As you put in new plants, use any extra soil to fill in depressions and low spots. Leveling the terrain provides a smoother surface for a walk-behind mower or tractor.
Mow up and down the slope with riding equipment on hillsides - not across. Avoid sudden stops or starts.
Landscape with safety in mind. Remember that small saplings grow into large trees: be sure to leave enough space for your mower to get around a tree when it is full-grown. Avoid growing grass in tight quarters that require you to mow in reverse.
Take a careful look at hillsides. If you cannot back up the slope, or if you feel uneasy on it, don't mow the slope. Instead, plant a decorative ground cover.
Remove low-hanging tree branches that can flick an eye or knock you off balance while mowing. In addition to giving you a clear view, pruning allows sunlight to reach the grass growing near the tree.
Do not use a hedge trimmer to trim hedges higher than your shoulders.
Remove a circle of grass around the base of trees (the radius should be 1 to 3 feet, depending on the size of the tree.) Fill the circle with a soft mulch, such as shredded bark. This helps protect the tree from the mower. It also makes trimming faster and easier.