How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn?

Lawn Maintenance

Mowing the lawn is not something many look forward to.

We may think there is not much difference between mowing a lawn and getting your haircut. The frequency of both would then depend on your personal preference and comfort.

It is not quite that simple. Grass growth is dependent on many variables. These include the season, exact type of grass, the amount of sunlight, water or rain, to name a few.

Here, we have compiled a quick guide on how often you should mow your lawn.

Benefits of mowing your lawn often enough

The more often you trim your lawn, the better it is for the grass. Simple.

Generally, the more often its mowed, the healthier the roots of the grass will be. It will also lead to balanced, uniform growth and less pests. But don’t over do it (see below).

Your lawn will look good only if it is regularly maintained. And, out of all the lawn maintenance activities that require your attention, mowing is the most frequent.

How often should I mow my lawn?

On average, lawn mowing should be carried out 25 to 35 times a year for perfectly manicured patches of luscious green grass. In other words, every couple of weeks.

But a lot depends on your type of grass and conditions specifically.

Importantly, let the length of the grass in your backyard be the guide – don’t bother too much with when you did it last.

And avoid cutting more than one third of the grass blade each time.

Doing more than this can damage your lawn.

Factors that affect how often to mow your lawn

Keep an eye out for the following factors which will impact the frequency of mowing.

Weather

The frequency of lawn mowing can change depending on the climate. Grass growth increases in warmer months as opposed to winters.

Spring is usually the time when your lawn will catch your attention for a trim. The increase in growth will be consistent throughout the summer months as well. There may be times when the grass will look overgrown every week.

Grass Length

You should wait for the grass to be at least 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimetres) tall before you take out the lawnmower. So, if you are ever confused with respect to the appropriate time gap between 2 lawn mowing sessions, this is a good rule to remember.

Other simple tests. Does it look untidy? Time to mow.

If you take your shoes off and walk barefoot on your lawn, does it feel like you are sinking? Another sure fire way to know you should mow your lawn now.

Lawn Grass Type

Grass can be broadly categorised into cool and warm season grass. It is important to know your grass type as cool season grass grows more during the autumn and spring months.

On the contrary, warm season grass requires a higher frequency of trimming during the summer months.

Specific grass types will also guide you as to how often to mow.

For example, Couch grass type is cut to be at about 25mm, Kikuyu is best kept at about 40mm and Buffalo or Blue Grama grass to about 45mm. In winter, you can get away with keeping them a bit longer.

How often you you fertilise the lawn

The more nitrogen fertiliser is applied, naturally, the faster the grass will grow. And so the frequency of mowing.

Other Growth Factors

Other growth factors include the amount of sunshine, water and nutrients your lawn is exposed to depending on your location.

Grass patches receiving direct sunlight tend to grow faster than those in shade. Therefore, they will require mowing more frequently.

The same holds true with the amount of water and nutrients that reach your lawn grass. Drought like conditions can hamper the growth of grass.

Things to keep in mind while mowing your lawn

Keep an eye on the following for an easier and more effective process.

Refrain from mowing your lawn when the grass is wet

Mowing a lawn when it is wet can create an uneven lawn as the grass will be leaning making it harder to cut evenly. It can also lead to ruts. In addition, you could clog your lawnmower and the surface is slippery which can lead to injury.

Ensure you use sharp blades

Make sure that the blades of your lawnmower are sharp. If you mower has dull blades, they can end up tearing the grass rather that cutting it, creating holes and uneven surfaces.

Never cut more than one third of your grass blade’s length

As discussed above, cutting more than a third can damage the grass and hinder growth.

Adjust and modify how often you mow specifically to your lawn

The frequency will depend a lot on the type of grass you have, your location, local conditions and terrain. Follow local advice and most importantly, how long the grass is rather than a specific schedule.

Alternate the direction of mowing

When you brush your hair in the same direction for a long time, it seems to “remember” to sit that particular way. Grass can be not too dissimilar. Mowing in the same direction, a common mistake we make, can cause it to lay to one side but can also increase ruts in your lawn.

So I would advise varying up the directions and the pattern when you mow. The lawn will thank you for it.

Clean up the mess

When you mow you mow your lawn, it will inevitably make a mess. Clean it all up!

If you don’t, the longer clipped blades can block and stifle the grass which is not good for it. The chunks of grass are also not a good look.

Time of the day to mow

Don’t leave it too late. No matter how often you mow, mowing your lawn about mid morning is generally recommended. Any early morning dew and moisture has dried by then and the sun is not at full blast yet.

Be careful with recovering or damaged grass

Cut less off the top to leave more length in case your patch or lawn has recently been damaged or if there was pest damage.

Stay Safe

Ensure you wear good protective clothing, long pants, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection and a hat. And don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen. Find other useful safety suggestions here.

Getting the mower out

Maintaining lawns is hard work indeed, but there is nothing more pleasing to the eye than a well kept luscious green lawn.

Just keep in mind the above mentioned tips for a fuss free experience. You can do it.

How often do you mow you mow your lawn?

Have we missed something or do you have tips on how to mow your lawn better?

Tell us below.

References

1. “Mowing practices for healthy lawns”, University of Minnesota Extension, accessed September 2020, available here 
2. “Lawn Mowing“, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, accessed 14 September 2020, available here
3. “Lawn Mower Safety“, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, accessed September 2020, available here