A robotic lawnmower can cut your garden and save you a lot of time. However, it is important to set it up correctly for optimal results. This article explains the initial steps that have to be taken. This is important because you only have to do this once and then the robot will take care of your garden year after year.

First, the boundary wire has to be put down to define the cutting area. It should be secured to the ground using the special nails that are included in the package. It is also recommended to create "islands" of wire around flowerbeds and bushes to prevent the robotic mower from running into these features by accident.

The next step is to connect the charging station to the power supply. It should be positioned in a shady location away from sprinklers and direct sunlight so that it can fully charge.

Many models of robotic mowers can be connected to the internet so that they can be operated remotely. This can be done via a free IOS or Android app. To do this, you need to enter the pairing code that is generated by the mower into the app.

Some models also allow you to set up different zones in your garden. You can do this either by entering a measured distance into the app, or you can physically travel from one zone to the other and then set up the zone wire.

In some cases, it is necessary to bury the boundary wire and/or the guide wire in order to ensure that they do not get damaged by other plants or obstacles. The process of laying the wire underground takes more time, but it is well worth it because it only has to be done once.

Before you start laying the wire, it is advisable to mow the garden one last time. This will make it easier to see any stray areas of grass that have not been properly cut and will also help to reduce the amount of wire that is needed.

It is also recommended to knock a hook into the ground every 50 cm along the cable to secure it in place. This will help to prevent the wire from becoming loose and getting caught in the robotic mower's blades. If your lawn has a steep slope it is advisable to not lay the wire straight up the hill. Instead, it is better to lay the wire at an oblique angle and traverse the slope at a similar angle to the grass.

Before you begin laying the boundary wire and/or the guide wire, it is a good idea to check whether there are any underground utilities on your property. This is particularly important when working on larger properties or commercial gardens. This is because things like fiber internet cables sit at a similar level to the boundary and guide wires. This can cause problems if you don't notice them in time.