As the hot weather sets in, keeping your lawn healthy and vibrant can feel like a bit of a juggling act. One of the most crucial factors is understanding how tall to mow lawn at in summer. Mowing too short can stress your grass during the heat and drought, while mowing at the right height helps it stay strong and resilient.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why mowing height matters, how to adjust it for different types of grass, and share some simple tips to help your lawn thrive all summer long.
Why Mowing Height Matters in Summer
When summer heat kicks in, your lawn can face a lot of stress. The sun is stronger, the air is drier, and your grass is working overtime to stay healthy. Mowing at the ideal lawn cutting height helps your grass stay resilient, retain moisture, and grow strong roots, but cutting too high or too low can cause problems.
If you mow too low:
Cutting your grass too short—often called “scalping”—can seriously stress your lawn. Short grass exposes more of the soil to sunlight, which causes it to dry out faster and lose moisture. This makes your lawn more vulnerable to drought and heat damage, leading to brown patches.
Additionally, short blades of grass can’t photosynthesize as effectively, meaning your grass won’t develop the strong, deep roots it needs to stay healthy. A scalped lawn is also more likely to attract weeds, as the exposed soil gives weed seeds the perfect conditions to sprout.
If you mow too high:
On the other hand, mowing too high, while generally less risky, can also cause problems. Taller grass creates a moist, shaded environment that can attract pests like insects, ticks, and even small rodents. Overgrown grass may also grow unevenly, leading to a messy, untidy look. Additionally, the reduced air circulation in taller grass can increase the risk of lawn diseases, such as mold or fungus, especially during humid summer months.
How Tall to Mow Lawn in Summer?
The best height to mow lawn in summer can vary depending on the type of grass you have. Different grasses thrive at different mowing heights, and adjusting your mower accordingly can make all the difference.
Cool-Season Grasses
Cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass, thrive in cooler temperatures but can struggle during hot, dry summers. To help them stay strong, you should mow them taller in the summer—typically between 3 to 4 inches.
Taller grass helps shade the soil, which keeps it cooler and reduces water evaporation. Additionally, the longer blades allow for deeper root growth, making your grass more resilient to heat and drought stress.
Here’s a more detailed look at the ideal lawn mower height settings for common cool-season grasses in summer.
Grass Type |
Ideal Height in Summer |
Mow at This Height |
Kentucky Bluegrass |
3 – 4 inches |
3.5 – 4.5 inches |
Fine Fescue |
2.5 – 3.5 inches |
3 – 4 inches |
Tall Fescue |
3 – 4 inches |
3.5 – 4.5 inches |
Perennial Ryegrass |
3 – 3.5 inches |
3.5 – 4 inches |
Warm-Season Grasses
Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass, zoysia, and St. Augustine grass, are better adapted to handle the heat and thrive during the summer. These grasses do best when mowed slightly shorter, generally between 2 to 2.5 inches, depending on the specific variety. These mowing heights help warm-season grasses grow thick and dense, which can naturally crowd out weeds and give your lawn a healthy, uniform appearance.
Grass Type |
Ideal Height in Summer |
Mow At This Height (Inches) |
Bermuda Grass |
1.5 – 2 inches |
2 – 2.5 inches |
St. Augustine Grass |
2.5 – 4 inches |
3 – 4.5 inches |
Zoysia Grass |
1 – 2.5 inches |
1.5 – 3 inches |
Centipede Grass |
1.5 – 2 inches |
2 – 2.5 inches |
Bahia Grass |
2.5 – 3 inches |
3 – 3.5 inches |
How Often Should You Mow Lawn in Summer?
The frequency of mowing your lawn in the summer depends on several factors, including your grass type, growth rate, and local weather conditions. Mowing too often or too infrequently can both lead to problems for your lawn, so finding the right balance is key.
Follow the 1/3 Rule
One of the best ways to decide how often to mow is to follow the 1/3 rule: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade’s height in a single mowing session. For example, if the ideal height of your grass is at 3 inches, wait until it grows to 4.5 inches before mowing again. Removing too much at once can shock your grass and make it more vulnerable to heat, drought, and pests.
General Guidelines
- Cool-Season Grasses:Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass, grow more slowly during the heat of summer. You may only need to mow them every 7–10 days, especially during dry spells when growth slows down.
- Warm-Season Grasses: Warm-season grasses, like Bermuda, zoysia, and St. Augustine grass, grow more activelyin summer and may need mowing more often—typically every 4–6 days, especially after rain or fertilization. However, during extended dry or drought periods, even warm-season grasses will slow their growth, so you can adjust your mowing schedule accordingly.
Tips for Summer Lawn Care
Summer lawn care requires special attention to ensure that your lawn remains healthy and vibrant through the heat. In addition to mowing at the right height, there are several practices you can follow to keep your lawn in top shape during the summer months:
- Watering Properly:Deep watering is recommended during the summer when the weather is hot and dry. Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall, to ensure that the grass roots stay hydrated and healthy.
- Fertilizing:Fertilizing your lawn during summer provides the nutrients needed to sustain healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer that promotes both root and blade development. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive growth that weakens the grass and makes it more susceptible to pests.
- Aerating: Aerating your lawn allows water, nutrients, and air to penetrate the soil more effectively, which is especially recommended during the hot summer months. Aeration helps relieve soil compaction and promotes stronger root growth, ensuring that your lawn stays healthy and resilient.
- Pest Control:Summer is a peak time for lawn pests, such as grubs, chinch bugs, and ants. Keep an eye out for signs of pests and address them promptly using natural or chemical treatments, depending on your preference. Healthy grass that is mowed at the right height is less susceptible to pest damage, so proper mowing is a great first step in keeping your lawn protected.
Conclusion
Knowing how tall to mow lawn at in summer helps ensure a healthy and thriving lawn throughout the warmer months. By following the ideal mowing heights for both cool-season (3 to 4 inches) and warm-season grasses (2 to 2.5 inches), you can help your lawn conserve moisture, stay strong, and resist the stress of summer heat. Along with proper mowing, incorporating other summer lawn care tips like watering and fertilizing can help you achieve a lush, green lawn that becomes the envy of your neighborhood.
FAQs
What is the best height to cut grass in hot weather?
In hot weather, it’s best to cut your cool-season grass at a height of about 3 to 4 inches. This height helps shade the soil, conserve moisture, and protect the roots from excessive heat. For warm-season grasses, a height of 2 to 2.5 inches is ideal to maintain optimal growth during summer.
Is it better to cut your grass short or long in the summer?
In the summer, it is better to cut your grass longer than you would during other seasons, as taller grass helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and protect the roots from extreme heat, making it healthier overall. Cutting too short can stress the lawn and make it more susceptible to damage from the sun and heat.
Is 4 inches too high to cut grass?
4 inches is not too high to cut. In fact, it’s often considered an ideal height for cool-season grasses like tall fescue and bluegrass in the summer, as it helps them retain moisture and stay resilient against heat. However, for warm-season grasses, a height of 2 inches or slightly lower is generally better.