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Should you mow today or wait another day?

These tips will help you decide how often you shouldmow your lawnto result in healthy, lush grass.

Depending on where you live, your lawn consists ofcool-season or warm-season grasses.

lawn mower cutting grass

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These grasses have different growth patterns and optimal mowing heights that affect when to mow.

Warm-season grasses grow vigorously during the heat of summer.

Growth slows, and grasses occasionally go dormant in fall and winter.

Take advantage of tall mowing heights.

Taller turf requires less frequent mowing.

Tall turf is more tolerant of drought, heat, traffic, shade, and pests.

Beware of cutting grass too short.

It is tempting to lower the mowing height to postpone a future cutting, but dont take a shortcut.

Theres no need to mow dormant turf grass.

Warm-season grasses typically go into dormancy in late fall through winter.

Adjust mowing frequency and height during stressful times.

Periods of drought or temperature extremes can stress lawn grass, causing it to grow slowly.

Care well for the turf by increasing the mowing height by 12 to 1 inch and mowing less frequently.

Continue to follow the one-third rule.

Sometimes, the forecast determines the timing of your next mowing.

Don’t overdo water and fertilizer.

Grass growth is fueled by available soil nutrients, sunlight, and water that can supercharge grass growth.

Fast growth leads to frequent mowing.

Water andfertilize thoughtfullyto slow your lawns growth while not compromising its health.

Most turf species need no more than 1 inch of water a week to grow well.