Not sure how long to let your grass grow? Want to know when and how often should you mow your lawn?
The answers to these questions are important to know so that you can keep your lawn looking beautiful all year round. You might just find out you’re mowing too often and cutting things too short.
To help you, we’ve put together this helpful guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know about mowing your lawn.
Fertilizing and Mowing
If you use a nitrogen-based fertilizer on your lawn then you will need to mow more often. The fertilizer promotes growth in the grass. As it grows quicker, you’ll need to mow more often.
Fertilizing your lawn is part of the basic care and maintenance you should carry out to keep it looking great.
Time of Year and Mowing
The time of year can have a big impact on how often should you mow your lawn. During the winter months when most grasses become dormant, you won’t need to mow often, if at all. But during the spring, summer, and fall, you’ll need to get the mower out to keep the grass healthy.
But it also depends on what kind of grass you have. Cool-season grass grows best in spring and fall. Warm-season grass grows best in the summer. This means you’re going to be mowing more often in the spring and fall for the former and more in the summer for the latter.
Moisture and Mowing
Grass needs moisture to grow. Whether it comes from watering the lawn with a sprinkler system or from natural rain, the more water that lands on the grass, the more it will grow.
In drier periods reduce the number of times you mow each week or month. In periods of heavier rains, or if you have an automated sprinkler system, mow it more often.
Length of the Grass and Mowing
No matter how often you mow, the most important thing is to mow your grass to the correct length. If you cut the grass too short, you will damage it. You’ll start seeing yellow patches or dried grass in your lawn.
The best rule of thumb is the one-third rule. You should avoid cutting more than a third of the grass height whenever you mow. That way, you’ll avoid exposing too much of the bottom of the grass to the sun and elements.
If your grass has grown long, don’t try to cut it all the way down to the height you want it in one go. Cut a small amount off the top. Let it sit a day or two and then cut some more.
If you cut your grass too short, don’t mow it again for a while. Let it grow and strengthen before getting the mower out again.
Knowing How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn Will Keep It Healthy
As you can see, there’s no hard and fast rule about how often should you mow your lawn. The answer depends on what kind of grass you have and how much you water it. It also depends on whether you use fertilizer and where you live.
Pay attention to the color of your lawn, and you’ll have a good idea of when to mow it. Keep an eye on things, and your lawn will remain bright green and healthy all through the growing season.
For more great landscaping ideas or to chat with a professional about your lawn care, give us a call today.