Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, and mow at the recommended height for your grass: about 3 to 4 inches for tall fescue, 2.5 to 3.5 inches for Kentucky bluegrass, and 1 to 2 inches for Bermuda. Taller mowing shades out weeds and builds deeper roots. Keep the blade sharp, mow when the grass is dry, and leave the clippings to return nutrients.
Mowing is the lawn care task you do most, and doing it well makes the biggest difference to how your lawn looks.
The one-third rule
Never remove more than one-third of the blade length in one mowing. Cutting more stresses the grass, slows root growth and lets weeds in. If the lawn got too tall, lower the height gradually over a few mows.
Mowing heights by grass type
| Grass | Recommended height |
|---|---|
| Tall fescue | 3 to 4 in |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2.5 to 3.5 in |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 to 3 in |
| Fine fescue | 2.5 to 3.5 in |
| St. Augustine | 2.5 to 4 in |
| Zoysia | 1 to 2.5 in |
| Bermuda | 1 to 2 in |
| Centipede | 1.5 to 2 in |
During heat and drought, mow at the top of the range.
Mowing tips
- Mow when dry. Wet grass clumps, tears and can spread disease.
- Keep the blade sharp. Dull blades shred grass tips, which turn brown. Sharpen at least once a season.
- Change direction each time to prevent ruts and grass leaning one way.
- Leave clippings (grasscycling) when they are short; they return nutrients.
- Avoid scalping high spots and uneven areas.
Best time of day
Mid-morning, after dew dries, or early evening. Avoid the hottest part of the day, which stresses grass and the person mowing.
Mower maintenance
- Clean under the deck to prevent clumping.
- Check oil and air filters on gas mowers.
- Charge and store batteries indoors for battery mowers.
Common questions
How short should I cut my grass?
It depends on the grass. Tall fescue does best around 3 to 4 inches, Kentucky bluegrass 2.5 to 3.5 inches, zoysia 1 to 2.5 inches and Bermuda 1 to 2 inches. Check your extension service's recommendation.
How often should I mow?
Often enough that you never remove more than a third of the blade, which can be every five to seven days in peak growing season and less often in slow periods.
Should I bag or mulch grass clippings?
Mulching (leaving clippings on the lawn) returns nutrients and moisture. Bag clippings if they are very long or wet, or if the lawn has a fungal disease.