How To Mow Your Lawn Correctly

Mowing may seem simple, but how you mow can make a big difference in the look and health of your lawn. The height of your cut, how often you mow, and the type of mower you use all play a role in maintaining healthy, attractive turf. When done correctly, mowing enhances your lawn’s appearance and helps the grass grow strong and resilient.

Follow the 1/3 Rule

One of the most important mowing guidelines is to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Cutting too much at once can shock the turf and weaken its root system.

For example:
If you're maintaining Bermuda grass at 1", mow it before it reaches 1.5". Waiting too long between cuts and then mowing it down all at once can cause stress, scalping, and injury to the turf. If your grass gets too tall, gradually reduce the height over several mowings instead of cutting it all at once.

Mow at the Right Time of Day

The best time to mow your lawn is mid-morning, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. At this point, the morning dew has usually dried, but the temperatures haven’t reached their midday peak. Mowing during this window helps you avoid damaging wet grass or stressing your lawn during the hottest part of the day.

If you can’t mow in the morning, late afternoon (around 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) is your next best option. Try to avoid mowing in the early morning or during the heat of midday, as this can either damage wet grass or stress the turf during high temperatures.

Avoid Mowing When the Grass is Damp

Try to mow only when the grass is dry. Mowing wet grass can result in uneven cuts, clogged mower blades, and torn turf that is more prone to disease. Wet clippings also clump together and smother healthy grass beneath them, which can cause bare patches over time. For a clean cut and healthier lawn, wait until your lawn has dried after rain or heavy dew.

Mowing During Stressful Conditions

During extreme heat or drought, raise your mower blade slightly. Taller grass helps shade the soil and protect the root system, especially in grasses like Tall Fescue during the summer. Once conditions improve—like when fall weather brings cooler temperatures—you can slowly return to your regular mowing height.

Grass growing in shady areas also benefits from being cut higher than in sunny spots. And for warm-season grasses, gradually raising the mowing height in the fall helps prepare the lawn for winter and promotes healthier spring growth.

For more information on seasonal mowing, click here.

Take Care of Your Mower

Your mower’s condition plays a big role in lawn health. Dull mower blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which can lead to ragged edges that turn brown and are more vulnerable to disease.

Here are a few mower maintenance tips to keep in mind:

• Sharpen your mower blades every 1–2 months during peak mowing season. You can learn more about blade sharpening here.

• Clean your mower deck regularly to prevent grass buildup.

• Check tire pressure to ensure an even cut.

• Change the oil and air filter as recommended by the manufacturer.

Regular maintenance not only improves cutting performance but also extends the life of your equipment.