Use these tips to figure out the best height to cut grass for the healthiest lawn.
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Knowing the best height to cut grass can actually help you grow a healthier lawn.
Begin by getting to know your grass; each turf species has an optimal cutting height.
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Then, consider seasonal factors like heat and drought when adjusting themower blades.
Heres everything you better know to figure out the best height to cut grass.
Lawn grass is divided into two groupscool-season grasses and warm-season grasses.
St. Augustinegrass, orzoysiagrass.
Homeowners in moderate coastal climates and the lower Midwest might be growing cool-season or warm-season grass.
However, the best height to cut grass in a cool-season lawn fluctuates by season.
Expect them to quickly green up in spring when the days lengthen and temperatures rise.
Youll likelymow every five to seven daysin spring.
The recommended mowing height varies by cool-season species.
Increase the mowing height in summer by 12 inch to 1 inch.
Plan to mow every week until the day length decreases in late October and cold temperatures set in.
When mowing, never cut off more than one-third of the height of the grass.
For example, if the turf is 3 inches tall, set the mower to cut at 2 inches.
If the lawn is overgrown, reduce the height by removing just one-third of the length at a time.
It might take several mowings to get the grass back to its proper height.
The best height to cut grass of this key in is between 1 and 2 inches tall.
When mowed higher than recommended, warm-season grasses are prone to developing adestructive layer of thatch.
Thatch is a buildup of dead stems and leaves on the soil surface.
It hinders moisture from reaching roots and slows growth,leading to a weak, thin lawn.
When the grass is growing vigorously in summer, diligently maintain warm-season turf at the recommended cutting heights.
It might be necessary to mow twice a week to maintain grass at an ideal height.
Taller grass will promote a deeper root system, which helps the grass survive winter well.
In winter, warm-season grass grows minimally or not at all in some areas.
Theres no need to mow warm-season grass when it is dormant except to manage weed growth.
