The frequency with which you should mow your lawn depends on several factors including grass type, season, weather conditions, and growth rate. Here are detailed guidelines:
General Mowing Frequency by Season
- Spring: Grass grows rapidly, so mow every 7–10 days to keep up with growth, especially for cool-season grasses
- Summer: Growth slows for cool-season grasses; mow every 10–14 days and raise the mowing height to reduce heat stress. Warm-season grasses may need mowing every 5–7 days during active growth
- Fall: Similar to spring, mow every 7–10 days until grass goes dormant
- Winter: Grass growth is minimal or dormant; mowing may not be necessary or only once every 3–6 weeks in mild climates
Mowing Frequency by Grass Type
- Cool-Season Grasses (e.g., Fescue, Bluegrass, Ryegrass): Mow every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and fall; less frequent in summer
- Warm-Season Grasses (e.g., Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia): Mow every 5–7 days during summer; reduced frequency in cooler months when dormant
- Shade Grasses: Grow slower and should be mowed less frequently at a higher height to maximize sunlight absorption
Additional Considerations
- Follow the one-third rule : never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to avoid stressing the lawn
- Adjust mowing frequency based on weather conditions : more frequent mowing after rain or during warm spells when grass grows faster; less frequent during drought or cold spells
- For a neat, conventional lawn, mowing weekly or fortnightly during growing season (March to October) is typical
- In dry or shady areas, mow less often as growth is slower
- During periods of drought, reduce mowing frequency and raise cutting height to protect grass
Example Monthly Mowing Frequency (Temperate Climate)
Month| Mows per Month
---|---
January| 1–2 (if mild weather)
March| 2–4
April–May| 4–6
June–August| 4–6
September| 3–4
October| 2–3
November| 1–2
December| 1–2
This schedule can be adjusted based on your grass type and local climate
. In summary, mow your lawn roughly once a week during peak growing seasons, less frequently in summer or winter depending on grass type and weather, and always avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time for optimal lawn health
