Lawn Mowing Tips: Warm- vs. Cool-season Grasses

Lawn maintenance and mowing heights for warm-season grasses vary depending on the species of grass and the season. The table below shows the recommended mowing heights for actively growing warm-season turf grass:

If you’re in an area of the country where warm-season grass experiences dormancy, cut your grass short early in the year to boost spring green-up. Just be careful not to scalp the lawn or else grass crowns may get damaged.

Like warm-season grasses, mowing heights for cool-season grasses vary depending on the species of grass and the season. Consult the table below for cool-season mowing heights:

The first and last time you mow your cool-season grass each year, mow ½ to ¾ of an inch shorter than is recommended during the growing season to remove dormant grass blades. This also aids in spring green-up and provides a clean appearance for the winter. Just be careful not to scalp the lawn or else grass crowns may get damaged.