Lawn Care: How Often Should I Mow My Lawn?
Improper mowing causes more problems for lawns than any other type of regular maintenance. Customers often ask us: “How often should I mow my lawn?”
The answer to that question is:
It depends… (Our reply gets more helpful — keep reading!)
Mowing frequency basically depends on how quickly your grass grows and what type of grass you have. How quickly your grass grows depends on:
- the time of year
- how often you water
- how much you fertilize
Recommended Grass Heights
There are different recommended heights for different types of grasses. The Purdue University Extension Office recommends the following heights for these common types of grasses:
Kentucky bluegrass = 2.0-3.5″
perennial ryegrass = 2.0-3.5″
fine fescue = 2.0-3.5″
tall fescue = 2.5-4.0″
zoysia grass = 1.0-2.0″
Mowing for a Healthy Lawn
Studies have shown that mowing at a height of at least 3 inches yields a healthier yard than one mowed at one or two inches. Longer grass has more developed root systems, which leads to better drought resistance. Longer grass also provides greater surface area for absorption of sunlight and water.
Another benefit of longer grass blades is increased shade at the base of the plant. This lowers the temperature of the soil and air, lowering heat-related stress on grass. The shade provided by longer grass also reduces seed germination of weeds.
At this time of year, grass tends to grow much faster and it’s not always easy to keep up with the growth rate. A general rule of thumb is to not cut off more than 1/3 of the blade each time you mow. If the grass has grown too tall, raise your lawn mower height and gradually lower it back to the original height over a few mowings. It is important that mower blades are sharp to give a clean, healthy cut.
A sharp blade, proper mower height, and an appropriate mowing schedule will all lead to a healthy, lush lawn. Other practices like dethatching, aerification, fertilization and pest control are also essential. The staff at Crescent Avenue Gardens in Fort Wayne can advise you on the best practices for your lawn. And we’ll make sure your tools are in tip-top condition — or help you find the new equipment you need!