneuverability is solid for the size, though cord routing requires thoughtful planning around obstacles.

Compared to the 14-inch 11-amp model, this unit brings more cutting breadth and motor headroom while remaining relatively easy to handle. Versus cordless picks like the Greenworks 48V, you gain continuous runtime but lose cable-free freedom. Best for homeowners who want reliable, budget-friendly power and can manage a cord for tidy, regular Palmetto cuts.