How Long Should Your Grass Be When You Mow It?

Now that spring has sprung, it’s nearly time to dust off your lawn mower and get your yard looking immaculate.  Mowing a lawn is considered an art form by many people, as you will often see various patterns and trims as you head through your neighborhood.  One question that is often asked is regarding the length of cut grass.  The length of grass is vital to keeping a beautiful, green, weed-free yard.

When dealing with grass height, there are several considerations to be taken into account.  By keeping grass at least 3 inches tall until the autumn, you are ensuring that weed seeds from germinating and taking over your yard.  Those nasty crabgrass seeds need light to germinate, and by keeping your grass long, you ensure that doesn’t happen.  Certain species of grass, including bentgrass, Bermudagrass, and seasore paspalum can be cut down as low as one inch, but these are the exception, rather than the rule. 

Also, by keeping it at least 3 inches in length, you are ensuring that your soil doesn’t dry out, which leads to brown grass and overwatering.  Overwatering has become a problem in our Utah communities in the summer, especially with the water conservation acts that have become vital as our population continues to grow. 

It is also important to remember the rule of thirds.  What this means is that when you cut your grass, no more than one-third of the grass plant should be cut at any one time.  Then, after trimming the grass, you will need to wait at least 48 hours before trimming again.  The grass plant is sensitive, while resilient, and cutting it affects the plant, necessitating a 48-hour period to heal.  After these 48 hours have passed, the grass has had an ample opportunity to fully heal, so it can again be trimmed, by that same one-third ratio.

In order to ensure a freshly cut lawn, it’s vital to make sure that your lawn mower is in tip top condition.  If it is in need of service, Crowell’s Flying Wrench will help you get it running like new.  Crowell’s Flying Wrench is a full-service mobile repair company that specializes in small engines.  Our lawnmower repair in Sandy, UT will come to you and get your lawn mower running like new in no time.  Give Crowell’s Flying Wrench a call at (801) 860-3605, or visit our website at www.crowellsflyingwrench.com to schedule an appointment today!