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The Optimal Length to Cut Your Grass

dreamstime_xxl_56012022Mowing doesn’t just make your lawn look good—it helps it thrive. Just as other garden plants need to be pruned, grass needs to be mowed regularly to help it grow thick and full.

A thick, healthy lawn will be more resistant to drought and weed infestation. Cutting it at an ideal length is important. Grass that is too short will have shallower roots and can easily dry out. Grass that is too long will be shaggy, unseemly, and difficult to mow, in addition to harboring more insects.

Longer Grass Means Deeper Roots

When you keep your lawn at an ideal length, the roots will grow deeper and gather more water. The grass will be thicker, blocking out sunlight that weeds need to take root.

The optimal length you should keep your grass at depends on several factors, including grass type and the season. In general, you should keep your grass on the long side of the recommendations for your grass type. For example, Kentucky Bluegrass is recommended to be .75 inches to 3.5 inches in length—you should try to keep it around 3.5 inches long.

Mower Height

It’s important to measure the height of your mower as the distance between the ground and the blade. Keeping the blades sharp also helps to mow accurately and foster healthy growth.

When and How Often to Mow Your Lawn

If you have a cool-season grass, then peak growing seasons will typically be in the spring and fall. Warm-weather grass grows fastest in the summer.

During the growing season, you should mow your lawn about once every 5 to 7 days. All other times of the year you can mow less frequently and perhaps not at all.

Never cut off more than one-third or your lawn at a time. If you’ve let your lawn grow taller than usual, adjust the height of your mower so you don’t cut too much. Then gradually lower the height until you’re back to the recommended length.

For more helpful lawn care tips, such as ideal water practices, check back with our blog frequently.