How to Mow Slopes Safely: Up and Down vs. Across

Mowing a hilly yard or a steep ditch can be one of the most hazardous parts of lawn care. A single mistake on a slope can cause a lawn mower to lose traction or flip over entirely. To keep your lawn care routine safe, you must know the golden rule: should you drive up and down or across on slopes?

The correct method depends entirely on the type of lawn mower you are using. 

### For Riding Mowers: Mow Up and Down

If you are using a riding mower or a lawn tractor, you should always mow **up and down** the slope, never across it. 

Riding mowers have a high center of gravity. Driving sideways across a hill significantly increases the risk of the mower tipping over sideways, which can trap the operator underneath a machine weighing hundreds of pounds. When moving up and down, the weight is distributed more safely, reducing the chance of a rollover. 

**Pro Tips for Riding Mowers on Slopes:**

* Avoid sudden starts, stops, or sharp turns on hills.

* If the tires start to lose traction driving uphill, disengage the blades and drive slowly straight down the hill.

* Never try to stabilize a mower by putting your foot on the ground.

### For Walk-Behind Push Mowers: Mow Across

If you are using a standard push mower (walk-behind mower), the rule flips: you should always mow **across** the slope, never up and down.

If you push a mower straight up a hill, you risk slipping on the grass and pulling the heavy, spinning blades down directly onto your feet. If you push it down a hill, you might lose control, slip, and fall under the machine. Walking horizontally across the hill keeps your feet at a safe distance from the mower deck at all times.

### Know Your Slope Limits

As a general safety standard, never operate a riding mower on slopes greater than 15 degrees. For push mowers, avoid slopes steeper than 20 degrees. If a hill is too steep, consider planting ground cover or using a line trimmer instead to keep your yard maintenance 100% risk-free.