What Height Should I Mow My Lawn?

The perfect, manicured lawn doesn’t just happen by chance. It’s the result of consistent care, good mowing habits, and understanding why mowing heights matter! At George Davies Turf & Stone, we’ve supported numerous homeowners and landlords with their turf troubles. Most of the time, it comes down to tweaking your mowing technique!

In this guide, we break down everything to do with mowing heights: what height to cut for which season, turf issues to look out for, and when to stop mowing altogether. By the end, you’ll be mowing with confidence and have a lush, strong, healthy lawn to show for it.

Article Overview

• • Mowing heights for UK grass types
  • Why does mowing height matter?
  • How high should I mow my lawn?
  • Our top tips for mowing heights
  • Speak to the experts
  • FAQs

Quick Mowing Heights for UK Grass Types

• • Fine/Ornamental Lawns = 10-20 mm (1-2 cm)
  • Standard Turf (Ryegrass or Fescue) = 25-40 mm (2.5-4 cm)
  • High Traffic Lawns = 40-550 mm (4-5 cm)
  • New Lawns = 60-80 mm (7-8cm)
  • Wild flower turf = Mow twice a year and let it do its own thing!

First, Why Does The Mowing Height Matter?

Vibrant green turf leaves aren’t just for show. As living plants, they serve a purpose. It is the grass leaf that photosynthesises – absorbing sunlight and converting it into essential food and energy to feed the roots and support growth. If you cut these blades too short, they can’t do their job, and your turf will suffer. This can lead to:

• • Grass stress
  • Lawns’ waterlogging or drying out
  • Weed and moss invasion
  • Turf disease susceptibility

So, yes, the mowing height for your lawn is very important.

How High Should I Mow My Lawn?

As a rule of thumb, you should never cut more than 1/3 of your grass blade at a time, as this helps protect your lawn regardless of the season. However, there are other factors to consider, such as weather conditions, turf uses, and the general purpose of your turf. Here are the key factors to consider:

Seasonal Mowing Heights

Following the seasons is usually a good guide for mowing:

• • Spring – The start of the growing season, so we want to focus on building leaf strength. Wait until the air temperature reaches around 6°C to prevent shocking the turf. Start by mowing at around 35 mm and never below 25 mm! As the weather heats up, raise the mowing height to 50 mm.
  • Summer – As grass rapidly grows, mow weekly at a consistent height of 35-50 mm. If we’re experiencing a particularly hot summer and dry spells, aim for the higher end of the scale to help retain water and prevent burning. Check out our article on ‘The Best Time to Mow Your Lawn in Warmer Weather’ for more information.
  • Autumn – Wait for the air temperature to drop, as this is when the turf’s growing rate will start to slow. Taller grass provides enough leaf cover to help your turf prepare for and survive winter, so set your mower to 35-50 mm.

• • Winter – You shouldn’t be mowing lawns in winter, but if the air temperature is mild and conditions are still pleasant, your lawn may need a final mow before becoming dormant. Keep your grass tall, mowing around 40-60 mm.

Watch the Weather

As we all know, UK weather patterns are fairly unpredictable! Along with understanding how your grass responds to the seasons, always review the weather before mowing. For example:

• • Extreme Drought – Keep cutting heights high so longer grass blades can help shade the soil and retain water. If you notice dry patches, reseed those areas with a high-quality grass seed and allow the new grass to anchor before cutting.
  • Saturated Soil – If your lawn and soil are soggy, avoid mowing! Rather than cutting your grass, you’ll be disturbing the turf and soil, damaging its root structure, leaves, and appearance as it grows. Our article, ‘Can You Cut Wet Grass?’ can help you here.

Know the Purpose of Your Lawn

Another consideration when mowing your lawn is its purpose and your desired lawn look. For example, ornamental lawns with no foot traffic and purely for show can be maintained at a shorter, more manicured height. However, sports fields or parks that are in constant use will benefit from taller grass to remain stronger and more resilient to general wear and tear.

Don’t Mow Too Short

If in doubt, don’t mow too low! You can always cut more if needed. It’s important to remember that grass leaves are vital to the success of your turf – they help collect and retain moisture, absorb sunlight, and protect grass roots from extreme weather conditions. It also provides a softer surface for sitting, lying, or playing. Just be mindful not to let it get too long, as this is where lawn disease and pests can thrive.

Our Top Tips for Mowing Heights

• • Check the condition of your lawn – if there are any struggling areas, treat them before mowing.
  • Avoid mowing in extreme conditions such as heavy drought or rainfall.
  • Remove grass clippings, which can smother your grass and block essential sunlight.
  • Keep your lawn mower blades sharp for a clean cut rather than ripping the leaves.
  • Apply any grass seed or fertiliser after mowing.
  • Keep the height of new lawns higher until they’re fully established.

Extra Lawn Care Guidance:

• • The Importance of Mowing
  • Which Direction Should I Cut My Grass?
  • How and When to Fertilise Your Lawn

Speak to the Experts

Whether you’re managing a perfectly manicured golf course and looking for general mowing advice to get the most from your lawn, the team at George Davies Turf & Stone are here to help. View our range of natural turf, and let’s create your dream lawn all year round!

FAQs about Mowing Heights

What height should I mow my lawn all year?

For a consistent cut, aim for 30-50 mm height for your domestic or commercial lawn. Make slight adjustments based on the season, what the weather is doing, and the purpose of your lawn.

Can I mow turf in winter?

Technically, yes, you can mow in winter. However, it is not always advisable! If we have a mild winter and the grass is actively growing, then yes, you can mow in winter. If the ground in frozen or waterlogged, wait until spring.

How often should I mow my lawn? Will it encourage growth?

This can vary by season and the rate at which your grass is growing. From mid-spring through early summer, weekly mowing helps strengthen, thicken, and protect your turf. In winter, when the grass stops growing, there’s no need to mow. Check out our article on ‘Does Frequent Mowing Thicken Grass?’

Is longer grass better for my garden and the environment?

Longer grass offers several benefits, including shading roots from high temperatures, improving water retention, and reducing weed invasion. It can also provide habitats for small critters. If you’re not a fan of mowing and prefer a taller lawn, consider wild flower turf for a naturally tall and colourful finish!

When can I mow my new lawn?

At George Davies Turf & Stone, we recommend waiting 3 to 6 weeks before mowing your new lawn. This will give it time to develop a strong root system. Also, wait until grass blades reach 60-80 mm (6-8cm), and set the first cut at the highest mowing height. Our guide, ‘How Soon Can I Use My New Lawn?’ provides more information.