How Long Should My Lawn Be Cut?
How Long Should My Lawn Be Cut?
At some point, we all have asked ourselves the question, "How short can my lawn be cut without damaging it?" This depends on many factors, such as the grass type, the season, and how often you mow your lawn. Cool-season grasses should usually be cut to 3 to 4 inches, whereas warm-season grasses should only be cut to 2 to 2.5 inches. The taller grasses provide shade and protection to your lawn's roots during warmer months. These are the things you need to know to ensure your lawn stays lush and healthy throughout the year.
Type and Height of the Grass
While it might not seem like much to do to raise your lawn by an inch every once in a while, it can have a significant impact on your lawn's overall health, depending on the grass type. Different grasses have specific needs, so it is essential to know your lawn. Cool-season grasses include those found in colder climates like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial Ryegrass, creeping bentgrass, and tall fescue. They should be cut to 4 inches in order to shade the soil and to keep roots cool during heat periods. In warmer areas, warm-season grasses such as zoysia, Bermuda, and centipede are best kept at 2 to 2.5 inches.
Do Not Go Too Low
Some people prefer to cut their grass lower so that they don't need to mow as often. Even though it might sound appealing, mowing too low can be dangerous for your lawn's health. Mowing your lawn at too low a rate can cause the grass to be stressed and make it more attractive for invasive weeds. Crabgrass and foxtail are lawn weeds that require sunlight to grow. Too short grass can cause sunlight to reach the soil, which promotes the growth and spread of weeds. You can keep those pesky weed seeds away from your lawn by having longer grass. A longer grass length not only keeps weeds away but also prevents the summer heat from causing damage to your lawn.
The Third Rule
No matter the type of grass, it's important to not cut more than one-third of its height in one mowing. Why? You might be surprised to learn that grass is still a living plant. Stressed-out grass can lead to many problems. Knowing the ideal height for your lawn is the best way you can avoid trimming too much. Allow it to grow one-third of its ideal height before mowing.
Mowing Frequency
Cutting grass too short invites weeds and drought damage. You could also make your grass a breeding ground for bugs and other insects if it is left too long. What are the best ways to determine how often you should mow your lawn, given all of these factors? Most people stick to a schedule of mowing that is based on the season, climate, and weather conditions. But, it's not unusual for some people to only mow their lawn once every five to seven days. It is important to know the requirements of your lawn and what its ideal height is before you decide how often it should be cut.
Professional Lawn Maintenance
A stunning lawn not only increases the value of your property but also makes you feel good. Although it may be difficult to have a well-manicured, lush lawn, it is worth the effort. If you don't have the patience or time to decide the height of your lawn, we can help. We have the experience and knowledge to keep your lawn vibrant, healthy, and green all year. We provide outstanding residential lawn maintenance and services, from mowing to fertilization and much more!
