Hi, I'm Isaac, the owner of Ready 2 Mow. When I mow lawns around Seminole, the question I get most is some version of "How short should I cut it?" A lot of people think shorter is better because it means mowing less often. For most lawns around here, that's backwards. Here's what I've learned about mowing height, and why it matters as we head into fall.
Most Seminole lawns are St. Augustine
Walk down almost any street in Seminole, Largo or west St. Pete and you'll see St. Augustinegrass. It's the thick, wide-bladed grass that spreads with runners. It handles our heat and humidity well, but it really doesn't like being cut short.
The University of Florida's lawn experts (UF/IFAS) recommend mowing standard St. Augustine varieties, like Floratam and Bitterblue, at 3.5 to 4 inches. Dwarf varieties, like Seville, are the exception. They're meant to be kept lower, at about 2 to 2.5 inches. If you're not sure which one you have, you most likely have a standard type, since that's what most yards around here have.
Why taller grass is healthier grass
It feels strange to leave the grass longer, but here's why it works:
- Deeper roots. UF/IFAS notes that mowing too low over and over stresses the lawn and keeps it from rooting deeply. Deeper roots help grass get through dry spells.
- Shade for the soil. Taller blades shade the ground, which helps the soil hold moisture and makes it harder for weeds to sprout in bare spots.
- Less scalping. Low mowing makes it easy to scalp high spots and leave brown patches, especially on bumpy yards.
- Better color. A lawn kept at the right height usually looks thicker and greener, even when it's growing slower.
The one-third rule
This is the rule I follow on every yard: never cut off more than one-third of the grass blade in one mowing. UF/IFAS recommends the same thing.
So if you want your St. Augustine at 4 inches, mow it when it reaches about 6 inches. If the lawn got away from you (maybe it rained all week, or you were out of town), don't chop it all the way down at once. Take it down a little, wait a few days, then mow again. Cutting too much at once shocks the grass and can leave it yellow and thin.
What changes in fall
As the days get shorter and a little cooler, St. Augustine slows down. That's good news, because you won't need to mow quite as often as you did during the rainy summer. But a few things are worth keeping in mind:
- Don't drop the height. Slower growth isn't a reason to cut lower. Keep the same height you used all summer.
- Stretch the schedule, don't skip it. Lawns still grow in the fall here, just slower. Watch the grass instead of the calendar, and mow when it needs it.
- Leave shady areas taller. UF/IFAS suggests raising the height for grass growing in shade or when the lawn is stressed from dry weather. Spots under oaks or along the side of the house usually do better a little taller.
- Mow when it's dry. Wet grass clumps, clogs the mower and leaves an uneven cut. Late morning or afternoon, after the dew burns off, is usually best.
Sharp blades make a big difference
A dull mower blade doesn't cut grass. It tears it. You can tell because the tips of the blades look ragged and turn brown or white a day or two after mowing. Torn grass loses more water and just looks rough.
I keep my blades sharp so every yard gets a clean cut. If you mow your own lawn, check your blade a few times a year. If the tips look shredded after you mow, it's time to sharpen or replace it.
Mix up your mowing pattern
If you mow the same direction every time, the grass starts to lean that way and the wheels can wear ruts into the yard. I switch directions between visits: one week stripes going one way, the next week the other way or diagonal. It helps the grass stand up straighter and gives a more even cut.
Don't forget the clean-up
Grass clippings left on the lawn are actually fine, since they break down and return nutrients to the soil. Clippings on the driveway, sidewalk or street are a different story. I blow off all the hard surfaces after every mow so the yard looks finished and clippings don't wash into the storm drains.
Want help keeping your lawn at the right height?
If you'd rather spend your weekends doing something besides mowing, I'd be happy to help. Ready 2 Mow is owner-operated, which means I'm the one taking care of your yard. I mow, edge, blow off the hard surfaces, and can haul away yard debris. Quotes are free, I'm insured, and I accept any form of payment.
Call or text me at (727) 304-7803, or request a free quote online. I serve Seminole and nearby areas, including Bay Pines, the Redingtons, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Largo and west St. Pete.
Thanks for reading, and happy mowing!
Isaac, Ready 2 Mow