If you’re proud of the progress your lawn has made, you know that mowing is essential to maintaining a healthy and attractive yard. Regular mowing helps keep your grass at the perfect height, which can promote root health and strength. But what is the actual best height to cut grass?
Thanks to our experts at Lawn Pride®, we know that maintaining your lawn can feel like a losing battle, but we’ve perfected it. Keep reading to discover the perfect grass-mowing height.
Cool season vs. warm season grasses
Before answering the question: “What’s the best height to cut grass?” you need to figure out what type of grass you have. There are two types: cool-season and warm-season.
Cool-season grasses
As their name suggests, cool-season grasses grow more actively in the cooler seasons of spring and fall. They tolerate winters, but they are least active in the summer. When they’re dormant, the grass will turn brown and appear dead, but the grasses are actually still alive. They thrive in temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees F. You’ll find most of these grasses in Canada and the northern US, and some common examples include:
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fescues
- Canadian bluegrass
- Perennial ryegrass
Because these grasses grow actively in cooler weather, they will need a slightly higher grass mowing height to retain moisture and provide shade for the soil.
Warm-season grasses
On the other hand, warm-season grasses grow more actively in the warm seasons of late spring and summer. When they’re dormant, the grasses will appear dead and brown, but like the cool-season grasses, they’ll bounce back in the warmer season. These grasses grow best in warmer temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees F. You’ll find most of these grasses in the warmer parts of the United States, and some common examples include:
- Bermuda grass
- Zoysia
- St. Augustine grass
Because they can withstand heat and drought better than cool-season grass, they can be trimmed shorter.
Mowing height by grass type
When wondering how tall should grass be cut, you’ll need to determine what type of grass you have. More specifically, different types of grass grow best at the following heights.
Cool-season grasses:
- Kentucky bluegrass: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
- Fescues: 3 to 4 inches for tall fescue; 2.5 - 3 inches for fine fescue
- Perennial ryegrass: 2 to 3 inches
Warm-season grasses:
- Bermuda grass: 0.5 to 2 inches
- Zoysia grass: 1 to 2 inches
- St. Augustine Grass: 2.5 to 4 inches
When setting your lawn mower, aim for the middle of the range during regular mowing, and then adjust higher or lower depending on seasonal factors or your lawn’s health.
If you’re unsure of what grass type is in your lawn, give Lawn Pride a call. Our expert lawn care professionals will be able to identify your grass type and provide expert recommendations and services for the best results.
Mowing height by season
Grass growth varies throughout the year and depends on your climate zone. Follow these expert tips to see your lawn thrive throughout the different seasons.
Spring
Begin mowing at the lower end of the recommended range to allow the grass to grow, but for warm-season grass, start mowing as soon as it reaches its growing height.
Summer
Raise the mowing height slightly to allow shade so that the soil can retain moisture; this is especially important for cool-season grasses, which are more susceptible to heat damage.
Fall
To prepare for winter, resume mowing cool-season grasses at the lower end of the height range. Warm-season grasses slow during this time, so reduce mowing frequency with a consistent height.
Winter
With a mild winter, mowing is rarely necessary. For cool-season grasses, don’t mow until spring since growth completely stops.
Best height to cut grass to prevent weeds
A healthy, dense lawn is your best defense against weeds, so avoid over-mowing or scalping the grass. Doing so will create opportunities for invasive species to take over.
The best height to cut grass to prevent weeds for cool-season grasses is between 3.5 and 4 inches. This provides better weed prevention against crabgrass and dandelions. Warm-season grasses should maintain a height of 1.5 to 2 inches to prevent weed growth.
Tips for adjusting lawn mower height
First, familiarize yourself with your mower settings and use the height adjustment lever. Measure the distance between the blade and the ground and adjust it as needed within your grass type’s optimal range.
Adapt to any seasonal changes by raising or lowering the mower height and keeping the blades sharp. Dull blades will tear the grass instead of making a clean cut, damaging the grass and leaving it vulnerable to pests and diseases.
If you’re still unsure of how to maintain healthy grass and the best height to cut the grass, you may want to contact an expert for professional services. That’s where Lawn Pride comes in. Our lawn care experts are familiar with all types of grass and know how to get you the best results. Find your local Lawn Pride today.
This article is intended for general guidance only and may not apply to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Lawn Pride is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Lawn Pride for more information and a professional on-site assessment.