How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn? A Complete Guide
Wondering how often to mow your lawn? Learn the best mowing schedule based on grass type, season, and growth rate. Get expert lawn care advice from Green Lantern Lawn Care Sydney!
Mowing your lawn regularly is key to keeping it healthy, lush, and visually appealing. But how often should you mow? The answer depends on factors like grass type, season, and growth rate. Mowing too frequently can stress the grass, while cutting it too little can lead to an overgrown, unhealthy lawn.
At Green Lantern Lawn Care and Handyman Sydney, we help homeowners maintain the perfect lawn with expert mowing services. Here’s a detailed guide on how often you should mow your lawn for the best results.
How Grass Type Affects Mowing Frequency
Different grass types grow at varying speeds, affecting how often you need to mow. Here’s a general guide based on common grass varieties:
Warm-season Grasses (Common in Sydney)
These grasses grow best in warm weather and may require more frequent mowing in summer.
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Buffalo Grass – Mow every 7–14 days
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Kikuyu Grass – Mow every 7 days in summer, every 2–3 weeks in winter
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Couch Grass – Mow every 7–10 days during peak growth
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Zoysia Grass – Mow every 10–14 days
Cool-Season Grasses
These grasses thrive in cooler climates and have different mowing requirements.
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Tall Fescue – Mow every 7–10 days
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Ryegrass – Mow every 5–7 days in spring, every 2 weeks in summer
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Kentucky Bluegrass – Mow every 7–10 days
Mowing Frequency by Season
Grass growth changes throughout the year, so you need to adjust your mowing schedule accordingly.
Spring (Peak Growth Season)
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Grass grows quickly due to warmer temperatures and increased rainfall.
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Mow once a week to keep it at an optimal height.
Summer (Hot and Dry Periods)
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Grass may grow slower due to heat and reduced rainfall.
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Mow every 7–10 days, depending on the grass type.
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Avoid cutting too short to prevent stress and moisture loss.
Autumn (Growth Slows Down)
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Grass starts preparing for winter dormancy.
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Mow every 2 weeks as growth slows.
Winter (Minimal Growth)
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Many warm-season grasses go dormant, while cool-season grasses grow slowly.
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Mow once a month or as needed to maintain a neat look.
The 1/3 Rule: How Much Should You Cut?
A crucial mowing rule is to never cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Cutting too much at once can:
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Stress the grass and weaken its roots.
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Reduce the lawn’s ability to absorb sunlight.
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Encourage weed growth and lawn disease.
For example, if your grass is 6 cm tall, avoid cutting more than 2 cm in a single mow.
Signs You Need to Mow More Often
Your lawn will show signs when it needs more frequent mowing:
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The grass looks uneven or shaggy.
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It's difficult to walk through due to overgrowth.
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You notice weeds taking over.
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The lawn feels spongy or thick underfoot.
What Happens If You Mow Too Often?
Mowing too frequently can be just as harmful as mowing too little. Over-mowing can:
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Weaken the grass and make it more prone to disease.
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Expose the soil, increasing moisture loss and weed growth.
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Leave the lawn looking scalped and patchy.
Best Time of Day to Mow Your Lawn
Choosing the right time of day to mow can affect the health of your grass:
✅ Early Morning (Before 10 AM) – Ideal when temperatures are cool and dew has dried.
❌ Midday (12–3 PM) – Avoid mowing in the heat as it stresses the grass.
✅ Late Afternoon (4–6 PM) – A great time as the grass recovers overnight.
❌ Evening (After 6 PM) – Not recommended as grass may not dry properly, increasing disease risk.
Lawn Mowing Tips for a Healthy Yard
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Keep Blades Sharp – Dull mower blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly.
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Change Mowing Patterns – Mow in different directions to prevent ruts.
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Leave Grass Clippings – They act as natural mulch and return nutrients to the soil.
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Adjust Mower Height – Keep your lawn slightly taller in hot months to retain moisture.
Let us Handle Your Lawn Mowing in Sydney
If you’re unsure how often to mow or need professional care, Green Lantern Lawn Care and Handyman Sydney are here to help. We offer expert lawn mowing services in Sydney, ensuring your lawn stays neat and healthy all year round.
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Let us take care of your lawn so you can enjoy a beautiful outdoor space without the hassle!