Whether you’re on the East Coast, in the Midwest, or out West, one question pops up every mowing season: how often should you mow? The short answer is that it depends. Grass type, weather, and the time of year all play a role.
This simple guide will help you adjust your mowing schedule throughout the season to keep your lawn healthy and sharp, no matter where you live.
Early Spring: Start Slow
Grass is just waking up. Depending on your region and whether you have cool- or warm-season grass, growth can be slow at first.
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Cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass): Begin mowing once grass reaches 3 to 3.5 inches. Plan to mow every 7 to 14 days as growth picks up.
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Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine): These are slower to green up. You may not need to mow until mid to late spring.
Tip: Avoid mowing too early when the ground is soggy. This can damage your lawn.
Late Spring: Growth Surge
This is prime time for many lawns across the US. With warmer temperatures and more daylight, grass grows quickly.
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Cool-season grasses: Expect to mow every 4 to 7 days.
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Warm-season grasses: Mow every 7 to 10 days as growth increases.
Tip: Follow the one-third rule. Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at once.
Summer: Adjust for Heat and Stress
Hot, dry weather slows grass growth in many areas, especially for cool-season grasses.
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Cool-season grasses: Mow every 10 to 14 days if growth slows. Raise your mower height to help protect the grass.
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Warm-season grasses: Peak growth continues through summer in warmer regions. Mow every 5 to 7 days.
Tip: Mow during the cooler parts of the day and keep blades sharp to reduce stress on your lawn. Not sure if your blades need sharpening? Check out these 5 signs your mower blades need sharpening.
Fall: One More Push
Cool-season grasses experience another growth spurt in fall, while warm-season grasses begin to slow down.
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Cool-season grasses: Mow every 5 to 7 days until growth slows.
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Warm-season grasses: Mow every 10 to 14 days as the season winds down.
Tip: Keep mowing as long as the grass is growing. For your last mow of the season, lower the mower slightly to help prevent snow mold in snowy regions.
Winter: Rest Mode
In most areas, grass goes dormant and does not need mowing during the winter. In some warmer climates, especially in the South, warm-season grasses may stay semi-active and require an occasional trim.
The Bottom Line
Your mowing schedule should adjust with the season, your region, and your grass type. Whether you are dealing with a fast-growing spring lawn or a slow-growing summer yard, adjusting how often and how high you mow makes a big difference in keeping your lawn healthy and looking great.
Need help with mower maintenance, blade sharpening, or a new mower? Find your local outdoor power equipment dealer here.