The weekend starts tomorrow, and your to-do list is growing. Just a pun—but seriously, how often should you be mowing and trimming your lawn?
As proud lawn owners, we know that mowing is a significant part of maintaining a beautiful, well-manicured lawn. Keeping the grass neat and trimmed not only enhances the appearance but also supports its health. But how often should you be mowing to achieve the perfect lawn? Let’s break down the ideal mowing schedule for each season to help you keep your lawn looking its best year-round.
Mowing Popular Lawns In Australia
Buffalo Grass
Zoysia Grass
Couch Grass
Kikuyu Grass
Mowing Frequency by Season in Australia For Lawns
Spring
September to November
In spring, the frequency of mowing depends largely on the amount of rain and sunshine your lawn receives. Grass typically grows rapidly during this season, so keep an eye on your turf and mow when it starts to look unruly. Regular checks will help you determine the ideal mowing schedule.
Summer
December to February.
During the warmer months, aim to mow your lawn every 2 weeks. This keeps your grass healthy and encourages a lush, even appearance. Be cautious not to mow too frequently, as excessive cutting can lead to patchy grass. If you notice patches, use grass seed to repair them.
Autumn
March to May.
As temperatures cool and grass growth slows, you can extend your mowing interval to every 2–4 weeks. This schedule helps manage the reduced growth while still keeping your lawn tidy.
Winter
June to August.
In winter, your lawn is likely to be dormant, requiring less frequent mowing. Mow every 2–5 weeks, depending on how quickly the grass grows during the cooler months. This less frequent schedule helps prevent unnecessary stress on your lawn.
Some people like to keep their lawn long, while others prefer it short. Similarly, watering and fertilizing habits can differ—some people do it regularly, while others do it less often. These factors, along with others, will affect how frequently you need to mow your lawn.
Season | Months | Mowing Frequency | Notes |
Spring | September to November | Mow regularly as needed | Grass grows rapidly; monitor lawn and mow when it looks unruly. Frequency depends on rain and sunshine. |
Summer | December to February | Every 2 weeks | Keeps grass healthy and lush. Avoid mowing too frequently to prevent patchy grass. Repair patches with grass seed if needed. |
Autumn | March to May | Every 2–4 weeks | Grass growth slows with cooler temperatures. Adjust mowing frequency to manage reduced growth while keeping the lawn tidy. |
Winter | June to August | Every 2–5 weeks | Lawn is generally dormant; less frequent mowing is required. Adjust based on grass growth rate during cooler months. |
Here's a chart that outlines the key factors influencing why grass grows or doesn't grow:
Factor | Why Grass Grows | Why Grass Doesn't Grow |
Watering | Consistent and adequate watering provides essential moisture for grass growth. | Insufficient watering leads to dry soil, inhibiting grass growth. |
Fertilization | Proper fertilization supplies necessary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth. | Lack of nutrients due to poor or no fertilization can stunt grass growth or cause it to wither. |
Sunlight | Adequate sunlight supports photosynthesis, which is crucial for grass growth. | Insufficient sunlight (due to shading or obstructions) can lead to weak and slow-growing grass. |
Soil Quality | Well-aerated, fertile soil provides a good foundation for root development and nutrient uptake. | Poor soil quality, including compacted or nutrient-depleted soil, restricts root growth and nutrient absorption. |
Temperature | Optimal temperatures (generally 15-25°C for cool-season grasses and 25-35°C for warm-season grasses) enhance growth. | Extreme temperatures (either too hot or too cold) can stress grass, slowing or halting its growth. |
Grass Type | Using grass varieties suited to the local climate and soil conditions promotes vigorous growth. | Grass varieties that are not adapted to local conditions may struggle to grow or may not grow at all. |
Pests and Diseases | Healthy grass free from pests and diseases grows well. | Pests and diseases can damage grass, leading to poor growth or even death of the grass. |
Thatch Layer | Thin thatch layers can be beneficial by insulating and protecting grass. | Thick thatch layers can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil, inhibiting grass growth. |
Maintenance Practices | Regular mowing, proper irrigation, and appropriate fertilization keep grass healthy and growing. | Neglecting maintenance practices such as irregular mowing and improper care can result in poor grass health. |
This chart summarizes the main reasons why grass may thrive or struggle, depending on various environmental and care-related factors.
How Much Lawn Should You Cut at a Time?
General Rule: Never cut more than one-third of the grass height at a single mowing. This rule helps avoid stressing the grass and ensures that it remains healthy.
Detailed Explanation
One-Third Rule:
Why: Cutting more than one-third of the grass height in one go can shock the lawn, damage the roots, and hinder its ability to photosynthesize effectively. It also increases the risk of scalping, which exposes the soil and can lead to weed infestation.
Example: If your grass is currently 90mm high, you should only cut it down to around 60mm in one session .
Grass Height Management:
Maintain Optimal Height: Different types of grass have ideal mowing heights. For example, cool-season grasses like fescue should be kept at 40-70mm, while warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Kikuyu are typically maintained at 20-50mm.
Adjust Mower Settings: Use the appropriate height settings on your mower to ensure you are cutting only a third of the height at a time.
Frequency of Mowing:
Regular Mowing: Frequent mowing helps keep the grass at a manageable height and encourages even growth. During peak growing seasons, mow more often to stay within the one-third rule.
Less Frequent Mowing: In cooler months or during slower growth periods, you can adjust the mowing frequency but still adhere to the one-third rule when you do mow.
Grass Clippings:
Leave Clippings: If you're mowing frequently, leave the grass clippings on the lawn to decompose and return nutrients to the soil. However, if you've had to cut a large amount, collect clippings to avoid a thick layer that could smother the grass.
Benefits of Cutting the Right Amount
Benefit | Description |
Promotes Healthier Grass | Proper mowing practices reduce stress on the grass, leading to healthier, thicker growth. |
Prevents Weeds | Maintaining an optimal grass height discourages weed growth and contributes to overall lawn health. |
Improves Lawn Appearance | Following the one-third rule helps keep the lawn even and attractive, enhancing its visual appeal. |
Comments