With the passing of Memorial Day Weekend, it is safe to say that summer is in full swing. Temperatures are rising, the pools are open and spring chores turn into summer lawn maintenance. A good yard doesn’t just happen on its own; it requires work and knowledge.

It is vital for your lawn to cut your grass at an appropriate height. Too short and the grass is susceptible heat damage and weed invasion. Too long and it becomes an ideal environment for critters like snakes and voles and insects like mosquitoes. We’re here to help you determine the ideal height to cut your grass so you can enjoy a lush green lawn all summer long.

First, you need to know the type of grass growing in your yard. This is one of the biggest factors that will determine how short to cut the grass each time you mow. If you don’t know the type of your grass, there are resources online, but it might be easiest to contact us and we can help identify your turf species.

In Missouri, most grass types are cool season grasses, such as bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass and should be mowed at 2.5 to 4 inches. If you are outside of Missouri and have warm season grass, then a little shorter at 1.5 to 2.5 inches is the sweet spot.

For specific length height, that is determined by the species. Here are four common species in Missouri and their ideal mowing height:

Kentucky Bluegrass – 2.5-3.5 inches 

Tall Fescue – 3-4 inches

Fescue/Bluegrass – 2.5-3.5 inches

Bluegrass/Ryegrass – 3-3.5 inches

To promote healthy growth, it is recommended to mow at the highest recommended setting frequently. For cool season grasses, mow every 5 to 6 days in the spring and fall. In the summer, you can allow slightly more time between mows and move to once a week.

The biggest general rule of thumb is to mow when your grass has grown one-third past your desired height. This is called the one-third rule and is applicable to all types of grass.

Cut your lawn at the correct height with an appropriate amount of water and you are on your way to a beautiful yard.

However, sometimes a lawn needs a little more care and that is where Voss Landscape is happy to help. Voss provides aerating, seeding, and fertilization, all vital services to create a strong and beautiful lawn. Learn more about the services we provide here and feel free to contact us at any time to help with these, or identifying your lawn grass species.

Source: https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2010/4/Proper-Mowing-Practices-for-Your-Lawn/