How Does a Landscaping & Lawn Care Company Adjust Mowing Height for a Healthier Lawn?

A professional landscaping and lawn care company adjusts mowing height based on three critical factors: the specific type of grass, the current season, and any environmental stresses like heat or drought. This is a deliberate, science-based strategy, not a "one-size-fits-all" setting. For instance, they will mow St. Augustine grass much taller than Bermuda grass. They will also raise the cutting height for all grass types during the peak heat of summer to help the lawn conserve water and shade the soil. This methodical adjustment is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to promote a healthier, more resilient lawn.

The core principle behind this practice is the direct relationship between the height of the grass blade and the depth of its root system. Mowing a lawn too short, a practice known as scalping, forces the plant to put all its energy into re-growing its leaves, which comes at the expense of deep, healthy roots. A professional landscaping and lawn care company finds the perfect height that encourages a robust root system, which is the foundation of a thick, green, and weed-resistant turf. This guide explains how professionals make these adjustments and why it is so important for the long-term health of a lawn.

The Science Behind Mowing Height and Lawn Health

The green part of a grass plant is its engine. Through photosynthesis, the blades of grass convert sunlight into the energy the plant needs to grow, not just above the ground but below it as well. When a lawn is mowed at the proper height, it has enough leaf surface to produce plenty of energy for developing a deep and extensive root system.

A deep root system is the key to a resilient lawn for several reasons:

• Drought Tolerance: Deep roots can access moisture from further down in the soil profile, making the lawn much less dependent on constant watering during dry periods.
• Nutrient Absorption: A larger root system can more effectively absorb the nutrients provided by fertilization.
• Weed Prevention: Mowing taller creates a denser canopy of grass blades. This canopy shades the soil, which keeps the soil cooler, helps it retain moisture, and most importantly, blocks the sunlight that many weed seeds need to germinate. A thick, properly mowed lawn is its own best defense against weeds.

Professionals also follow what is known as the "one-third rule." This is a guideline that says you should never remove more than one-third of the total height of the grass blade in a single mowing. Following this rule prevents the lawn from going into shock and ensures the plant is never starved of its energy-producing leaf surface.

Mowing Heights for Common Louisiana Grass Types

In a climate like Louisiana's, where warm-season grasses dominate, knowing the specific needs of each grass type is essential. Mowing a St. Augustine lawn at the same height as a Bermuda lawn can cause serious damage over time. A seasonal landscaping service will identify the grass type and set their mower decks accordingly.

This table shows the ideal mowing height ranges for the most common turfgrasses in the region.

St. Augustine grass, in particular, must be mowed tall. Its thick, above-ground runners, called stolons, are sensitive to being cut too short. A high cut protects these runners and allows the grass to spread and maintain its density.

Bonus Tip: For the very first mow of the spring, a professional crew might set their mowers slightly lower than normal. This helps to remove any dead, dormant grass blades from the winter and allows more sunlight to reach the crowns of the plants, encouraging a quicker green-up. They will then immediately raise the height back to the normal range on the subsequent mowings.

Seasonal Adjustments A Year-Round Strategy

A lawn's needs change with the seasons, and a professional's mowing strategy changes right along with them. They don't just set the mower height once and forget it.

• Spring: As the lawn comes out of dormancy, the focus is on encouraging healthy growth. The mowing height is set within the normal range for the grass type, and the frequency of mowing increases as the growth rate speeds up.
• Summer: During the most stressful time of the year, the mowing height is raised to the upper end of the recommended range. The taller grass blades provide more shade for the soil, which helps to keep it cool and reduce water evaporation. This simple adjustment can make a huge difference in how well a lawn survives the summer heat.
• Fall: As temperatures begin to cool, the mowing height may be gradually lowered slightly. This allows more sunlight to reach the base of the plant, which can help reduce the risk of certain winter fungal diseases.
• Winter: For warm-season grasses, mowing becomes infrequent or stops altogether once the lawn goes dormant.

Bonus Tip: A key part of a professional service is mowing based on the lawn's growth rate, not a rigid weekly schedule. During peak growing season, a lawn might need to be mowed every five to six days. During slower periods, it might only need to be mowed every ten days. This flexibility prevents the crew from breaking the one-third rule.

Trusting a Professional's Approach

When working with a lawn care service, it's helpful to understand that their practices are based on what's best for the lawn's long-term health. While some homeowners might prefer a very short, "golf course" look, this is often unsustainable for a residential lawn. Trusting the horticultural expertise of a professional crew and their recommendations for your specific grass type is the best way to get great results.

Common Questions About Mowing Technique

Should I bag or mulch the grass clippings? 

For a lawn that is mowed regularly at the correct height, mulching the clippings is almost always the better option. The small clippings break down quickly and return valuable nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil. Professionals only recommend bagging if the grass has become too long between mowings or if there is a fungal disease present that could be spread by the clippings.

How often should a professional sharpen their mower blades? 

A professional crew should be sharpening their mower blades every single day. A sharp blade makes a clean cut that the grass can heal from quickly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving a ragged, brown tip that is an easy entry point for disease.

More Questions About Mowing Height

What happens if I cut my grass too short?

Cutting your grass too short, or scalping it, puts the plant under immense stress. It severely reduces the plant's ability to photosynthesize, which leads to a weak, shallow root system. A scalped lawn is highly susceptible to weed invasion, drought damage, and disease.

Why does the grass on a golf course look so short and perfect?

Golf courses use special types of grass, like bentgrass or hybrid Bermuda, that are genetically designed to tolerate extremely low mowing heights. They also maintain these greens with a fleet of specialized reel mowers and a daily regimen of watering, fertilizing, and pest control that is far beyond what is practical or necessary for a home lawn.

Can raising the mowing height really help with weeds?

Yes, it is one of the most effective non-chemical methods of weed control. A study from the University of Florida found that raising the mowing height of St. Augustine grass from 2.5 inches to 4 inches reduced the presence of crabgrass by over 50%.

Should I mow my lawn right before a professional fertilizer treatment?

It is generally best to mow a day or two before a scheduled fertilization. This ensures that the fertilizer granules can easily reach the soil surface. It's also recommended to wait a day or two after an application before mowing again to give the product time to be watered into the soil.

Mowing Is a Science, Not Just a Chore

Proper mowing is clearly more than just a chore; it's the foundation of any effective lawn care program. By making strategic adjustments to the mowing height based on grass type and time of year, a professional service significantly improves a lawn's health, density, and resilience. It's a simple practice, but doing it correctly makes all the difference.

Getting Expert Mowing and Lawn Care

If you want to ensure your lawn gets this level of scientific care, it may be time to consult with a professional. An experienced team can identify your grass type and create a maintenance plan with the correct mowing height for every season. For homeowners in the local area looking for this expertise, All Seasons Lawn Care & Landscaping offers services tailored to the needs of local turfgrasses. Their team can be reached by phone at (225) 276-8658 or by email at info@allseasonslandscapingla.com.

Reviewer: Sophie Williams looked over this post and brought 7 years of field experience to her suggestions, helping ensure the content stays relevant to business owners and practical for everyday use.