Lawn Mowing Height

Mowing the lawn at the appropriate height is important to achieve a pleasant appearance and for the overall health of the grass.. Cutting the turf too short can lead to thinner grass with shallower roots and lead to other problems such as weed and pest infestations that commonly occur in stressed lawns. All grass varieties should be mowed at or near their optimal mowing height. This will keep grass greener,  healthier, denser and give it a better appearance. . Thicker and taller  means more soil surface shading, which severely restricts the germination of many annual grassy and broad leaf weeds and also leads to better water retention. Maintaining a dense and healthy lawn is the best weed control

Suggested mowing heights

Fine fescue: 2.5 to 4 inches

Kentucky bluegrass: 1.75 to 3.5 inches

Perennial ryegrass: 1.75 to 3.0 inches

Tall fescue: 2.5 to 4 inches

Bermuda: 0.5 to 2.5 inches

Zoysia: 0.5 to 3 inches

 


Cooler season grasses ( rye, bluegrass fescue) can handle taller mowing heights while warm season grasses ( bermuda & zoysia) can be mowed shorter. Turf grasses grow at different rates depending on weather, type, location (sun vs shade) and fertilization.. The best  practice is to remove no more than one-third of the grass blade at any one mowing.This "one third rule" will help maintain steady root growth. Removing more adds stress to the grass and may minimize root growth  while the above ground  are recovering and growing back. For cooler season transitional zone grasses, consider mowing taller than recommended height (half an inch) for times of added stress - the heat of summer or during  long dry periods. Resume mowing at the regular height when the weather gets better.