The frequency of cutting grass depends on the season, grass growth rate, and lawn type, but the general guideline is to follow the "one-third rule"-never cut more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time to avoid stressing the grass.
General Mowing Frequency
- Spring and Autumn: Mow about once a week. In early spring, you may start with a high cut to remove dead tips and encourage growth. During these seasons, grass growth is moderate, so weekly mowing suffices
- Summer: Grass grows fastest, so mowing may be needed every 3 to 5 days or about twice a week to maintain the proper height without cutting too much at once. If the lawn is cut shorter, it requires more frequent mowing
- Winter: Mowing is usually unnecessary unless the weather is mild and grass continues to grow slowly. If mowing is done, it should be on a high cut setting and very infrequently (every 3 to 6 weeks or less)
Additional Details
- The exact timing depends on grass type, weather, and moisture levels. For example, shady or dry areas may require less frequent mowing
- Lawns typically stop growing and need no mowing by late November or early December when frost sets in
- Cutting more than one-third of the blade at once can shock the grass, causing root shrinkage and stress
- Start mowing in spring before the grass fully greens to promote healthy growth and crowd out weeds
In summary, aim for weekly mowing during most of the growing season, increase frequency in peak growth periods (spring and summer), and reduce or stop mowing in dormant or slow-growth periods like winter. Always adjust mowing frequency based on how fast your grass grows and follow the one-third cutting rule for a healthy lawn.
