When it comes to maintaining a lush, healthy lawn, the height of your grass is one of the most important—and often overlooked—factors. Many homeowners believe that shorter is better, hoping to achieve that tight, manicured “golf course” look. However, cutting your grass too short throughout the growing season can lead to serious problems, from stressed-out turf and more weeds and disease to increased water and fertilizer needs. Let’s explore why maintaining the right mowing height is essential for a resilient, green lawn throughout the growing season (Spring, Summer and Fall) —minus the final fall mow.
The height at which you mow directly affects how your grass grows, stores energy, and protects itself from weeds, disease, and pests. Here’s why maintaining a higher mowing height throughout the season is crucial for lawn health:
Nutrient Storage in the Blade: The top one-third of the grass blade stores most of the plant's nutrients and water. When you cut your lawn too short, you remove this essential reserve, forcing the grass to spend its energy regrowing the blade instead of focusing on the root system. This weakens the plant and makes it more susceptible to stress.
Water Retention and Drought Resistance: Short grass exposes the soil to more sunlight, leading to faster evaporation of moisture. Taller grass creates a natural shade that helps retain water, reducing the need for frequent watering and helping the grass survive periods of drought.
Deep Root Development: Longer grass promotes deeper root growth, which is critical for absorbing water and nutrients from deeper layers of soil. Shallow roots from short grass make the lawn more dependent on external watering and fertilizers.
Weed and Disease Prevention: Dense, healthy grass that’s mowed at a higher height helps crowd out weeds, reducing the need for chemical weed control. Taller grass is also less likely to suffer from lawn diseases or insect infestations, which thrive in weaker, stressed turf.
How Tall Should Your Grass Be Throughout the Season?
The ideal mowing height depends on the type of grass you have, but for most cool-season grasses in the Midwest, such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, a height of 3.5 to 4.5 inches is recommended throughout the growing season.
This allows the grass to perform photosynthesis effectively, strengthens root systems, and keeps the lawn thick and healthy. Regular mowing at this height also ensures the lawn stays green and resilient, even during hot summer months.
Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of maintaining this higher cut:
Healthier, Thicker Lawn: Taller grass grows thicker and creates a more resilient lawn, which can withstand heat, drought, and foot traffic much better than short grass.
Reduced Watering Needs: Grass cut at a higher height helps trap moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering and promoting more sustainable lawn care.
Lower Risk of Weeds and Disease: A denser lawn leaves less room for weeds to establish and less opportunity for lawn diseases to take hold. By cutting your grass high, you can naturally prevent many of the problems that lead to unsightly patches or invasive weeds.
If the Lawn is Wet – Just Wait!
One of the key tips for maintaining a healthy lawn is to avoid mowing when the grass is wet. Wet grass can cause several problems for your lawn, so make sure the lawn is dry before you fire up the mower. Waiting for the grass to dry will help ensure a healthier, more resilient lawn throughout the season. Mowing a soggy lawn can lead to several issues:
Soil Compaction: Wet soil is more prone to compacting under the weight of your mower, which limits airflow and water absorption, hindering healthy root growth.
Ruts in the Lawn: Mowing on a wet lawn can leave ruts or tire marks that are difficult to repair and can damage the lawn’s overall appearance.
Uneven Cuts: Wet grass tends to bend rather than stand upright, making it difficult to achieve a clean, even cut.
Grass Clumping: Wet grass can clump together when cut, creating "haystacks" of clippings that sit on the lawn. These clumps smother the grass beneath, blocking airflow and sunlight, which can lead to dead patches or bare spots. Over time, these areas will weaken and become more susceptible to disease and pests.
Your Lawn Isn’t a Golf Course (and That’s Okay!)
It’s easy to wish your lawn could look like the manicured greens of a golf course, but the reality is that golf course grass is managed under completely different conditions than your residential lawn. By cutting the lawn high, you’ll have the best of both worlds right at home – lush color and luxurious appeal! Here’s why:
Different Grass, Different Care: Golf courses use specialized grasses, like bentgrass or Bermuda, that are specifically bred to thrive under very short mowing and heavy foot traffic. These grasses require daily care and frequent watering, fertilization, and mowing to stay healthy. On the other hand, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, which are common in Midwest lawns, thrive when maintained at a height of 3.5 to 4.5 inches.
Different Type of Use: A golf course is designed for high-traffic, intensive use, with constant foot traffic, carts, and sports activity. Home lawns, however, are typically used for light recreation and aesthetic appeal. Grass kept slightly taller provides a cushion, allowing it to better withstand casual use by pets, kids, and family activities, without the stress of constant trampling like a golf course.
Constant Attention: Golf course greens are mowed daily, watered regularly, and given constant attention. In contrast, most homeowners mow once a week and don’t have the time or resources for that level of daily upkeep. Taller grass retains moisture and nutrients more effectively, helping it thrive with less effort on your part.
More Sustainable, Less Work: A higher cut helps grass develop deep roots, making it more drought-resistant and naturally resilient against pests and disease. By avoiding ultra-short mowing, you’ll reduce the need for extra water, fertilizers, and chemicals, while keeping your lawn healthier with less effort.
So, while a golf course may look pristine, your lawn is meant for relaxation and enjoyment, not constant maintenance. Keeping your grass longer ensures a thicker, greener lawn without the stress and upkeep of a golf course!
Avoid "Haystacks": Don’t Cut Too Short
Cutting the grass too short not only stresses the lawn, but it can also lead to clumping issues, where piles of grass clippings gather on the surface. This creates a situation where those "haystacks" block sunlight and airflow, smothering the grass and leading to dead spots.
Here’s how to avoid this:
Mow High, Mow Smart: By keeping your grass at a healthy height (around 3.5 to 4 inches), you reduce the likelihood of clumping and help the grass distribute nutrients more effectively.
Mulching Mowers: If you’re using a mulching mower, make sure the clippings are finely chopped before they hit the lawn. This helps them decompose faster and prevents clumping.
Mowing High Reduces Thatch Buildup
Another benefit of maintaining a higher mowing height is that it helps prevent the buildup of thatch—a layer of dead and living grass stems, roots, and debris that can accumulate on the soil surface. Excessive thatch can block water, air, and nutrients from reaching the grass roots, leading to a weaker lawn.
Balanced Growth: When grass is cut too short, it struggles to grow, leading to an increase in thatch as the lawn produces excess stems and roots to compensate. Taller grass, on the other hand, allows for balanced growth and helps naturally decompose thatch by encouraging microbial activity in the soil.
Healthy Soil Microorganisms: Grass clippings from a higher cut break down more easily and contribute to healthy soil by feeding beneficial microorganisms that help keep thatch in check. These organisms are essential for breaking down organic matter and keeping your lawn healthy.
Benefits of a Taller Cut for Sustainability
Following a higher mowing height throughout the season doesn’t just benefit the lawn—it’s also great for the environment. Here’s why:
Less Water: Taller grass retains more moisture, reducing the need for constant watering. This is a key way to conserve water, especially during hot summer months.
Fewer Chemicals: A thicker, healthier lawn requires less intervention with fertilizers and weed treatments. This creates a safer environment for people, pets, and pollinators, while also reducing chemical runoff into local waterways.
Better Soil Health: Healthy grass with deep roots helps improve soil structure and fertility, contributing to a more balanced ecosystem in your yard.
Take The High Road to a Healthy Lawn
Maintaining the proper mowing height throughout the growing season sets your lawn up for long-term success. Taller grass means a thicker, greener, healthier lawn more resilient to drought, heat, and weeds. Plus, by following sustainable lawn care practices, you’ll create an outdoor space that’s beautiful and environmentally friendly. So this season, aim high and mow smart! Your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood —and the planet—will thank you.
At Be Green Pro, we offer organic-based solutions for maintaining the health and beauty of your lawn. If you’re looking for advice or help with your lawn care needs, contact us today!
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