How TALL To Mow Your Lawn :: Mowing Heights By Grass Type

[@steffen707-]

At 4:22 you said 1/3 of 4" is 1". Epic fail...... Jk. Can't wait for the snow to melt.

[@Thelawncarenut]

I've never been good at math! 😅

[@zeroibis]

Well at least it is within the 1/3 rule and not outside of it, just playing it safe ROFL

[@ski874]

lol 😂 The bahiiiiiaaaa grass never gets old

[@YardBrah]

@steffen707 😂 Why you calling out the OG my dude! 😂🤙🏾

[@steffen707-]

@@YardBrah I'm just making sure Florida Math is the same as Wisconsin math. 😁 Meant no disrespect Brah.

[@MattDavisDrum]

The six inch joke… never fails! My favorite channel, hands down.

[@BrianMarcWhittaker]

That was hilarious! 😂

[@LawnRight]

Definitely agree with mowing frequency.. makes a huge difference.. one of my customers mows every 2 weeks (and has treatments).. the guy next door has no treatments yet mows every 2 to 3 days.. his lawn looks FAR superior

[@jamesbird5486]

And who doesn't like mowing every 2 to 3 days 🤔

[@BrodeyDoverosx]

@@jamesbird5486 seriously

[@fishepa]

I wish I had time in my life to mow every 2 days.

[@networkguy3152]

So I have an amazing yard 100% due to your channel and soil tests. I think I have been watching for 4 years now and I just want to say Keep it up!

[@Thelawncarenut]

Awesome !!

[@79mini]

Since the beginning of February been mowing every other day my St. Aug at sub 2". It's super happy turf and all the neighbors love the look. Reel mowing by hand is partly the key to it having such a clean look. Keeping it hydrated though really shows compared to the others around me. The dry season hasn't been kind to some yards.

[@rong648]

I also mow my St Augustine at 2".

[@ranger2316]

3 DAYS, 20 HOURS, 57 MINUTES, 39 SECONDS until SPRING! Yippee! Hey from Palm Harbor! S/A is looking good. Whatever you're putting into that double dark... Yikes, it works!

[@XAnonymousGuyX1]

I’ve been doing it right without knowing it. I cut my fescue at 3.75” most of the summer except when it’s regularly 90+ then I cut at 4.25. I mow every 3 days. I’m in Wisconsin.

[@duke1281]

Where about are you in Wisconsin? I also live in Wisconsin... but we have a lot of crab grass with clovers and what-not.. I just let it get a bit tall and cut it on the highest setting (7 or 6) ajd run with it... I'm out of Balsam Lake

[@enfuegosevensevenfour6220]

I am up in Jersey- every year in the heat of the summer the entire neighborhood has yellow hay for grass and mine is green as an emerald. I cut at 4" and I don't break the 1/3 rule. I just got hooked on your channel and my soil sample is being processed. I can't wait to see what your advice does for my yard this year!

[@seanslawns]

Lawn Care Nut, What State Are You In? Looking like a Florida Neighborhood to me

[@markbratt6058]

Allyn, I don't mind cutting the grass twice a week during the growing season here in NW Ohio. In fact, I look forward to it. I don't trim or edge twice a week unless it's really bad, but mowing is twice a week in late April to early June. I think the lawn looks better and I can dominate my neighbors who use a lawn service once a week! Can't wait for spring to arrive and get back into the lawn!

[@hodges-hg6ck]

Same here in Columbus. When moving, I cannot hear my cell phone ringing :)

[@cristalhernandez08]

Made my first cut on my st Augustine! Ordered the Stress blend today ! Let’s see how it goes this year ! I’m super excited ! I tell my husband every year” this is my year”! He laughs so whatever I’m going to have a beautiful lawn this year!!! 🎉😅

[@Thelawncarenut]

I have faith in you!

[@libbyd1001]

I have Bermuda grass and usually cut it longer than most recommendations for this type. Around 2.5 to 3 inches. It's especially helpful during the hot, dry periods in the Summer because it shades the soil more and helps retain moisture. It helps cut down on the need to water so much. My neighbors cut shorter and their grass always looks much paler for a few days until it recovers, and they aren't taking off more than 1/3 at a time. It just doesn't look as good for a few days. Cutting at 2.5 - 3" and mine always looks much greener, even right after cutting. If I had a reel mower, I would probably cut shorter because that's a great tool for this turf type, but those mowers are just too expensive. So I do what I can with what I have and it looks really good. I enjoy your channel.

[@coldmagnolia]

Love your sense of humor and practical advice. Thank you!

[@kevinwheat22]

Are you mowing with the new EGO 2167? If so, can you please do a review on the mower? The reviews I’ve seen so far are rather mixed with some loving it and some hating it (and subsequently returning it). Those that exchange it for another are reporting the same issues in both.

[@RionPhotography]

Hey brother I’m really appreciating your app this summer. I never realized I needed pre-emergent more than just in spring but boy when all that POA showed up I learned in a hurry. 🤮 Not only that but it’s really keeping me on track with the rest of my apps. Your products have got my lawn on 🔥 this summer too!

[@RSTX1836]

Glad to see this clarification on St Aug. TAMU recommends 2.5" to 3" for St Aug (3" to 3.5" for shady lawns). From their write up "The lower the mowing height, the more frequently you will need to mow. Frequent mowing at a lower height produces higher quality turfgrass." I tried 4" for a season and it just didn't work for my St Aug lawn. 3.5" works well and 3" prob looks the best. In summer I do need to mow every 3 days.

[@P.Adams626]

I’ve been cutting my St. Augustine / Floratam at 3” lately and this is the best it has ever looked. I do 2.5” in shaded areas.

[@Eric_s2002]

Thinking back to the old days when you were a Toro guy. Ahhh the memories.😊

[@RenBobbins]

I mow my Bermuda at 3” and mow every 5 days, which usually means I’m taking about a quarter to half inch off each time. It looks so full and healthy when I do that!

[@Thelawncarenut]

It takes alot if work to keep Bermuda taller like that. 👍

[@marshallgolowenski7439]

@@Thelawncarenut Im curious what you mean by more work? I also keep mine at 3" because i do notice in July it turns brown due to drought unless i keep it at 3".

[@m.kennedy342]

@@marshallgolowenski7439 You create a lot more thatch mowing it high due to bermudas thick lateral growing characteristics. Thatch invites problems. Bermuda does much better mowed at 2 inches or less.

[@YardBrah]

5:30 YES ALLYN! For a second there I thought you were gonna bust out a Reel Mower!!!! 😂🤙🏾

[@zeroibis]

Keeping Zoysia at 2.25" in the summer here in GA involves cutting every 3 days and every other day if you fertilized it. Once I got my P and ph levels up that stuff took off.

[@RDAmidwest]

Too many folks do not make the connection between growth rate, cut height & cut frequency. The math is simple enough once you know your average daily growth rate. This can also guide your fert app rates & frequencies. A few years back I messed up and threw 2.125 pounds of N onto my KBG, which gets full sun and is irrigated. Soon it was growing 1.5-2" PER DAY! I found myself mowing DAILY at my highest setting, 4.25", for nearly a month before it slowed down enough to mow every other day. The best my lawn ever looked. It even choked out some weedy patches all by itself. But man, was that a lot of mowing. I had one additional oil change that summer just from the extra hours of run time. Always pay attention to your math, lol!

[@jaybd9329]

Good video Allen. I have zoysia and cut it fairly tall to minimize blade ‘chatter’ marks in the lawn and it looks much better than cutting low. I’ve also stopped bagging it and found there’s no difference. So glad I experimented and eliminated the chore of emptying the bagger. I’ve noticed you don’t fall into the bagging hype either.

[@MrErpman]

I have zoysia and it likes to be at 3 inches. Some of it moves into shade in the early afternoon. My yard isn't very big so I do bag clippings so the ground is more exposed. O think my issue last year was not fertilizing enough.

[@clegg4507]

@@MrErpman Meyer zoysia in front, Zeon in back. Push reel mow 3x a week at 1 inch. I enjoy it but it’s a hell of workout. Lol

[@GamerGee]

3:55 I was cutting mines at 2.5 to 2 and it looked wonderful but I did cut twice a week and kept it watered often and fertixlizrd. But LCN there’s a guy in Tampa who reel mows at Augustine. You need to meet this guy.

[@Thelawncarenut]

I've seen him, his lawn is really awesome!

[@GamerGee]

@@Thelawncarenut we need the collaboration video. Serious. I envy his yard. I would love to see that filmed professionally.

[@angelf9800]

I keep my tall fescue at 4 inches and looks great with I do strips and cut my grass twice a week.

[@dylan8285]

Honestly it’s really personal preference and what looks good to u and what’s manageable for u. As I have cool season and the back I keep 1in or less(my rotary’s lowest is .5) and the front I keep the standard 2-2.5 sometimes 3in if it gets away or is really dry and they both look amazing.

[@harperexplores9349]

I am trying (for the first year) to cut my new KBG Mazama at 3/4” all year. It looks great so far and I am also new to PGR so this is going to be a wild ride. I am under regulation now but soil temps are coming up. I’m scared and excited. Looking forward to some possible disappointments and mistakes but this is what learning looks like.

[@Brettsgrasscapades]

That lawn at 6:30 should have been showed more.

[@mteske1]

I got a wright stander mower. I plan to mow 2-3 times a week this spring and may play around with PGR. Should be thick!

[@allensadicario5196]

Good seeing you brother

[@Mike_GA]

Here in the 30040, chemicals per an annual UGA extension soil test. Nothing but rainwater. The Zoysia is mowed to 3.5" with the one third rule in mind so at an interval of 7 - 14 days. The Zoysia growth seems to slow beyond 4 inches. The height assists the Zoysia dealing with the dry spells and humid summer heat while the thickness shades out weeds. The neighbors acknowledge that Zoysia pillow-top carpet look. *United We Mow - RS

[@stephencanfield]

I hate St Augustine grass! I grew up in Jax FL and hated how coarse and rough it feels on the feet. When I experienced bluegrass at my grandfather's house in Michigan I was blown away at how much better it was!

[@Thelawncarenut]

I've learned to love it. I grew up with Bahia.

[@TheRealLawnFather]

Hey Allyn, for those who might not know, if you do have to break the 1/3 rule, should you be bagging in that instance if you normally mulch?

[@Thelawncarenut]

If your mower is leaving clumps then for sure I'd bag. But if its handling it and still mulching good then no need.

[@kt9495]

I leaf blow the clumps if I think they’re too clumpy.

[@TheRealLawnFather]

@@kt9495 I exclusively bag, but I wanted to pose the question for those who didn’t know what they should do so we could make a discussion out of it.

[@kt9495]

@@TheRealLawnFather After reading Howard Garrett’s book ‘Plants for Houston and the Gulf Coast’, it was drilled into my brain to always leave the clippings on the lawn. Granted, this is mentioned with advice to mow weekly. I mow more often than that. But in any instance where there are visible large clumps, it’s been worthwhile for me to leaf blow. I’m strictly organic. Weeds are always green, and serve a purpose in the soil. I don’t sweat it.

[@TheRealLawnFather]

@@kt9495 I’m a firm believer of death to all weeds in my lawn lol

[@JABloch]

If I need to do a 2nd mow to bring the height down more than 1/3, how soon can you do it? Same day, the next day? (cool season)

[@Thelawncarenut]

Couple two tree days later.

[@derylrideout4596]

How about giving us a review of the EGO Speed IQ mower you were using in this video. Would love your thoughts.

[@markchase8128]

Some small areas of the lawn, next to house on sunny south side, are 10"+ already. Chopping down to 3" or so for first mow. Rules are made to be broken.

[@YardBrah]

1:23 me every time I hear a Lawn Care Nut pun😂🤙🏾

[@joehernandez550]

Great tips Allyn; question: for st. Augustine, what would be the bare minimum height of cut and what other special care would one need to include in their (SE Texas) lawn care plan?

[@hankstrickland5011]

When should I mow my rock landscape?

[@timd.2505]

3:20 Hi I live in a subdivision where the grass is cut by the HOA and they only do it once per week throughout the entire summer. I have St. Augustine. I guess I need to purchase a mower to fill in the gaps

[@Thelawncarenut]

It will be great exercise for you too!

[@CR4ZYxRY4N]

I let it self seed and I throw it down and I do weed control it’s the most beautiful

[@elc7795]

Ah ha! You’re wrong! I’m wrong and we are all wrong. That’s the beauty of this community is that we keep learning from mistakes and experience of everyone and it leads to better results for everyone. You can’t be wrong or learn if you don’t try.

[@LargoHSLB]

Great video Allyn! Just curious, when are we going to start getting videos on the new project laws? Especially looking forward to the Bahia one!

[@Thelawncarenut]

I'm just waiting to be able to show some progress. Since it's the dry season, none of the project lawns are really doing much. Once we get some rain, that's when they will take off and I'll do an initial video to show where they were and where they are.

[@raul.deanda]

Awesome video! Can we get a review of the Speed IQ on that EGO Mower? I'm on the fence between the battery powered Toro Super recycler or the EGO LM2167SP with Speed IQ

[@Thelawncarenut]

That would make a great review. It will be a bit before I can get to it though. One nice thing is if you purchase from a big box store and don't like one or the other you can just take it back - this way you could literally demo each one and see what you like best.

[@TheDylan6908]

Last season was the first time in 37 years that I mowed every 3 days and it was my best lawn in all those years UNTIL the grubs got to it in September. My fault. I didn't use grub preventer in June . Sections we're rolling up like a carpet. Ugh

[@FreedomRock44]

Good one Allyn!!!!!! Almost time to throw er down!!!!!!

[@Ncoastjack]

Question: Re-sodded most of my front with ProVista last June. I know it grows slower, but much of it is not tall & thick yet (unlike the Floratam surrounding it). I mow both the Floratam & PV at 4”. Often I’m just running over the PV without much, if any, being cut Would it be beneficial to mow it all at 3” for awhile to encourage faster growth/establishment of the PV? Or just keep doing what I’m doing and be patient for the PV to eventually get thick/taller this growing season. I’m in Saint Augustine.

[@harperexplores9349]

The provista needs fertilizer so be super attentive to not underestimate your fertilizer just because it grows slower.

[@jd3453]

Allyn, I heard you say in other videos that you fert every 5 weeks with 3/4#. Is there a way to determine the spreader setting for 3/4# (EasyGreen DLX)? I assume application rates on the bag are for 1# per 1000 sq ft. I didn't want to assume spreader settings can just be fractionalized.

[@deadman6720]

Hey allyn, I cut my clients bahia at 4 inches and st Augustine at 5 in. Any lower on Bahia and it starts to take the green and striping quality away. Just a little food for though.

[@Anthonyvelez13]

How long should we keep it during winter bermuda???

[@BreadAndGatorade]

How do I know what grass I have? Previous owner said centipede but this is a bermuda area in east texas. Was unkempt last year and more weeds than I see grass...

[@richardgordon245]

I still have some old Zoyzia .I did a Low but not Scalp .is it to late to go lower.

[@rjl1303]

The explanation was informative, but the jokes made it awesome

[@tycox8704]

I have a gut feeling this is one of those rules that is going to achieve myth status eventually. Hypothetically speaking, what if I cut only a third off today, and cut more off the next day? How soon does grass “recover” from its amputation?

[@YardBrah]

3:06 THERE IT IS! 😂

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

I love the video brother

[@evachier]

Good stuff, thank you!

[@dpfreeman1]

Can you control creeping Charlie in St. Augustine grass?

[@DK-pr9ny]

What about heights going into winter for us cool season grass folks?

[@Thelawncarenut]

you can cut 1 notch lower than normal so maybe get down to 3" or so, but now lower.

[@DK-pr9ny]

@@Thelawncarenut Even if it's TTTF?

[@saliston]

I have never had a problem cutting off more than a 1/3 especially when its really long.

[@evanwilson9906]

Great video !

[@Thelawncarenut]

Thanks!

[@hodges-hg6ck]

First cut in Ohio complete. Now to go check the length.

[@Robie1]

What is the best type of mower to use on Zoysia grass?

[@marcsmith3781]

As a Golf Course Superintendent and lawn care company owner I can tell you 3.5 on St. Augustine is ideal. All these hose draggers will tell homeowners 5" but all that does is trap moisture in the root zone creating Ideal fungus conditions and cover for weeds to germinate. Of course that's what they want. It means more treatments for them. Me with all that knowledge I have trying to explain that to a homeowner is like talking to a wall.😂 They would rather listen to a hose dragger who was selling cars a month ago selling them on an application they don't need.

[@waynebritten]

What height do recommend cutting bermuda at?

[@rickymcgrath2314]

What camera do you use to get that effect where you’re in focus and in UHD almost like 3D?

[@NextLevelLawnCare]

the 1/3 rule is very important, but outside of that at least with cool season grass, mowing taller doesn't make sense to me. The risk of disease issues from the crown area staying damp for extended periods of time from the taller grass creating more shade and keeping that area damp, which is a perfect environment for disease and lawn pests, it just doesn't jive with me. Even the Tall Fescue lawn i take care of that is rarely watered outside of rain thrives at 2.5 inches. and my Rye/kbg lawn which i mow at 1.5 inches, never has disease, and the growth rate is never out of range with once a week mowing, outside of a heavy shot of nitrogen, which usually takes about 2 weeks to taper back down. i see it day in and day out on various lawn care groups where people have 4-5 in tall lawns,( saw a 4.5in Bermuda lawn last week...SMH) and are wondering what went wrong when the have a disease issue. often times they are watering too often and too shallow, and the grass never gets a chance to dry up and breathe. but most people have little knowledge on proper watering techniques/times. now lets talk usability. Have you every tried to run across, kick a ball or use a lawn for anything but looking at it, at 4-5 in heights? its unpleasant at best. Mowing taller, seems to me to have one benefit, and that's drought tolerance but even that seems minimal. keeping a tight, thick turf 3 inches and below ticks all the boxes for me.

[@Doorlocks2025]

If I cut Bermuda grass that low in South Alabama it would just be dirt or sand. Normally 2 inch’s at the lowest and 3 1/2 and the highest.

[@509kingz52]

But is this on the tallest blade of grass or the shortest

[@pinkylegg]

Need a collab with the reel low st Augustine guy to see how that super low st. Aug looks

[@WhittyPics]

I have Bermuda. It is hard to get it under 2" with a rotary mower. To cut it as low as it should be, we need an expensive reel mower

[@WhittyPics]

If I knew what I know how about Bermuda, I would have told the builder to sod with Fescue. Bermuda is a real PIA to keep up and the weeds are hard to keep out of it.

[@FAC1806]

What? This not 8 inches! Priceless!

[@appiconll]

How low should I cut tall fescue if I want to level my lawn. I've read that I shouldn't cut it too low, but how low?

[@lifeisgood070]

The problem is they don't make mowers that go high enough. For instance the Honda push mower says it goes up to 4 inches but really if you measure from the blade it's like 3 1/2 inches. On top of that you can't go higher. So if you go on vacation for a week and a half or something and you come back in your lawn is 8 inches and you want to do a cut around six or 5".... you literally can't do it. I'm still waiting for someone to manufacture different size wheels for that mower

[@QUENTINHARDAGE]

better to cut one blade at a time?

[@MrFergusonLawn]

I heart green grass

[@DEmersonJMFM]

If you get overgrown every now and then you can do a "wheelie mow" to better follow the one third rule. After a couple days, mow again normally.

[@Thelawncarenut]

ha ha! I've done that too!!!

[@ScottKelley]

Good stuff.

[@aliaskink]

I want to see a review about the Ego mower you have been using at home!

[@dennisilic81]

Nice camera 🎥

[@inchristalone25]

We were at the demo at the freedom factory on Saturday, and I was telling my friends I knew the guy who mows the strip here and then I heard you announcing! lol! You did a great job!

[@nicholasjohnson2192]

Does this apply to every mow after the initial start of season scalp? We just hit 12 hours of daylight up here in TN so the scalp on Bermuda is immanent!

[@Thelawncarenut]

yep, sure does! have fun!

[@mjd3879]

is mowing st aug at 3.5 or 3" really advisable for a general cut even within 1/3 rule? just curious would like a lower cut but curious of any longterm implications

[@RSTX1836]

put this in the 'ole google machine "maintaining st augustine lawns texas a&m"

[@kellkelley5743]

You never mention scalping your yard first. I scalped my Bermuda in March, I cut twice a week, depending on the weather. Usually Wednesday or Thursday and Saturdays or Sundays So the 1/3 rule will always work. I also bag my clippings. Otherwise you create a lot of thatch. And now you shade the grass. That's how I do it and it looks great. But, this year I bought from Lowes the Scott's 3 and 1 products, I'm not getting good results. The Bayer product you recommended worked much better and quicker. Maybe the product doesn't have enough of the weed killing product. But we have had a crazy weather pattern so far this year.. but time will tell.

[@Thelawncarenut]

I did a complete video on scalping about 4 weeks ago, check it out!

[@kellkelley5743]

Dam, I can't believe I miss that. Sorry, I watch all your videos, how in the heck did I miss that one. Thanks again for all u do for us....

[@josephffrawleyjr2005]

When are the 2023 Plans coming out?

[@Thelawncarenut]

warm season went out last week, cool season early next week!

[@josephffrawleyjr2005]

Thanks, I look forward to it every year.

[@baez430]

I need help to identify the kind of grass is on my new house

[@Marc-cv4pi]

Now I would tell your wife that’s 8inch. 😂😂 Thank you for all the information!

[@rashofbeatings]

i mow my Zoysia 3.5", highest setting on my mower. it grows and looks best at that height, get that rule book OUT OF MY SIGHT! 🤣

[@theturfking5290]

Green meat was my nickname in high school

[@darylrue3347]

So not to be negative but your zoysia did not look all that healthy mowed that low. Mine is mowed tall and looks healthier. I think I just have to de-thatch more since it grows like crazy. But it choked out all the viny weed grass too chemical-free. Interested in any follow ups on this...

[@Boodieman72]

My mower only goes to 1 1/2 inches. I mow my KBG at 1".

[@jordanroberts1519]

1:20...damn!!! 6 inches is gigantic!!!

[@GamerGee]

2:26 what do yo cut it if it’s like a foot tall.

[@johnjrkean7008]

I always tell my wife it's much longer theres just alot of thatch covering it

[@raizedbynerdz8718]

If Allyn lied to us, then I do not know what to believe anymore. I mean, does this mean It is not a good size like my wife tells me? Talking about my mower blade size and the TV in the living room.

[@Thelawncarenut]

😂😂

[@algee8415]

St. Augustine grows at different lengths.

[@Striperman]

Loraina Bobbit didn't follow the one third rule 😂😂

[@rapfreak7797]

What so many people don’t recognize is that the shorter you cut it the more frequent you have to mow. I wish some of my neighbors knew this as they let it grow long, scalp, then it goes brown.

[@wayneessar7489]

As well scalping slows or stops root growth and uses up carbohydrates. Yes, the new growth looks fresh but longer term it is bad.

[@critterdude311]

Braaaah, what happened to da Toro Timemaster braaah.

[@Thelawncarenut]

I gave it to a friend of mine about 18 months ago.

[@critterdude311]

@@Thelawncarenut I have both the Ego and Timemaster. I just can't part with my Timemaster quite yet. She's my workhorse. If Toro or Ego creates a 30" electric mower, I'd probably fully convert at that point.

[@steveknievel]

Just the tip

[@ronaldwoofer5024]

everyday my grass grows a foot long and i can only mow it down to 4inch. how to stop this mutant grass from growing so fast ???

[@Cenlalowell]

That's pgr Bermuda there