What’s the best mowing height for your lawn?
Setting your lawnmower to the right height is key to a healthy, green lawn. Different grass types thrive at different mowing heights. Following the right height and mowing schedule helps your yard stay greener and more resilient to seasonal stress.
Use the guidelines below to mow smarter and keep your grass happy.
Recommended mowing heights for common grass types
Proper mowing starts with knowing your grass type. Here’s how to mow the most common cool-season and warm-season grasses, based on our expert-backed mowing height chart:
Perennial ryegrass mowing guidelines
- Cut when grass reaches 4–6 inches
- Mow down to 3–4 inches
- Wait 7–10 days between mowing
Kentucky bluegrass mowing guidelines
- Cut when grass reaches 4–6 inches
- Mow to 3–4 inches
- Wait 10–14 days between mowing
Tall fescue mowing guidelines
- Cut when grass reaches 4–6 inches
- Mow to 3–4 inches
- Wait 10–14 days between mowing
Fine fescue mowing guidelines
- Cut when grass reaches 4–6 inches
- Mow to 3–4 inches
- Wait 14–21 days between mowing
Bermuda mowing guidelines
- Cut when grass reaches 3–4 inches
- Mow to 2–3 inches
- Mow every 7 days
St. Augustine mowing guidelines
- Cut when grass reaches 3–4 inches
- Mow to 2–3 inches
- Mow every 7 days
Bahia mowing guidelines
- Cut when grass reaches 3–4 inches
- Mow to 2–3 inches
- Wait 10–14 days between mowing
Centipede mowing guidelines
- Cut when grass reaches 3–4 inches
- Mow to 2–3 inches
- Wait 10–14 days between mowing
Zoysia mowing guidelines
- Cut when grass reaches 3–4 inches
- Mow to 2–3 inches
- Wait 14–21 days between mowing
Sunday lawn mowing tips for best results
- Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. This reduces stress and keeps your lawn thick and healthy.
- Mow on the higher side of the recommended range. Taller grass develops deeper roots and shades out weeds.
- Leave clippings on the lawn when possible. Grass clippings quickly break down and recycle valuable nutrients back into your soil. If clippings are too long, collect and compost them.
- Keep your mower blades sharp and cutting at the proper height helps your grass stay strong, resist drought, and look its best all season long.
Looking for more on mowing?
Head to our Mowing Do's and Don'ts. Or check out Preparing For Your First Mow.
Let's get growing
Our lawn engine uses satellite data to map out your lawn size and determine things like average rainfall, common weeds, and pest activity.
