Lawn Mowing Tips
Proper mowing can mean the difference between a so-so lawn and a great one. There are a few simple decisions to make when mowing that make a difference in your lawn.
How high to mow?
Grass generally performs best when mowed at one of the higher settings on your mower — especially in hot summer weather.
- Avoid scalping at all costs.
- Never cut off more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blades in a single mowing. If lawn growth gets ahead of you, mow it at a higher length, then lower blade and mow again a few days later.
Recommended mowing heights by grass type
| Grass | Minimum Height | Maximum Height |
| Fine Fescue | 1 1/2″ | 2 1/2″ |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 1 1/2″ | 2 1/2″ |
| Ryegrass | 1 1/2″ | 2 1/2″ |
| Bahiagrass | 2″ | 4″ |
| Bermudagrass | 1/2″ | 2″ |
| Buffalograss | 2″ | 3″ |
| Carpetgrass | 2″ | 3″ |
| Centipedegrass | 1″ | 1 1/2″ |
| St. Augustinegrass/Floratam | 2″ | 4″ |
| Zoysiagrass | 3/4″ | 2″ |
How often to mow?
Once a week is usually sufficient. In spring, when grass is growing more rapidly, mowing twice a week may be necessary to avoid removing more than 1/3 the length of the grass blades.
Blade sharpness
Keep mower blade sharp. Mowing with a dull blade tears the ends of grass blades, leaving ragged ends which later turn brown, giving the lawn a dried-out look. Such grass blade damage also encourages the spread of fungus disease.
Other tips
- Mow in different directions (diagonal, horizontal, vertical patterns) each time you mow to prevent “leaning” of grass blades in your lawn.
- Avoid making sharp turns with the mower. Use sidewalks and driveways as a place to turn the mower, or make “header strips” and turn the mower at the end of each row when you reach the header.
- Never mow a wet lawn, as this can lead to uneven cuts and invites fungus to your lawn.
- Get the “striped” or “checkerboard” look, like on a professional baseball field, by placing a roller on your mower. These can be purchased at many hardware stores.