Mowing Cool Season Lawns
Rotary mowers are best for the majority of cool season lawns (lifts and cuts longer blades). Reel mowers are for lawns cut below 1 inch and do NOT perform well on longer grass. Keep blades sharp — buy extra blades and rotate. Dull blades rip and tear grass. Cut MORE often and take LESS off each time. Never let lawn overgrow then cut way down. During growing season: mow every week minimum. During peak growth: may need every 2-3 days. Raise cutting height 0.5-1 inch in shade areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height should I mow my cool-season lawn?
Most cool-season grasses should be mowed at 3 to 4 inches. Taller mowing promotes deeper roots, shades out weeds, and helps the lawn handle heat stress better.
How often should I mow?
Follow the 1/3 rule: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing. During peak growth in spring and fall, this may mean mowing every 4-5 days.
Should I bag or mulch my clippings?
Mulch clippings whenever possible. They return nitrogen and organic matter to the soil. Only bag when clippings are excessive and would smother the lawn, or when mowing during disease pressure.
How often should I sharpen my mower blade?
Sharpen your mower blade at least once per month during mowing season, or every 8-10 hours of mowing time. Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, causing brown tips and increased disease risk.
Do I need a reel mower for cool-season grass?
No. Rotary mowers work perfectly well for cool-season lawns mowed at 3+ inches. Reel mowers provide a cleaner cut but are only necessary if you maintain a very low mowing height.
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