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Mow High and Here’s Why

A Summer Lawn Care Essential You Shouldn’t Overlook

Here in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, summer brings longer days, hotter temps, and a lot more time spent outside, Whether you’re entertaining guests, watching kids play in the yard, or simply admiring your home from the curb, a vibrant, green lawn makes it all feel a little better.

But white your lawn may look like it’s thriving in the summer, it’s actually under a lot of stress. Heat, humidity, foot traffic, and inconsistent rainfall can quickly take a toll – especially if mowing practices don’t support the lawn’s natural defenses.

That’s why one of the most powerful and often overlooked tips for summer lawn care is also one of the easiest to implement:

Mow High!

Let’s break down what that means, why it matters, and how it can transform the health and appearance of your lawn – not just for this summer, but for seasons to come.

 

What Does “Mowing High” Actually Mean?

When we say, “mow high,” we’re not talking about letting your grass et overgrown and out of control. It simply means raising your mower deck to a higher setting during the hot summer months to allow your grass to grow taller than usual – typically by an inch or so.

 

Recommended Summer Mowing Heights:

• Cool-season grasses (like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue):

  3.5″ to 4″ is ideal.

• Warm-season grasses (like Bermuda, zoysia, or St. Augustine):

  Aim for 2.5″ to 3″, depending on the specific variety.

The key is consistency – and knowing your grass type. Not sure what you have? A professional lawn analysis can help you identify the specify and tailor your approach.

 

Why Mowing High Matters – Especially in the Summer

1. Longer Blades, Stronger Grass
   Mowing our lawn at a longer height creates a healthier, more resilient lawn because the grass blades are essentially the engine where good production happens through photosynthesis. The longer the blades, the more surface area the plant has to capture sunlight and convert it into the energy it needs to grow, repair damage, and defend against stress. When you cut the grass too short, you’re literally handicapping it – removing the very parts responsible for feeding the plant and supporting its recovery. By keeping the blades longer, you’re giving the grass the tools it needs to thrive, outcompete weeds, an stay green and lush even during tough conditions.

2. Deeper Roots = More Resilience
   Taller blades support deeper root growth. And in the summer, deep roots are everything. They allow your grass to access water stored deeper in the soil, giving it a better chance of surviving heatwaves and dry spells. Shallow roots (often caused by mowing too short) are the first to burn out when conditions get tough.

3. Better Moisture Retention
   Longer grass acts like a natural shade umbrella for the soil underneath, helping to reduce evaporation. That means less watering is needed to keep your lawn hydrated — a big win during dry spells or under watering restrictions.

4. Thicker, Healthier Appearance
   When you mow high, your lawn can grow in denser and fuller, giving it that thick, carpet-like look that every homeowner wants. Short, scalped lawns not only look stressed — they invite bare spots and weeds.
   

5. Weed Suppression
   One of the best natural weed control methods? Tall, healthy grass. The canopy shades the soil and prevents weed seeds from getting the light they need to germinate. Less light = fewer weeds.

6. Protection from Disease and Burnout
   Mowing too short weakens the grass and creates open wounds that make it more vulnerable to fungal diseases — which are common in hot, humid weather. Mowing high reduces stress and gives your lawn the best chance of recovering from foot traffic, heat, and pest pressure.

How Often Should You Mow in the Summer?

Every lawn is different, but a good general rule for summer mowing is to follow the “One-Third Rule”:
Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing.
This means:
– If you’re mowing at 4 inches, don’t let it grow beyond 5.5 to 6 inches.
– Avoid letting your lawn get too long between mows, then chopping it way back – that kind of sudden trauma can shock the turf and slow growth.

 

Frequency

– Most summer lawns need mowing every 7-10 days, depending on rainfall and irrigation.
– After a heavy rain or growth surge, you might need to mow a bit sooner – just be sure to do it gradually and follow the one-third rule.

 

Other Smart Summer Mowing Tips

To truly get the most out of mowing high, pair it with these lawn-smart strategies:

– Keep Your Mower Blades Sharp
Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, causing frayed edges that lose moisture faster and invite disease. Sharpen blades every 20–25 hours of mowing or once per month during peak season.

– Alternate Your Mowing Pattern
Mow in a different direction each time — north/south one week, east/west the next. This prevents compaction, encourages upright growth, and avoids visible lines or ruts in the turf.

– Mow When It’s Dry
Avoid mowing wet grass. It can clump, clog your mower, and lead to uneven cuts. It also increases your risk of spreading turf diseases.

– Don’t Bag the Clippings
If your grass isn’t excessively long, mulch the clippings back into the lawn. They act as a free fertilizer, returning nitrogen and organic matter to the soil and helping with moisture retention.

 

Watering and Mowing Work Together

Mowing high is just one piece of a healthy summer lawn care routine. If you’re also watering consistently — about 1 to 1.5 inches per week — your taller grass will respond quickly, staying greener, vibrant, and more resilient through July and August.

 

Final Takeaway: Mow High to Protect Your Lawn and Get Better Results

So many homeowners overcut in summer, thinking it makes their lawn look cleaner or more manicured. But in reality, short mowing in high heat is one of the fastest ways to dry out your lawn, invite weeds, and cause long-term damage.
Mowing high is simple, effective, and free — and it makes a measurable difference in both the look and health of your grass.

 

Need Help Managing Your Lawn This summer?

At Teed & Brown, we specialize in premium lawn care tailored to high-end properties and unique turf challenges in the Connecticut, New York and New Jersey area. Whether you need help identifying your grass type, adjusting your irrigation strategy, or reviving stressed areas, our team is here to help you achieve a lawn you can be proud of — all season long.

For more Summer Lawn Care Tips, read our 8 Summer Lawn Care Tips for Vibrant Lawns post. 

Contact us today for a personalized lawn consultation.