Winter is finally coming to an end, and the first signs of spring are starting to appear. Many yard and landscaping enthusiasts are eager to get out and start working on their outdoor spaces. But when it comes to mowing your lawn, when is the ideal time to start during the spring season? While it is not an exact science, we have some tips that you can follow to determine when to start mowing your lawn for the best results for the rest of the season.
Watch Your Grass
All grass and environments are different, so the best way to determine when to start mowing your lawn is by watching your grass. This doesn’t mean you need to stare at your yard 24 hours a day but check in every once and a while, so you know how the growth is going. Depending on the type of grass you have, you should generally mow it when it reaches 3-3.75 inches. After cutting, the ideal height for grass is 2-2.5 inches so set your mower blades accordingly.
An easy trick to determine when your grass is long enough and get the perfect mowed height without busting out the tape measure every day is to use your lawnmower. First, set your lawnmower blade at your ideal height. Then, make a line on the wheel of your lawnmower at the height where you want to mow your lawn. Once the grass meets that line, mow with the blades set at their ideal height, and you will have the perfect lawn!
Determine Your Type of Grass
Some grasses do better by being mowed after different heights. If you have any of the grasses listed below, pay special attention to the ideal height before and after mowing.
- Kentucky Blue Grass & Fine Fescue
- When to mow: 3 – 3.75 inches
- Ideal height: 2 – 2.5 inches
- Bermuda Grass & Zoysia
- When to mow: 1.5 – 2 inches
- Ideal height: 1 – 1.5 inches
- Perennial Ryegrass
- When to mow: 2 – 3.75 inches
- Ideal height: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
- Centipede
- When to mow: 2 – 3 inches
- Ideal height: 1.5 – 2 inches
- St. Augustine
- When to mow: 3.75 – 4.5 inches
- Ideal height: 2.5 – 3 inches
Watch Outdoor Temperatures
It is also important to make sure that the outdoor temperature in your area is consistent before mowing your lawn for the first time. Ideally, wait until temperatures are consistently above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help you avoid damaging delicate blades of grass that are not fully thawed from the cold winter weather.
Watch the Weather
In addition to temperatures, keep an eye out for ideal mowing weather for your first mow of the season. You want your grass to be dry to ensure clean cuts and minimize damage to the plant.
Pre-Mowing Prep for While You Wait
It can be hard to wait for the ideal conditions for that first mow of the season, so here are a few things you can do to stay busy and prepare for the upcoming season.
Spring Clean Up
After winter, you may find that branches and leaves have fallen and are now cluttering your yard. Remove any debris to prevent potential disease and make your upcoming mowing job easier.
Lawn Dethatching
Dethatching your lawn can help oxygenate your grass and allow water to better make its way down into the roots. This process can help prepare your lawn for new growth during the spring season.
Mower Blade Sharpening
The end of winter is a great time for lawn mower maintenance, especially sharpening your mower blades. Sharp blades ensure a clean cut for every blade of grass, keeping it healthier and less prone to disease.
Contact Mobile Mower Techs
If your mower needs a tune-up or repair, give Mobile Mower Techs a call today for quick and convenient service options.