How Short Does Your Lawn Need to Be?
If you take pride in the look and health of your lawn, you have likely wondered how short you can cut it without causing damage at some point. The right answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of grass, what time of year it is, and how often you mow. Usually, if you have cool-season grass in your yard, it needs to be cut at three to four inches high. On the other hand, warm-season grasses need to be two to 2.5 inches.
In the warmer months of the year, letting the grass grow taller will help to shade the soil and protect your lawn’s roots from the harsh heat. To better understand what your lawn needs, consider leaving the mowing to the pros. Some other tips can be found here.
Grass Type and Height Considerations
While it may not seem like that big of a deal to adjust the height of your lawn a few inches from time to time, it may be detrimental to the health of your lawn, depending on the type of grass you have. Each type of grass has unique needs, which means you need to know what you have.
Grasses that are in colder climates need to be mowed to four inches to help shade the soil and keep the roots cool during hotter times. In warmer areas, it is a good idea to keep the grass to two to 2.5 inches.
Avoid Cutting Your Grass too Short
Some people like to cut grass lower so they don’t have to mow as often. While this may be tempting, if you mow your grass too low, it can cause health problems. Not only will mowing the grass too short cause it stress, but it can also reduce the density, which makes it more tempting for invasive weeds.
Lawn weeks, such as foxtail and crabgrass, require the sun to grow. If your lawn is too short, the sun reaches the soil, which encourages weed growth. However, when the grass is left slightly longer, it helps to keep the weeds under control. Longer grass will also eliminate damage from the summer heat.
Follow the One-Third Rule
Regardless of the type of grass you have, you shouldn’t remove more than a third of the grass height in a single mow session. You may wonder why? Remember, the grass is a living plant, and it can still be stressed when it is cut too short. Grass that is stressed out will be susceptible to all types of issues. Because of this, you should avoid cutting too much. Hiring professionals will ensure that your grass is never cut too short.
Call Professionals Services to Keep Your Grass Mowed at the Proper Height
When it comes to your grass, there are more than a few factors that have to be considered. Making sure it is mowed at the proper height will keep it healthy throughout the year. You can reach out to professionals who can handle the mowing on your behalf.