WHEN TO MOW

Most cool season grasses should be cut when they reach heights of 3 to 3-1/2 inches, typically once a week. Warm season grasses should be mowed when it is 2 to 2-1/2 inches tall. Cut no more than one-third of the grass height at each mowing to avoid damage to plants. If the lawn grows too high for you to cut off one-third the height and have an acceptable length, cut off one-third now and mow one-third off again in two or three days. Cutting more than one-third the height will cause grass clippings to lay on top of the lawn and decompose more slowly and will give the grass a more open bristly appearance. In addition, short cutting will stunt or slow root growth and weaken the grass plants.