When summer arrives, the sun is high, the days are long, and your lawn seems to grow faster than ever. The big question is: how often should you mow to keep your grass healthy and looking great?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but there are some tried-and-true guidelines that can help you establish the right mowing schedule for your yard. Let’s break it down.
The 1/3 Rule: Your Mowing Golden Rule
A simple but crucial tip is to follow the 1/3 rule: never cut more than one-third of the grass blade height at a time. Cutting too much stresses the grass, which can lead to browning and disease.
If your grass is growing rapidly, you may need to mow every 3-4 days to keep up. During slower growth periods, once a week should be sufficient.
Know Your Grass Type
Different types of grass have different ideal heights and growth rates. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for common warm-season and cool-season grasses:
- Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine (warm-season grasses): Keep at 1 to 2 inches tall. Mow every 5-7 days.
- Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Ryegrass (cool-season grasses): Keep at 2 to 3 inches tall. Mow every 7-10 days.
Understanding your grass type is key to determining the best mowing schedule.
Weather Matters
Summer can bring scorching heat and dry spells, which slow down grass growth. During hot and dry periods, avoid cutting the grass too short. Letting it grow a bit taller helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and reduce stress.
If there’s plenty of rain and cooler temperatures, expect more frequent mowing.
Time Your Mowing Right
Mow in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and your lawn is less stressed. Midday mowing under the blazing sun can damage both the grass and your own stamina.
Pro Tips for a Picture-Perfect Lawn
- Keep blades sharp: Dull mower blades tear the grass, leaving jagged edges that turn brown.
- Vary mowing patterns: Change your mowing direction each time to prevent grass from leaning in one direction.
- Bag or mulch? Mulching returns nutrients to the soil and helps retain moisture—a great option in summer.
- Don’t mow wet grass: It clumps up and makes your mower work harder, plus the cut isn’t as clean.
Quick Reference Schedule
- Rapid Growth (early summer): Mow every 3-4 days.
- Moderate Growth: Mow every 5-7 days.
- Slow Growth (late summer or drought): Mow every 10-14 days.
By staying tuned to your lawn’s growth patterns and following these simple tips, you’ll keep your grass looking lush and healthy all summer long. Happy mowing!
