Job Hound by Lead Dog

Homeowner guide · Lawn care

How often should you mow your lawn?

Most lawns need mowing once a week during the growing season and every other week when growth slows. The best guide is the one-third rule: never cut off more than a third of the grass blade at once. If the lawn grows past that between mows, mow more often.

Find lawn care pros
  • Free for homeowners
  • No lead fees for pros
  • Rankings can't be bought

Quick answer

Start here

  • 1

    Weekly in peak growing season

  • 2

    Every other week when growth slows

  • 3

    Never remove more than ⅓ of the blade

  • 4

    Keep mower blades sharp

Plain-English, no jargon

The one-third rule

Cutting more than a third of the blade at once stresses grass, slows recovery and lets weeds move in. If you keep your lawn at 3 inches, mow before it reaches about 4½ inches.

Mowing height by grass type

Cool-season grasses like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass usually do best around 2½ to 4 inches. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and zoysia are usually kept shorter, about 1 to 2½ inches, while St. Augustine is kept taller, around 2½ to 4 inches. Mowing a little higher in hot, dry weather helps grass hold moisture.

When to mow less often

  • During drought, when grass slows down to save water.
  • In late fall as growth slows toward dormancy.
  • When a new lawn or new sod is still rooting. Follow your installer's timing for the first cut.

Mowing habits that help

  • Keep blades sharp. Dull blades tear grass and leave brown tips.
  • Change your mowing pattern each time to avoid ruts.
  • Leave clippings on the lawn. They break down quickly and return nutrients.
  • Don't mow wet grass. It clumps and cuts unevenly.

FAQ

Common questions

Is it bad to mow every week?

No. Weekly mowing in the growing season usually keeps you within the one-third rule. Problems come from cutting too short, not too often.

Should I bag or mulch clippings?

Mulching is usually better: clippings return nutrients and don't cause thatch on their own. Bag them if the grass was very long, wet or full of weed seed.

What time of day is best to mow?

Mid-morning, once the dew has dried, or late afternoon. Avoid the hottest part of the day, which stresses freshly cut grass.

Lawn care

Common lawn care jobs

More advice

Other homeowner guides

Need a pro for this?

Tell us about the job once. We match you with up to three local pros. No account, no fee, and your request is never resold.

Get free quotes
How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn? A Simple Guide