You probably already know that a well-kept lawn can make your garden look amazing. But the real question is: how often should you mow it to keep it looking its best? It’s not always as simple as a weekly trim.
The frequency depends on several factors, like the season, the type of grass you have, and even how you want your lawn to look.
So, let’s get into it—how can you make sure you’re mowing your lawn at the right time, with the best results?
Seasonal Changes: Adapting to the Weather
The time of year is one of the biggest factors in determining how often you should mow. During different seasons, grass grows at varying speeds, meaning your mowing schedule needs to be flexible.
Spring
Spring is prime time for growth. As the weather warms up and the rain starts falling, your grass will take off. You’ll likely find yourself needing to use your lawn mower more frequently—sometimes even once a week or more. This is the season to stay on top of things, as letting the grass grow too long can lead to patchy spots when you do cut it down.
Summer
Summer can be tricky. The heat can slow grass growth, especially during hot, dry periods. If there’s been little rain, your lawn might not need mowing as often. However, if it’s been a wet summer, the grass could keep growing at a rapid rate. Try to mow every 10-14 days, but always adjust based on how quickly the grass is growing.
Autumn
As temperatures begin to drop, grass growth will slow down. In autumn, you can get away with mowing less frequently—about once every two to three weeks. But don’t stop mowing altogether! A few final trims before winter can help your lawn survive the colder months.
Winter
Winter means rest for your grass, but that doesn’t mean you can just forget about it entirely. In warmer climates, you might still need the occasional trim. But for most, it’s time to let the lawn hibernate. Mowing during the winter should only happen if absolutely necessary, like if there’s a sudden spurt of growth during an unusually warm spell.
The Type of Grass Matters
Not all grass is created equal. Different types of grass grow at different speeds, meaning some lawns will require more frequent mowing than others. Knowing the type of grass you have can help guide your mowing schedule.
Cool-Season Grasses
These types of grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass and fescues, thrive in cooler weather and grow rapidly during spring and autumn. You’ll likely need to mow these lawns more frequently during these seasons but can ease off during the summer and winter.
Warm-Season Grasses
Bermuda grass and zoysia are examples of warm-season grasses, which grow the most during the heat of the summer. You’ll need to mow more during summer and can reduce the frequency in spring and autumn.
If you’re not sure what type of grass you have, a quick look online or asking a local garden centre can help you identify it.
How Short Should You Cut Your Grass?
Now that you know how often to mow, the next question is: how short should you cut it? Cutting your grass too short can cause damage, while leaving it too long can lead to an untidy appearance and even lawn diseases.
The One-Third Rule
A good rule of thumb is to never cut more than one-third of the grass blade’s height at once. Cutting off too much can stress the grass and make it more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and drought. By following this rule, you can keep your lawn healthy and looking great.
Grass Height Based on Type
- Cool-season grasses – These grasses should generally be kept between 2.5 to 4 inches tall. Keeping them a bit longer during the hot months will help them retain moisture and stay green.
- Warm-season grasses – These grasses can be kept shorter, usually around 1 to 2 inches. They are more tolerant of heat and drought, so trimming them a bit shorter works well.
Sharpen Your Mower Blades
This is one thing a lot of people overlook. Using dull mower blades can tear the grass, rather than cutting it cleanly, leaving your lawn looking ragged. Sharpening the blades at least once a season will ensure a clean cut, which promotes healthier growth and a better-looking lawn.
Don’t Forget the Edges
A beautifully mown lawn looks great, but if the edges are untidy, it can ruin the whole effect. After mowing, take a few extra minutes to trim the edges with a pair of grass shears or an edging tool. Clean edges give your garden a neat and polished finish, making all your hard work stand out.
Mulch or Bag the Clippings?
You’ve probably seen people bagging up their grass clippings after mowing, but is it really necessary?
In most cases, mulching the clippings (leaving them on the lawn) can actually be beneficial. The clippings act as a natural fertiliser, returning nutrients to the soil and helping the grass grow thicker. If you mow frequently, mulching is a great way to keep your lawn healthy. However, if the grass is too long, bagging might be a better option, as long clippings can smother the grass beneath them.
Tailoring Your Mowing Schedule to Your Lawn
At the end of the day, the right mowing frequency for your lawn depends on a combination of the season, your grass type, and how quickly it grows. By paying attention to these factors and not letting the grass grow too long, you can keep your lawn looking fantastic all year round.