How high to mow your lawn

Each time you mow, you’re creating conditions for grass to thrive or to fail.  

Learn how high to mow your lawn and how to use mowing as a means to cultivate a healthier lawn, combat the growth of weeds and prevent lawn disease.

Mowing Enhances Grass Growth

It’s easy to look at a lawn and think of it as a cohesive unit – a swath of green. You’ll succeed even more with lawn care when you remember that a lawn is composed of individual grass plants.

Like other garden plants, when you pinch (mow) grass plants, they branch and become fuller.If you prune too many leaves (mow the lawn too short), grass plants won’t have enough foliage to sustain growth. The resulting lawn will be thin, weak and sparse, as well as have a poor root system. This type of lawn is prone to weed infestations and lawn disease outbreaks.

If you don’t prune (mow) grass frequently enough, plants become lanky, causing the lawn to lose its usefulness and possibly allowing it to harbor insects such as lawn grubs and even small rodents. Grass that’s too tall is also tough to mow.

If you prune (mow) grass at the right height, you’ll create a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawn that’s not easily infested by weeds.

Recommended Mowing Height

Mowing turf at the proper height is vital to lawn health, but ideal height varies based on grass type, time of year, and growing conditions. Grass requires more frequent mowing during its peak growth period.

The most important mowing rule is never to remove more than one-third of the leaf surface at any one mowing. In other words, determine the ideal height for your grass and allow grass to grow one-third higher. To set mower height, place it on a flat surface and measure the distance from the ground to the blade.

For cool-season turf, such as fescue or Kentucky bluegrass, active growth occurs during spring and fall. Typical cool-season grass height range: 2.5–4 inches.

For warm-season grasses, including zoysia and Bermudagrass, peak growth occurs during summer. Typical warm-season grass height range: 1–3 inches.

During periods of peak growth, expect to mow grass once every 5–7 days. Conversely, during times of slowest growth, you’ll mow less, if at all.

Follow these general guidelines for grass height. Determine regionally specific heights – and suggested seasonal variations – by contacting local extension offices or sod or seed suppliers.

Aim for Taller Grass

It’s best to maintain grass at its tallest recommended height, especially during drought conditions. Cool-season grass usually grows best when maintained at a taller height, as do grasses in shade.

Taller grass has deeper roots, which can reach water more effectively. Taller grass also shades soil, which helps to reduce water loss and prevent weeds from invading your lawn.

Other Rules of Mowing

	Mow when grass is dry.
	Mowing during the cooler part of the day is easier on the mower.
	Mow with a sharp blade.
	Mow in alternating patterns and directions to avoid creating ruts and compacted soil.