Getting on top of your mowing routine is essential for the long-term success of your lawn. Regular mowing will keep your lawn looking smooth and healthy and minimise weeds that may pop up by cutting them before setting seed. So, what height should you be mowing your lawn? Let’s take a look…
What Are the Recommended Mowing Heights for Different Grass Types?
Each grass type will have a different recommended mowing height due to its growth habits. So, what height should you be mowing your lawn at?
As a general rule of thumb, it is best to mow shorter during the warmer months and longer over the cooler months.
How Regularly Should I Be Mowing My Lawn?
The number of times that you need to mow your lawn will be dependent on a large variety of factors! These include the season, what region you are located in, your turf type, and if any lawn care products have been applied.
Although we can’t give you an exact frequency of when you should be mowing, we do recommend following the one third rule. The one-third rule is not to remove more than one-third of the leaf when mowing. If more than this is removed during mowing, it will cause extra stress on the lawn and run the risk of scalping your turf.
This means the frequency at which you have to mow your lawn could be as much as twice a week during summer for fast growing varieties.
What Are the Key Things to Consider When Cutting Your Lawn at Different Heights?
If you plan to maintain your lawn at a lower height, you’ll need to mow more frequently to follow the one-third rule. Shorter grass has less leaf for photosynthesis, which means it produces less energy. As a result, it will require more frequent fertiliser applications to supply the nutrients needed to keep it healthy and thriving.
If you want to maintain your lawn at a higher height, you won’t need to mow quite as frequently as if you were maintaining a lower height of cut. However, you will still need to follow the one-third rule. By maintaining your lawn at a higher height, your grass will be able to better retain moisture. Your lawn also won’t need as many additional nutrients compared to a lawn that has a shorter height of cut.
What Are Some Tips for Getting the Best Cut When Mowing My Lawn?
- Ensure your mower blades are sharp. This will provide a better cut and will be less likely to damage the leaf.
- Mow in the mornings and afternoons. Avoid mowing in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest.
- Avoid mowing the lawn when it is wet. It is best to only mow when the grass is dry.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs.
