A healthy, beautiful lawn takes a little TLC, and proper mowing is one of the biggest factors in how your lawn looks and performs. While mowing might seem simple, a few small adjustments can make a big difference in achieving a lush lawn all season long.
Below are a few common mistakes to avoid, along with expert tips to keep your lawn looking its best.
Common Mowing Mistakes
Not Sharpening Blades Often Enough
Sharpening your mower blade can feel like a hassle, but it’s one of the most overlooked causes of lawn stress and browning.
When blades are dull, they tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. This creates ragged edges that lead to discoloration and can make your lawn more vulnerable to disease.
We recently worked with a Thrive Lawn Care customer who noticed browning in certain areas. When we took a closer look, the issue was clear: the grass blades were being torn, not cut.
Our recommendation:
Sharpen your mower blades every 25 hours of mowing. Depending on the size of your yard, this may mean around 1–3 times per mowing season.
Cutting Too Short
We understand, mowing less often sounds appealing. But cutting your lawn too short can do more harm than good.
When you remove too much of the grass blade at once, it puts significant stress on the grass and can lead to browning. It also weakens the lawn, making it easier for weeds to take hold.
Follow the 1/3 rule:
Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing.
Cutting too short also thins your lawn, creating space for weed seeds to move in. A thicker, taller lawn is your best natural defense against weeds.
Recommended Mowing Heights
Spring
3″–3.75″
Milder temperatures can allow for slightly shorter mowing heights in the spring. At Schendel, we typically mow at 3.5″–3.75″ in the spring unless the grass is tall. In that case, we follow the 1/3 rule (only cutting about one-third of the grass blade at a time), which may require raising the mower height temporarily.
Summer
3.5″–4″
As temperatures rise, increasing your mowing height helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and protect your lawn from heat stress.
At Schendel, we typically mow at 3.75″ during the summer. During extreme heat or drought, and while following the 1/3 rule, we may raise the mowing height to 4″–4.5″.
Fall
3″–3.75″
As conditions cool, you can gradually lower your mowing height again if desired.
At Schendel, we typically mow at 3.5″–3.75″ in the fall.
Final Thoughts
A few simple mowing adjustments can go a long way in improving the health and appearance of your lawn. By avoiding common mistakes and following these best practices, you’ll set your lawn up for success all season long.
At Schendel, we’re here to help you achieve a lawn you’re proud of. We look forward to continuing to share expert tips and guidance throughout the season.
