After seeding or overseeding your lawn, you should generally wait 2 to 4 weeks before mowing to allow the new grass seedlings to establish strong roots and develop enough height to withstand mowing
. A more precise guideline is to begin mowing when the new grass reaches about 3 to 4 inches tall , which is typically about 4 to 6 weeks after seeding under optimal conditions
. At this height, the grass is one-third taller than the desired mowing height (for example, if you want to maintain 3-inch grass, mow when it reaches about 4 inches)
. If you mow too early, especially before the roots are well established, you risk damaging the young grass and hindering its growth
. When you do mow for the first time, set your mower blade to the highest setting to avoid cutting the grass too short and stressing the new seedlings
. In summary:
- Wait at least 2 to 4 weeks after seeding before mowing.
- Begin mowing when grass height reaches 3 to 4 inches.
- Use the highest mower setting for the first cut.
- Adjust timing based on grass type, weather, and growth speed.
This approach ensures healthy root development and a strong, lush lawn.