Determining your lawn’s mowing frequency is dependent on several factors. As a general rule of thumb, you want to mow at least once a week during your grass type’s growing season.
Determining Your Unique Mowing Frequency
First of all, it’s important to remember that every lawn is different. The difference is because homeowners don’t follow the same lawn care schedule or practices. There are multiple variables, ranging from how much and often you fertilize, to the time of year, grass type, and even how you choose to water your lawn. This difference alone makes it impossible for the grass to grow the same way from house to house. However, here are some universal factors that will determine how often you should mow your lawn.
1. Your time and budget. Did you know that sod farmers and golf courses cut their grass multiple times a week? They know that grass is most healthy when it is only be cut/mowed no more than 1/3 of its current height. Any amount more than 1/3 can place stress on the plant and stunt its growth. Unfortunately, most people don’t have the time or budget to follow the same principle.
2. Fertilizing affects your mowing schedule significantly because of its purpose. The more nitrogen fertilizer you apply to your lawn, the greater the rate at which it grows, which means bringing out the lawnmower more often.
3. Watering a lawn is crucial. A yard receiving the right amount of water at the right time of day will grow faster than one that is not. A yard not receiving the proper amount of water will struggle to survive, much less grow.
4. The type of grass and the season plays a role in routine mowing. Cool-season grasses grow the fastest in the cool months of fall and spring. Warm-season grasses grow faster during the hot months of summer. During these times of the year, you’ll want to expect to mow once a week.
Why Bi-Weekly Mowing Is Not A Good Idea
Opposite to what golf courses and sod farmers do, some people choose to mow their lawn bi-weekly, instead of our recommended weekly frequency. In short, allowing your grass to grow high and then cutting it is not okay for your yard.
The primary consequence of bi-weekly mowing is heat stress! Your grass can get sunburnt. When it gets tall, the lower parts of the grass become shaded. Once the grass is cut, the shaded bottom parts of the blade won’t be used to the sun and become burnt.
Bi-weekly mowing can shock the root system as well. Since the roots are developed based on the height of the grass, this hurts the roots.
If you want a healthy, green yard and cannot afford to mow multiple times a week, stick with the rule of thumb to mow weekly.
Mowing Scheduled By Our Experts
Considering all the factors in keeping a healthy yard is important in determining your mowing routine. However, it is doable if done correctly, and it can bring about a beautiful lawn. Chorbie experts specialize in assessing lawns all around DFW. Our team can provide a consistent and affordable cutting schedule for you. Contact us today for more information!
