What Height Should You Mow Your Lawn In The Summer?
If you look around most suburban neighborhoods on any given day during the summer, you'll find well-manicured lawns of varying heights. Some are extremely short and edged like a buzz-cut on a Marine, while others are lush, long, and gently blowing in the breeze. Is lawn height just a preference? Or is there some kind of logic to follow when it comes to the best method to mow your lawn more efficiently and at the perfect height? The rule of thumb, in the summer, is to keep your grass at about 3 to 4 inches, no matter the type of grass you have (even if you normally mow it a little shorter).
Of all the smart ways to improve your lawn without spending a dime, one of the easiest ways is to avoid mowing it too short, especially in the summer. Cutting it short during hot weather can put unnecessary stress on the grass and leave you with a brown, weed-filled mess.
Tips to keep your lawn healthy in the summer
In the summer, your lawn will experience more stress from the extra sun exposure and less water. This is why you will want to keep your lawn a little taller. When you allow your grass to grow to at least 3 inches, it will help it form deeper roots, which will enable it to better survive during droughts and high heat. Not only will taller grass help prevent water evaporation at the soil level, but it will also inhibit weed growth. Lastly, letting your grass grow a little longer in the summer will give the blades more nutrients to grow greener and thicker — resulting in a lush, beautiful lawn.
A simple rule that makes mowing your lawn easier is to never cut more than one-third of the grass blade height. Always wait to mow your lawn when it is dry; if you cut wet grass, you can end up clogging your mower. Make sure your lawn mower blades are sharp before you start your lawn mowing season. And try to leave your grass clippings (mulch, don't bag), as they help maintain the health of your lawn by providing a natural fertilizer. Lastly, always remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated whenever you mow in the heat.