Mowing Frequency and Height for Optimal Lawn Health

Understanding Mowing Frequency

Mowing frequency refers to how often the lawn needs to be cut to maintain its health and appearance. A key guideline is the “one-third rule,” which advises never to remove more than one-third of the leaf blade length in a single mowing session. This approach helps avoid stress and damage to the grass. During periods of active growth, such as spring and early summer, lawns will need to mowed more than once a week to adhere to this rule.

In situations of extended wet periods, where the grass may grow taller than usual, it’s recommended to first mow with the mower set at the highest setting and allow the clippings to dry. Following this, a second mowing at the desired height can help manage the grass without overloading the mower or stressing the lawn.

Mowing Height Essentials

Mowing height is crucial in determining the health and vigor of your lawn. Grass relies on photosynthesis to grow and thrive, and adequate leaf area is necessary for effective photosynthesis. Cutting grass too short can limit its ability to perform photosynthesis efficiently, leading to weaker root systems and increased vulnerability during stress periods such as summer.

The recommended mowing heights for various turfgrass species are:

• The Kentucky bluegrass: 2.0 to 4.0 inches
• The Perennial ryegrass: 2.0 to 4.0 inches
• A Fine fescues: 2.0 to 4.0 inches
• The Tall fescue: 2.5 to 4.0 inches
• The Zoysiagrass: 1.0 to 2.5 inches
• The Bermudagrass (common): 1.0 to 2.0 inches

Maintaining a taller mowing height can prevent weed establishment by increasing shade and enhancing competition for resources such as light, water, and nutrients during the critical seedling establishment stage.

Other Factors That Affect Mowing Height

The time of year plays a significant role in determining both the frequency and height of mowing. During the height of the growing season, expect your mowing frequency to increase as the grass grows rapidly. Conversely, expect to mow less frequently during the shoulder seasons—early spring and late fall—because your lawn is growing more slowly.

Different grass types have varying growth rates. For instance, centipedegrass and Zoysiagrass are known for their slow growth, requiring less frequent mowing compared to other grasses. Cool-season grasses, such as fescues and bluegrasses, experience a growth surge in the spring and fall, requiring more frequent mowing during these times.

Pro Tip: For both warm- and cool-season grasses, cut the lawn slightly lower than the recommended mowing height during the final few cuts in fall and the first few cuts in spring. This helps prepare the grass for the dormant season and stimulates growth when the temperatures begin to rise again.

Turf Use Considerations

The intended use of the turf also influences mowing practices. Home lawns, typically used for recreational and aesthetic purposes, are less strenuous to maintain than professional turf found on athletic fields. Athletic fields are mowed as often as once per day because they are mowed very short. Due to their short turf, they must be mowed more often to avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, which can lead to stress and damage.

For commercial purposes, maintaining a balance between the mowing frequency and the health of the grass is the name of the game. We cultivate a program to promote longevity and increase the quality of your turf with a white glove approach to lawn care. Professionals often adjust mowing practices based on specific grass types and seasonal growth patterns to optimize the health and resilience of the lawn.