How Low Can you Go? The short on Lawn Mowing Heights


Image result for baseball grass

By: EFynch.com : Baltimore's Handyman and Homeowner Community

Can mowing to short ruin your yard? Can letting it grow too high become a haven for pests?

The answer to both is YES.

Just like the Goldilocks, you have to find the perfect sweet spot because anything outside the acceptable "norm" is going to be a bear of a problem. One may think that cutting the grass extremely low will extend the time between cuts. Instead, you are actually creating a haven for weeds- which grow quicker and will offset the "extra growing height" you've allotted for.

Why not too short:
Image result for lawn mowing heightA homeowner who mows too short will damage the grass, weakening it's ability to fight off disease, weeds, foot traffic, or the occasional bear skat (or other outdoor animal). When you mow too low, not only do you rip away a majority of the grasses moisture, but you also allow more sunlight and airflow to evaporate and dry the ground. This is bad for grass, good for weeds. Also, when you mow low- you might skim the tops of small mounds in your yard that were otherwise unnoticeable- this will certainly become a place where weeds thrive and you NEVER get grass to regrow.

Image result for unkept yard

Why not too long:
Okay, the grass likes being tall. After all, that is when it produces seed which is basically what every living things is on earth to perform. But, tall grass can become a haven for snakes, ticks, mice, bugs. . . you name it.  Plus, it can hamper natural evaporation and the extra moisture might cause mold and fungi to grow.


A freshly cut lawn is something any homeowner can enjoy--- but it is not natural. You have to take the right amount of care and like a Bonsai Tree- you are basically balancing the grass somewhere between drowning and dehydration (slight exaggeration).

Image result for lawn mowing height
Great chart- sorry it is in cm however, it shows how heights should be adjusted by time of year.

The ultimate height depends on a number of circumstances which include shade, recent rainfall (or watering), and type of grass you have.  Whenever mowing, you should also consider the weather report allowing additional height if dry weather is expected.

Many reports online state that optimal height is 2". This really depends on the weather. We never recommend going that low unless it is early spring or late fall. Even then, for most Tall Fescues, 2.5" is rule of thumb. Bump that up to 3" in the hot/ dry summer months and skip the mowing altogether during high drought conditions, if you can. **however- this all varies depending on the type of grass you have in your lawn. This article mostly pertains to tall fescues which are common in the Baltimore and Washington Area for most homeowners.



This blog post was made by EFynch Handyman. A startup based in Baltimore, Maryland. EFynch is a community for contractors, handymen, homeowner, and home buyer to learn about, discuss, and gain assistance in performing both DIY and Home Improvement Projects. With EFynch, you simply post a picture of what you need and get local bids automatically. Not sales, no "selling of your information" like other sites, and privacy is 100% protected. If you like these articles, please register on EFynch to help support our continued efforts in publishing them. No purchase is necessary, no cost to register.  




Popular posts from this blog

The Big Fuzzy Bumble Bee- What are they? Do they Hurt? How to Kill them.

Image
 EFynch is a handyman and homeowner community board based in Baltimore, Maryland. We provide advice, guidance, and help facilitate communications so, as a homeowner, you can manage any project like a pro! (Baltimore, MD ) Every spring my home is flooded with big, bumbling, furry, clumsy bees. It literally looks like the early stages of some biblical catastrophe. When I first saw them, I didn't know what to do. They'd swarm, swoop, dive, and worst of all- they were living behind my gutters and in my deck digging holes in the wood! I immediately turned to social media where, just as expected, I received a host of conflicting information in which each respondent was more sure than the previous one. So, I rolled up my sleeves, put on my reading glasses and after intense research I compiled the information below and I hope this helps. Grab your tennis rackets and a can of WD-40, because we're in for a wild safari! 1. What are they? They are commonly known as wood
Read more

Shovel your driveway for convenience. Shovel the sidewalk or be FINED!

Image
By: Teris Pantazes of EFynch.com Timonium, MD: After every snowstorm you will ultimately hear the scrape of distant shovels and snowblowers. These are your good neighbors who are out clearing their driveways in order to avoid busting their Phisteris' or just taking a terrible slip.  But I have to tell you, it doesn't end there. As a dog owner (actually, 2 mutts in my household!), I take them out for an stroll every evening. I constantly encounter a lack of sidewalk clearing and because I don't want to be a nosy neighbor, I politely trudge through the snow risking my own demise. Therein lies a problem because without resolution, you are opening yourself to fines and even worse, HOMEOWNER LIABILITY. I live in Baltimore County. But, I have also managed properties in Prince George's, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, and Washington D.C.  I can tell you without any hesitation of doubt that within each and these jurisdictions- THE SIDEWALK IS THE HOMEOWNERS
Read more

Why you should hire a licensed tv installer to mount your flatscreen

Image
 There are many reasons why you should hire a licensed professional to perform any home improvement work in your home and mounting your tv’s are not exception. Here is a video from Baltimore TV Mount and Maryland TV mount going over the reason why.  Hope this helps all those homeowners and tenants looking to prepare for the big game on Sunday with a new big screen tv!  Remember, we are also starting to help those in Salt Lake City and Denver .
Read more