Mowing seems simple, but how often and how short you cut makes a big difference in how your lawn looks by August. Here is a simple guide for lawns in our part of eastern Oregon and southeast Washington.
The one-third rule
The most important mowing rule is to never remove more than one third of the grass blade at a time. If your lawn should be about three inches tall, mow it before it reaches four and a half inches. Cutting off more than that shocks the grass, turns the tips brown and slows recovery.
Spring: mow often
From April through early June, cool-season grasses grow fast. Most lawns need mowing every five to seven days during this stretch. Skipping a week in May often leads to a shaggy lawn and clumps of clippings left behind.
Summer: mow higher
When July heat arrives, growth slows and the lawn is under stress. Raise your mower to around three to three and a half inches. Taller grass shades the soil, holds moisture and crowds out weeds. Weekly or every-other-week mowing is usually enough, depending on watering.
Avoid mowing in the hottest part of the afternoon. Early morning or evening is easier on the lawn and on you.
Fall: keep going
Grass picks up again when temperatures cool in September and October. Keep mowing on a regular schedule, and lower the height slightly for the last one or two cuts of the year. Do not let leaves sit on the lawn for long, since they block light and can cause patches to die over winter.
Signs you are mowing wrong
- Brown, ragged tips after mowing, often from dull blades
- Scalped spots on high points of the yard
- Thick mats of clippings left on the surface
- Weeds filling in thin areas
Let us handle the schedule
If keeping up with the mower is the last thing you want to do after work, Pablo's Lawn Service offers weekly and bi-weekly mowing in Milton-Freewater, Walla Walla and College Place. Call (509) 876-9883 for a free quote.