When should I mow my lawn? If you want answers, let us help you.
Consistent lawn mowing is one of the best things you can do to achieve a beautiful and healthy lawn. However, this relatively simple-seeming task can be more complicated than it first appears. For instance, when is the best time for you to mow your lawn? This doesn’t just mean time of day, but time of the year too. If you want to make sure you provide the best lawn care to your Mid-Atlantic landscape, Scientific Plant Service is here to help. We can recommend the best tips for mowing your lawn so you always provide your turf with the care it needs.
When Should I Start Mowing?
Your first grass cut of the year should be in early spring when the grass first starts to grow. The specific date depends on that season’s weather and temperatures. Aim to make the first mow just before the weather starts to warm up, and keep the mower blades high to remove the tops of the grass. This stimulates the grass to grow, encourages it to thicken up, and helps keep out weeds.
How Often Should I Mow My Lawn?
Every lawn is unique and grows at a different rate. For example, a lawn with fine fescues may grow slower than a turf-type tall fescue lawn, and a shady lawn will generally grow slower than one in full sunlight. A good rule is to never remove more than a third of the grass height in a single mowing session. This stresses the plant and can lead to a “scalped” look. Scalped grass is also weaker and more vulnerable to disease and weed infestation. Mow often enough so your grass does not get high and wild-looking
Yearly Lawn Mowing Routines
Throughout the year, your mowing schedule may look something like this:
- January-February: Little or no mowing is required
- March: One or two mows this month, about once every two weeks, but just enough to neaten things up
- April-May: If growth is strong, at least once per week, perhaps even twice a week. The warmer temperatures and still-moist ground will encourage rapid grass growth.
- June-August: Once per week is usually often enough. Growth steadies out as soil moisture drops. If there is a drought, it may be best to stop mowing and leave the grass until rain returns.
- September-October: Once per week, possibly twice if growth is strong. This can be a time of rapid growth similar to springtime. The soil is warm from summer, and rains will have restored moisture, so conditions are ideal. Don’t pack up your mower just yet!
- November-December: Once every two weeks, if at all, to keep your lawn tidy.
When Is the Best Time of Day to Mow My Lawn?
Mid-morning or late afternoon and early evening are often the best times to mow your lawn. If done too early in the morning, the lawn is still damp with dew that can cause the grass to tear rather than cut cleanly. Midday may be too hot, and the intense sun can stress the newly cut grass (and make the experience more uncomfortable for you!).
How Short Should I Mow My Lawn?
We recommend cutting your grass to 3 to 3.5 inches tall. Mowing high shades the soil and helps prevent weed seed germination. The higher you mow the grass, the deeper the roots will grow, and deeper roots reach more water and nutrients.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest.