A well-maintained lawn enhances curb appeal and promotes a lush, green yard. However, proper mowing is essential to keeping your grass healthy. Cutting too short or mowing too infrequently can lead to a weak lawn prone to weeds, disease, and drought stress. Understanding the right mowing frequency and height for your grass type will help you maintain a thriving lawn.

How Often Should You Mow?

The general rule of thumb is to mow your lawn once a week during peak growing seasons (spring and fall) and every 10–14 days during slower growth periods (summer and winter). However, factors such as grass type, weather conditions, and fertilization can impact mowing frequency.

• Cool-Season Grasses (Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass) – These grasses grow most actively in spring and fall. Mowing every 5–7 days during these seasons keeps the lawn healthy. In summer, growth slows, so mowing every 10–14 days may be sufficient.

  
  

• Warm-Season Grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine) – These grasses thrive in warmer months. Mowing every 5–7 days during summer and reducing to every 10–14 days in cooler months is recommended.

  
  

How High Should You Mow Your Lawn?

Mowing height plays a crucial role in lawn health. Cutting too short weakens the grass, making it more susceptible to stress, weeds, and disease. The ideal mowing height depends on the grass type:

• Cool-Season Grasses:

  • Kentucky Bluegrass: 2.5–3.5 inches

  • Fescue: 3–4 inches

  • Ryegrass: 2.5–3 inches

    
    

• Warm-Season Grasses:

  • Bermuda: 1–2 inches

  • Zoysia: 1–2.5 inches

  • St. Augustine: 3–4 inches

    
    

The One-Third Rule

Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. Cutting too much at once can shock the grass, slow growth, and expose soil to weed invasion. If the lawn has grown too tall, mow in stages, gradually reducing height over multiple mowings.

Additional Mowing Tips for a Healthy Lawn

• Keep blades sharp – Dull mower blades tear grass, leading to brown tips and increased disease risk.

• Mow when grass is dry – Wet grass can clump, causing uneven cuts and potential mower damage.

• Vary mowing patterns – Mowing in different directions prevents soil compaction and ruts.

• Leave grass clippings – Mulched clippings return nutrients to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer

  
  

Conclusion

Mowing at the right height and frequency is key to a strong, healthy lawn. By following these guidelines and adjusting for your specific grass type and growing conditions, you can keep your lawn looking its best all season long. If you need professional lawn care services, contact us today for expert advice and maintenance!