Mowing is one of the most important lawn care practices, but how long should you keep your grass in Tennessee when mowing? That depends on the type you have, as certain grasses need to be kept longer, while others can tolerate going shorter. You'll want to research your specific type, as different care practices suit each one. Despite your lawn’s unique requirements, the general rule of thumb is to never cut more than 1/3 off the top of the grass blades. This practice maintains the grass's health and beauty by preventing stress from going too short. To ensure your turf is treated properly, turn to professionals, as they'll be able to assess the best length based on your grass type.

The Best Grass Height When Mowing Depends on the Type

When it comes to mowing your lawn, the ideal grass height varies depending on the type of grass you have. Different grass species have unique growth patterns and requirements, which influence how tall or short they should be kept. For example, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue generally should be maintained around 2.5 to 4 inches during the growing season. These grasses benefit from being kept a bit longer, as it helps them endure heat stress and conserve moisture.

On the other hand, warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass and zoysia grass are more tolerant of being mowed shorter. Usually, these grasses do well at heights around 1 to 2 inches. However, if you’re unsure about your grass type, you’ll want to research common ones in your area to help you care for your lawn properly.

Follow the 1/3 rule to maintain the proper grass height when mowing.

A general rule of thumb that applies across grass types is to never cut more than 1/3 of the blade length when mowing. Following this rule is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn, as cutting the grass too short in one single mow can stress it out. Your lawn relies on photosynthesis to generate the energy it needs to grow. This process occurs within the grass blades, and when they're significantly shortened, it disrupts the process, leading to reduced energy production for your turf.

Moreover, mowing too low weakens the grass blades overall. This practice can expose your lawn and cause other issues, all of which negatively impact its health, vigor, and appearance. Following the 1/3 rule ensures you don’t cut off more than necessary to maintain healthy, uniform grass on your lawn.

Never cut off more than 1/3 the length of your grass during a single mow!

For a Colorful, Thriving Lawn, Hire Professionals to Mow Your Grass

Worker pushing a mower on a lawn in Memphis, TN.

Mowing your lawn may seem like a straightforward task, but hiring professional lawn care experts can offer several benefits. Experienced professionals understand the specific needs of your grass type and know the ideal height to mow it. They'll also adhere to best practices to avoid over-mowing, reducing stress on your lawn. Their expertise ensures consistent care, leading to a healthier and greener turf over time.

Give us a call today to schedule our lawn mowing service!

When it comes to ensuring your grass stays healthy and visually appealing, maintaining the correct height is crucial during mowing. To help, we offer our lawn mowing service to homeowners and business owners, as well as HOAs, in Memphis, Midtown Memphis, East Memphis, TN, and surrounding areas. Our team offers this service as part of our full-service landscape maintenance program, which also includes trimming and pruning your plants, spring and fall yard cleanups, mulch installation, and landscape bed weed control to keep your entire landscape looking great! Call us at (901) 246-7656 to enroll in our lawn mowing service or full-service maintenance program today!