Mowing your lawn is an easy and essential lawn care task, but sometimes it’s not always straightforward. It’s important you mow your lawn at the correct height in order to avoid unnecessary stress and this can change based on variety, season and growing conditions. So how high or low should you be mowing your lawn? Find out below.
Mow at the right height for your variety
The most important consideration for how high or low to mow your lawn is the variety that you have. Some varieties naturally prefer to be left a bit longer where others like to be manicured low. Here is a rough guide for each variety:
Sir Walter DNA Certified – 30 to 50mm
Eureka Kikuyu – 30 to 50mm
TifTuf Bermuda – 5 to 30mm
RTF Tall Fescue – 30 to 50mm
It’s important to remember if you plan to drastically change the height of your lawn, to do it gradually over time. Remember never to mow more than 1/3rd of the leaf off at once!
Mow at the right height for the season
Generally, if your lawn is healthy, you can stick to the above mowing heights for your variety all year-round.
However, through the winter months, especially if you have a shaded area, it is beneficial to increase the height of your lawn. Keeping the mowing height nice and high in winter will give your lawn the best chance to absorb sunlight and nutrients. A longer leaf will help block out weeds and help your lawn to retain its colour for longer.
There is some evidence that states leaving a longer leaf on your lawn is better in summer for your lawn to manage the heat. However, there is also evidence to the contrary stating that a short leaf will result in less moisture loss. We recommend sticking to the length your lawn is accustomed to in Summer, and of course, the length that you prefer. But don’t cut it so short as to scalp it or cut off excessive amounts of the leaf at any one time.
Mow at the right height for the weather
The key to mowing height in different weather conditions is to minimise the amount of stress that is caused to the turf.
It’s recommended not to mow your lawn when it is wet as the blades will struggle to provide a clean cut. Clumps from wet cut lawn also increase the chance of fungal diseases in your lawn. If your lawn is wet, it is best to wait until it has fully dried before getting the mower out.
In addition to this, if it is very dry and very hot, try not mow your lawn too low in the heat. Mowing your lawn is stressful and cutting it in extreme heat will only stress it out more! Save the mowing for a cooler day or early in the morning and keep the lawn a bit longer to protect it. If you do hope to mow low in Summer, make sure your lawn has plenty of water to recover with.
Other Mowing Tips
- Ensure your mower has sharp mower blades.
- Mow when the lawn is dry, and try to avoid mowing when the lawn is wet.
- Mow at the same length and keep it consistent.
- Switch mowing directions.
- Mow in the mornings or afternoons. Avoid mowing in the middle of the day.
- Keep at a constant pace.
