Don’t cut it too short… summer mowing tips
When it comes to summer lawn care, one of the most common mistakes we see homeowners make is mowing their grass too short. It’s a tempting shortcut—literally. Many people assume that cutting the grass shorter means they won’t have to mow as often. But in reality, this approach can stress your lawn, especially during the hot summer months.
At Vito’s Lawn Care, we want your lawn to stay lush, green, and healthy all season long. Here are our top tips to help you mow smarter this summer.
Why Mowing Height Matters
Your grass blades do more than just look good—they’re vital for the health of your lawn. Here’s why mowing height is so important:
Photosynthesis Power: Grass blades are where photosynthesis happens. Cutting them too short limits the plant’s ability to produce energy, which slows down leaf and root growth.
Better Moisture Retention: Longer blades shade the soil, helping it retain moisture and reducing the need for constant watering.
Natural Weed Control: A taller lawn shades the ground, making it harder for weed seeds to germinate.
Stronger Root Systems: Keeping your grass a bit longer encourages deeper root development, which helps your lawn stay resilient in the heat.
How Often Should You Mow?
In summer, grass tends to grow faster thanks to the warmer weather. That means you’ll need to mow more frequently—but don’t overdo it.
A good rule of thumb: Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. Wait until your lawn grows about one-third higher than the recommended mowing height before cutting it again. This keeps your grass healthy and prevents unnecessary stress.
Recommended Mowing Heights by Grass Type
Every type of grass has an ideal height. Here are some quick guidelines:
Cool-Season Grasses (like Fescue & Kentucky Blue): 3 to 3.5 inches
Warm-Season Grasses (like Bermuda, Zoysia): 1 to 2 inches
Using a Reel Mower? You can mow Bermuda grass down to 0.75 inches.
Best Time of Day to Mow
Timing is everything. The best time to mow is mid-morning. By then, the dew has usually dried, which helps avoid wet clumps and turf damage. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day, as the sun can stress freshly cut grass.
Switch Up Your Mowing Pattern
To keep your lawn looking even and avoid ruts, change the direction you mow each time. Alternating your mowing pattern helps prevent wear and encourages upright growth.
Also, keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear rather than cut the grass, leaving jagged edges that are more prone to disease. If your lawn looks tattered after mowing, it might be time to sharpen or replace those blades.
Need Help with Summer Lawn Care?
At Vito’s Lawn Care, we’re here to keep your yard looking its best all summer long. We offer maintenance packages to keep your property looking it’s best all season. Contact us today for more information.