PROPER MOWING PRACTICES FOR TURFGRASS
Purdue University

Mowing is the single most important cultural practice affecting turf quality. More damage is done to lawns through improper mowing than by any other means. The two most common mistakes regarding mowing are mowing at too low of a mowing height and not mowing frequently enough. Mowing Height. There is an optimum range of mowing heights for each turfgrass species. Repeated mowing about or below the optimum range will adversely affect turf performance and quality.

For home lawns, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, and turf type tall fescue should be mowed at 2 to 2 ½ inches. Kentucky-31 tall fescue should be mowed at 3 inches. Bermuda grass and zoysia grass should be mowed at ½ to 1 inch. During the hot periods of summer, from late June until late August, the mowing height should be raised ½ inch for Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, turf type tall fescue, and K-31 tall fescue lawns. This will help the turf survive the stress period of summer. When raising or lowering the height a turf is maintained at, do so in small increments. Each time you mow, slightly raise the mowing height until you reach the desired height. When lowering the mowing height, do so over a period of several mowings. Avoid dramatic decreases in mowing height. Also, there are good reasons to avoid bagging.

Mowing Frequency. Turf should be mowed based on the growth rate of the grass and not on a set schedule. A standard rule to follow is to never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf area during any one mowing. An example is that if the turf is to be maintained at a 2 inch height, the turf should be mowed when it reaches 3 inches in height. By mowing when the turf reaches 3 inches, 1 inch or 1/3 of the leaf area will be removed to maintain the turf at a 2 inch mowing height.

Following this rule means that during spring and fall when the grass is growing rapidly, the turf may need to be mowed every 4 to 5 days. During the summer when growth slows, the turf may need to be mowed every 7 to 10 days. If the grass is allowed to reach 4 to 4 ½ inches and is then mowed to 2 inches, the root system of the grass suffers a severe shock. The root system will stop growing for 4 to 5 days following the excessive defoliation. This will reduce the health and vigor of the turfgrass plants.

Proper mowing height and frequency can improve the quality of your lawn more than any other cultural practice.

For more information on Turf Care from Purdue University, Click HERE