Just like some of us prefer that first cup of coffee in the morning and others thrive in the quiet of the night, your grass too has its best time for a trim. Spoiler alert: if your grass could talk, it would probably tell you that mid-morning, between 8 and 10 a.m., is the sweet spot for mowing.
But it’s not just about when to mow, it’s also about when not to mow (keep the lawn mower away from your turf during early morning or mid-day). Learn the secrets of each season and tackle the tricky question of grass length when mowing. Discover how often to give your lawn a haircut, and when it’s time to wave the white flag and call in the professionals.
Best Time of Day to Mow Your Grass
Mid-Morning
Mid-morning, from 8 to 10 a.m. is the sweet spot to mow your lawn. By this time, the morning dew has evaporated, leaving behind a dry and manageable canvas for your mower.
With the grass no longer drenched in moisture, your blades can glide through with ease, delivering that clean, precise cut your lawn deserves.
Mowing during mid-morning allows your grass ample time to recover and heal before the evening humidity sets in.
Late Afternoon
As the heat of the day starts to wane, late afternoon emerges as another golden window of opportunity for mowing your lawn. From 4 to 6 p.m., the scorching sun has faded, offering a much more hospitable environment for both you and your grass.
With temperatures on the decline, you can enjoy a more comfortable outdoor experience. Plus, by waiting until late afternoon, you ensure that your grass has had ample time to dry off from any morning dew, setting the stage for a clean and efficient mow.
Cutting your grass at this time allows it to recover and bounce back before nightfall and the onset of evening dew. It’s like giving your lawn a gentle grooming session to prepare it for a restful night’s sleep.
Worst Time of Day to Mow Your Grass
Early Morning
Bright and early, you might be tempted to grab your mower and start the day with a trim. But hold onto your gardening gloves, because early morning from 6 to 8 a.m. is one of the worst times to mow the lawn.
During this time, the grass is glistening with morning dew, creating a slippery and messy terrain that’s challenging to navigate and can also damage your mower.
As the blades attempt to slice through the dampness, instead of a clean cut, you’re left with torn and ragged grass, a total nightmare!
Wet grass isn’t just a nuisance; it’s an invitation for fungus diseases in your precious lawn. So, while the early bird may catch the worm, it’s best to let the morning dew settle before firing up the lawnmower.
Mid-Day
Before you rev up that lawnmower and embark on a mid-day mowing adventure, pause for a moment and consider this: during high noon your grass is photosynthesizing.
Cutting your grass during the hottest part of the day, from 10 a.m. to noon, could lead to some not-so-pleasant consequences. During this time your grass is already working overtime to retain its moisture and stay hydrated. Interrupting this can leave your lawn vulnerable to turning brown as the sun rapidly dries it out.
Not to mention, subjecting your turf to the stress of mowing in the scorching heat can be like sending it on an endurance race without any water breaks. And let’s not forget about you: mowing your lawn under mid-day sun can be exhausting. Save the mowing for cooler, more forgiving hours of the day.
Mid-Afternoon
As the clock ticks past midday and slides into the mid-afternoon, you might be tempted to mow your lawn. Mowing during this time, between 2 and 4 p.m., is a decision best reconsidered.
Your grass is still reeling from the midday sun showdown, trying to hold onto every drop of moisture as the temperature continues to rise. Interrupting its recovery process with a mower’s blades can leave your lawn feeling as wilted as a forgotten bouquet.
Besides, braving the scorching sun during these peak afternoon hours can turn mowing into more of a sauna session than a stroll through the garden. So, while the allure of a freshly mowed lawn is undeniable, it’s best to let your grass and yourself enjoy a siesta during the hottest part of the day.
Evening
As the sun descends, you might be tempted to squeeze in a quick mow before the day ends. However, from 6 to 8 p.m., it’s officially too late to give your lawn a trim.
You need to give your grass a chance to heal and recover before tucking in for the night. Mowing too late in the evening doesn’t allow your grass the opportunity to properly recover, leaving it vulnerable to diseases like fungus.
How Short Should You Cut Your Lawn?
The ideal mowing height for your grass depends on a variety of factors, including the type of grass you have, the season of the year, and how tall it is. Never cut off more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow. Pay attention to the following charts:
Warm Season Grasses
| Grass Species | Recommended mow height (inches) | Mow when it reaches this height (inches) |
| Bermudagrass | 1 to 1.5 | 1.5 to 2.5 |
| Buffalograss | 2 to 4 | 2.5 to 5 |
| Bahiagrass | 3 to 4 | 4 to 5.25 |
| Carpetgrass | 1 to 2 | 1.25 to 2.5 |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 to 2 | 2 to 3 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 to 4 | 3.25 to 5.25 |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 to 2.5 | 1.25 to 3.25 |
Cool Season Grasses
| Grass Species | Recommended mow height (inches) | Mow when it reaches this height (inches) |
| Fine Fescue | 2 to 4 | 2.5 to 5.25 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 to 3 | 3 to 4 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 to 3 | 2.5 to 4 |
| Tall fescue | 2 to 4 | 2.5 to 5.25 |
How Often Should You Cut Your Grass?
The frequency of your lawn mowing will depend on some factors, like the season and the type of grass in your yard. However, a golden rule is to plan mowing once a week during the growing season.
Of course, if your grass happens to be an overachiever in the growth department, you may find yourself reaching for the mower more often, perhaps every four days or so. But remember: never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This ensures that your lawn remains healthy.
When to Mow Your Grass During the Year?
During the year, the time for the first mowing of the year should be in Spring, around mid-March.
From there on, aim to mow your lawn once a week during the growing season, adjusting the frequency depending on how quickly the growth rate of your grass.
Take into consideration the growing season of each type of grass. Cool-season grass’ growing season starts in late Spring, through Summer, and Fall. For warm-season grass, the growing season starts from late Spring to early Fall.
During Summer and Fall, stick to this rule: mow at the growing rate of your grass and never remove more than a third of the grass height.
In winter, it’s best to give your mower a rest. However, if you need to mow during this season, be careful. Mow only when the grass is dry, and frost isn’t expected for at least 48 hours.
FAQ About Lawn Care and Lawn Mowing
What should I do with the grass clippings?
You’ve got three easy options when dealing with grass clippings: mulch them, bag them, or discharge them.
What is the difference between trimming and edging a lawn?
Trimming makes horizontal cuts to tidy up areas where your mower can’t reach, such as around obstacles or along fences. It’s great for eliminating overgrown grass and weeds that detract from the overall appearance of your lawn.
On the other hand, edging makes vertical cuts along walkways, borders, and flower beds. This helps create clean lines and defines the edges of your lawn, giving it a polished look (Check this guide on 8 Common Tree Trimming Mistakes).
Is there a difference between a weed eater and a weed wacker?
No, there is no difference between a weed eater and a weed wacker. Both terms refer to the same tool used to cut weeds along the edges of a lawn. Additionally, this tool is also known as a string trimmer (Here’s a guide on How to Weed Whack Your Lawn Like a Pro).
Hire a Pro for the Job
Mowing a beautiful lawn can be quite a job, requiring time, patience, and a green thumb. If you don’t have enough hours in the day to tend to every blade of grass or simply prefer to spend your weekends relaxing rather than behind a lawnmower, no worries!
Call a lawn care professional to handle the mowing for you. With their expertise and specialized equipment, they’ll have your lawn looking lovely, leaving you free to enjoy your yard without breaking a sweat.
Main Image Credit: irontrybex / Adobe Stock / License
