Mowing basics: height, frequency and the one-third rule

How you mow matters more than almost anything else you do to a lawn. Mowing a little higher, a little more often and with a sharp blade gives deeper roots, fewer weeds and better drought tolerance.

The one-third rule

Never cut off more than one-third of the grass blade at once. If you keep your lawn at 3 inches, mow when it reaches about 4.5 inches. Cutting more stresses the grass and can leave it brown and thin.

Mow at the right height

• Most cool-season lawns do best at about 3 to 4 inches
• Most warm-season lawns are kept lower: often 1 to 2 inches for Bermuda and zoysia, and about 2.5 to 4 inches for St. Augustine
• Raise the deck in summer heat and drought for cool-season grass
• Use our mowing height tool to find your number

Good mowing habits

• Mow when the grass is dry
• Change direction each time to avoid ruts and grass leaning one way
• Leave the clippings on the lawn unless they clump
• Don't mow in the heat of the day during a heat wave

General lawn care information. Grass, soil and climate vary; your cooperative extension office can give local advice. Reliable Service Crew isn't paid by any brand or lawn company.