Spring is an active growing-season for cool-season grasses, and the time for warm-season grasses to wake up from their dormancy. As spring turns to summer, growth of cool-season grasses slows and warm-season grasses reach their peak growth. Proper mowing during the spring and summer is key to maintaining a healthy lawn and keeping the grass looking nice throughout the year.
How Often a Lawn be Cut?
Timing for mowing depends on how quickly the grass is growing. The general rule is to mow often enough that you only have to remove 1/3 of the total height of the grass each time you mow. The exact mowing height varies depending on the type of grass in your lawn.
Well-watered grass that is actively growing require more frequent mowing than grass that is drought-stressed or dormant. Lawns typically need 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water per week to stay green and growing. Be careful not to overwater, and cut-back on irrigation if the lawn received rain during the week. Regular fertilizer applications will also increase how often the lawn needs mowed.
How High Should You Cut Your Grass?
Each type of grass has an ideal cutting range. For well-watered grass in full-sun, you can cut at the lower end of their range. Letting grass grow taller helps the lawn survive drought and shaded conditions, so in those situations cut grasses at the higher end of their range. Knowing what type of grass is in your lawn is a good first-step in deciding how high to mow. If you don’t know what type of grass you have, you can look up common grass species in your local area online.
- Bahia grass: 2 to 3 inches
- Bermuda grass: ½ to 1½ inches
- Bluegrass: 1½ to 2½ inches
- Centipede grass: 1½ to 2½ inches
- Fescues: 1½ to 3 inches
- Ryegrass: 1½ to 2½ inches
- Augustine grass: 2 to 4 inches
- Zoysia: ½ to 1½ inches
Grasscycling
Most modern mowers – including the brands and models offered by Richardson Saw & Lawnmower – have a mulching option. This chops grass clippings up very fine so they are nearly invisible on your lawn. They also decompose quickly, since grass clippings are about 90% water, and won’t contribute to thatch on your lawn. In fact, leaving the clippings on the lawn can actually improve the health of grass plants by returning nutrients and moisture to the soil.
Grasscycling also eliminates the need to bag clippings, and cuts down on the amount of yard waste that ends up in landfills. The only times when you need to bag instead of mulch is if you are mowing a very overgrown lawn or if the grass is diseased and you’re trying to avoid spreading the infection.
