Though my personal approach to lawn mowing involves letting the English ivy choke out all the grass, I understand the impetus for a lush carpet of perfectly-manicured fescue. (For starters, croquet is less than ideal on the ivy; same with barbecues and Red Rover matches.) But maintaining a placid, grassy yard shouldn’t have to mean firing up the roaring, fuel-guzzling beast known as gas-powered lawn mower. Greener (often quieter, frequently cuter) machines come in earth-sensitive electric varieties.

The Black & Decker Lawn Hog ($215) is a tiny titan. Weighing in at a mere 52 pounds (that’s about as much as one of those super-sized bags of dog chow), this mower possesses a 12-amp motor and cuts a 19-inch path. A one-lever adjustment system raises or lowers all four wheels for a 1 1/4 inch to a 3 1/2 inch cutting height, and a rear-attached mulching bag collects clippings for disposal or composting. Want to mulch the lawn as you go? Simply leave the bag off and the trimmings drop to the ground. The Lawn Hog runs by electricity - in this case that means a 100-foot plug-in cord. Users have to be careful not to run over said cord, but the perks include no gas, oil or tune-ups.

The Black & Decker Cordless Electric Mulching Lawn Mower ($359) costs more than its corded companion, but with its 24-volt motor (the first in its class with the Energy Star approval), it can mow 1/3 acre on a single charge. And, for those who need more range than the 100-foot cord of the plug-in mower allows, the cord-free model offers unleashed freedom. Other benefits: The mower starts with the touch of a lever (so much more civilized than the shoulder-displacing pull cord), and the handle folds for compact storage. Even better, the product description points out, “as a zero-emissions tool, it’s not just easier to use than traditional gas mowers, it’s an environmentally friendly choice.”

Looking to spend less? The Earthwise 18-inch electric side discharging/mulching mower ($165.50) boasts a relatively low price without compromising on quality or effectiveness. For starters, there’s the no-tools-required assembly, the 48 pound weight, and a comfort V-handle grip that garnered reviewer raves. Also rave-worthy: a tester on www.electricmowerguide.com commented, “Due to this folding [handle] action, the mower can be stored underneath other tools without any wasted space!” The mower has a 12-amp motor (like the Black & Decker) and slightly less cutting area at 18 inches. Added environmental bonus: the side discharge neatly deposits lawn-mulching clippings as you mow.

Finally, a cordless option that can compete with the gas models: Neuton’s cordless electric 19-inch ($499). Pricier than its electric counter parts, this mower - with a 19-inch cutting path and 36-volt removab...