Lawn mowing 101: How to mow your lawn
By Alyssa Chua•Last updated Jun 8, 2023
Last updated Jun 8, 2023
This guide was reviewed by landscape designer Bret Douglas of Iron Clad Landscape Management.
One of the most important lawn care tasks to ensure your grass is beautiful and healthy is lawn mowing. Mowing your lawn is fairly easy, but it does require some technique.
If you’re new to lawn mowing or are looking for tips for better lawn care, this guide is for you. Keep reading to learn how to mow your lawn the right way.
Why is lawn mowing important?
Mowing your lawn is an essential first step to getting a great-looking yard. If you want a lawn you can be proud of when people visit, you need to cut your grass regularly.
Lawn mowing can also eliminate pests that might damage your grass. Frequent mowing helps the grass blades multiply, improving the overall health of your yard. Think of it like giving your hair a regular trim.
When and how often should I mow my lawn?
Your lawn mowing schedule depends on where you live, the weather, and the type of grass in your yard. The amount of water and fertilizer your lawn gets also affects how fast it grows.
See the table below for a quick breakdown of grass types, examples, and mowing schedules per growing season:
| Grass type | Grass species | Mow when the grass reaches… | Set your mower to… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cool season | Annual ryegrass | 2.25-3 inches | 1.5-2 inches |
| Warm season | Bermuda | 1.5-2.25 inches (for seeded bermudagrass).75-1.25 inches (for hybrids) | 1-1.5 inches (for seeded bermudagrass)0.5-1 inch (for hybrids) |
| Warm season | Buffalograss | 1.5-3 inches | 1-2 inches |
| Cool season | Colonial bentgrass | .75-1.5 inches | .5-1 inch |
| Cool season | Creeping bentgrass | .75 inch or less | .5 inch or less |
| Warm season | Dichondra | .75-1.125 inches | .5-.75 inch (can remain unmowed) |
| Cool season | Hard fescue | 3.75 inches | 2.5 inches |
| Cool season | Kentucky bluegrass | 2.25-3.75 inches | 1.5-2.5 inches |
| Warm season | Kikuyugrass | 1.5-2.25 inches | 1-1.5 inches |
| Cool season | Perennial ryegrass | 2.25-3.75 inches | 1.5-2.5 inches |
| Cool season | Red fescue | 2.25-3.75 inches | 1.5-2.5 inches |
| Cool season | Rough bluegrass | 1.5-3.75 inches | 1-2.5 inches |
| Warm season | Seashore paspalum | 1.125-2.25 inches | .75-1.5 inches |
| Warm season | St. Augustine | 1.5-3 inches | 1-2 inches |
| Cool season | Tall fescue | 2.25-4.5 inches | 1.5-3 inches |
| Warm season | Zoysia | .75-1.5 inches | .5-1 inch |
There are a few ways to tell if your lawn needs mowing:
- Walk on it. If it feels soft and spongy underfoot, the grass is too tall and needs mowing. At the right height, the grass is firm and springy.
- Check the grass height. If it's more than 3 inches tall, it's probably time to mow.
- Check the grass color. If it starts to turn brown or yellow, you need to mow your grass.
If you aren’t sure what kind of grass you have, ask a lawn service professional to help identify it. They can also help keep it healthy and lush throughout the year. Check out our spring, summer, and fall lawn care guides for more tips.
What you need to mow your lawn
If this is your first time mowing your lawn, check the list of tools below for what you will need:
- Lawnmower
- String trimmer
- Edger
- Gloves
- Rake
- Bag
Before getting a lawn mower, research which type is best for your yard. You’ll find many different kinds, including:
- Walk-behind mowers or push mowers
- Rotary mowers
- Power mowers
- Compost pile-powered mowers
- Gas-powered mowers
- Riding mowers
- And more
You may even want a mulching mower to cut grass clippings before spreading them across your lawn.
Pro tip: If you have grass that's more than 1 inch high, consider using a rotary mower. Rotary mowers are better for cutting grass above 1 inch high. Reel mowers are better for cutting grass that's shorter than 1 inch.
How to mow your lawn in 4 steps
Mowing your lawn is a simple task. See below for the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Dress appropriately
Accidents can happen if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Wear closed-toed shoes when mowing your lawn to keep your feet safe from accidents. Put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands from the elements and sharp objects.
Step 2: Remove debris from your lawn
Before mowing, remove any debris that could cause problems for your mower or become a safety hazard. These include trash, sticks, rocks, and larger debris your mower can't mulch.
Step 3: Work in rows
Set a direction for mowing your lawn. If you don't, you may miss a spot or keep mowing over the same patch repeatedly.
Divide your yard into rows and go over it one at a time, no matter the size of your lawn. Plan where you'll start and end, and overlap each row by several inches so you cover the entire yard.
If you have an irregularly shaped lawn, break it up into sections. Cut the outside perimeter first, then mow in straight lines.
Pro tip: If your yard is huge, you may want to consider getting a riding lawn mower to cover more ground. That way, you won't tire yourself out by pushing your mower.
Step 4: Trim the grass along the edges
After mowing your lawn, don’t forget to trim the edges where the mower doesn’t reach. This may include edges next to trees or shrubs.
Match the height of the grass there to the height you just mowed. This way, you don’t accidentally scalp your grass and encourage more weeds.
Lawn mowing tips and mistakes to avoid
Mowing takes patience and practice. Every time you mow, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Remember the "one-third" rule
When you mow your lawn, you should only remove a third of the visible grass height. Cutting the grass at the right height improves the root system of your lawn.
Mowing too short, called scalping, results in weaker grass that takes longer to recover. This can make your lawn more vulnerable to weed seeds. It also increases sun exposure, which raises the chance of germination.
2. Keep your mower blades sharp
Dull blades leave jagged edges on the grass, making it more vulnerable to disease. When the blades are cut cleanly, the grass can conserve water better.
3. Don't mow when the grass is wet
Wet grass sticks to the mower blades and clogs the mower. If it rained overnight or you just watered your lawn, wait for the grass to dry before mowing. Mowing wet grass also causes clumping and ruts, making your lawn more susceptible to disease.
4. Maintain your mower
Make sure your mower is in top shape all the time. In addition to sharpening the blades, make sure you dry them when they're wet. It’s also a good idea to have extra blades on hand.
Hire a lawn care service on Thumbtack
Is mowing beyond your time and energy? Download the Thumbtack app and hire a lawn care service to take care of your grass.
FAQs
Should grass clippings be left on the lawn?
Leaving grass clippings on your lawn, also called grasscycling, allows the grass’ nutrients to return to the soil. It can also protect your garden against fungal diseases. If your grass is too long, mulch it first by cutting it several times or rake the clippings off instead.
Do you edge or mow first?
It’s best to mow first before edging. When you mow, you can set the height, and then trim the edges accordingly. You’ll avoid scalping the edges by accidentally cutting the grass too short.
What is the best time of day to cut grass?
Mow your lawn in the morning or early evening when it is cooler for you and the grass. Working in the heat can stress your grass, making it more susceptible to disease.
Should you mow your lawn in different directions?
When mowing your lawn, work in one direction at a time so you don't mat the grass. However, it’s good practice to switch directions each time you cut grass.
Grass blades often grow in the direction you mow them. Varying the pattern will push them back to a more upright position.
A note about project costs included or linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.
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