How high should I mow my grass is a frequent question we get? 3-4 inches is the recommendation for mowing height of lawns in the upper Midwest.

  • Why this height? A dense, thick lawn is your primary defense against weeds. At these mowing heights, grass grows more vigorously increasing the density. The additional height helps shade out weed seedlings. Longer heights can also reduce the need to water.
  • How often should I mow my lawn? That depends on how fast it is growing. Often that will be 1-2 times per week. You can mow your lawn more than 2 times per week, but now you’re just showing off!
  • Should I raise or lower the mowing height during the year? This is not necessary. Although if you like your grass shorter, the early spring and late fall are times you can lower your grass height. In the heat of summer, your grass should be its longest, at least 3 inches and ideally 4 inches.
  • What should I do if my lawn is extra long? There is something called the 1/3rd rule in mowing. The 1/3rd rule says to never remove more than 1/3rd of the leaf blade at any one mowing. For example, if the grass is 6 inches, then only 2 inches should be cut off at that mowing. If you participated in No Mow May, you will want to cut your lawn every few days, lower and lower, until you reach the appropriate height.
  • How often should I sharpen my mower blades? We recommend sharpening the mower blades annually.
  • How do I create stripes in my lawn? The stripes are formed by rollers that roll over the grass after it is cut. Most mowers now have a roller attachment that can be purchased.
  • What should I do if my mowing company mows lower than 3 inches? You should ask them to raise the mowing height on your lawn. Remember those reasons why mowing short is bad?