The Right Mowing Height for Your Temecula Lawn

A freshly cut lawn should look even and healthy. Cutting it as short as possible can work against that goal.

Quick Answer

Is the shortest cut the healthiest cut?

A freshly cut lawn should look even and healthy.

The right mower setting begins with identifying the grass. Tall fescue and bermudagrass have different mowing requirements. University of California guidance lists approximately 2–3 inches for tall fescue and 1–1.5 inches for common bermudagrass; hybrid bermudagrass requirements vary by cultivar and may be considerably lower. During summer, cool-season grasses can be maintained toward the higher end of their recommended range. UC IPM: Turfgrass Management (https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/turfgrass/integrated-weed-management/) Those differences explain why one mower setting is not right for every yard on the block. If you do not know your grass type, identify it before making a major height change. Use growth to decide when to mow. The standard guideline is to remove no more than one-third of the blade at one cutting. If the lawn has become overgrown, bring it back gradually instead of taking off most of its height in a single pass. UC IPM: Recommended Cutting Heights (https://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/ESTABLISH/recht.html) Check the finish as you work. Torn-looking tips can indicate a dull blade, and uneven ground can cause the mower to cut closer than expected. Keep string trimmers away from tree trunks and exposed roots. Record the preferred setting for your lawn and share it with anyone who maintains the property. Consistency makes it easier to spot a change in lawn health before it becomes a larger problem.

Sources

UC IPM: Turfgrass Management — https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/turfgrass/integrated-weed-management/ UC IPM: Recommended Cutting Heights — https://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/ESTABLISH/recht.html