By John Monzingo, Assistant County Agent
Each summer, many homeowners unintentionally damage their lawns by cutting the grass too short—a practice known as scalping. This weakens the turf, making it more susceptible to heat stress, drought, and disease. To maintain a healthy, green lawn, it’s essential to mow at the correct height and water at the right time.
Mowing: Follow the One-Third Rule
When mowing your lawn, you should only remove the top one-third of the grass blade. Cutting more than that can shock the plant and hinder its growth. Each type of turfgrass has an ideal mowing height that promotes optimal health and appearance.
Step 1: Identify Your Grass Type
Knowing what type of grass, you have is the first step in proper lawn care. Different grasses thrive at different mowing heights.
Step 2: Mow at the Recommended Height
Here are the recommended mowing heights after cutting for common grass types in North Louisiana:
- Common Bermuda: 1¼ to 1½ inches
- Hybrid Bermuda: ¾ to 1 inch
- St. Augustine: 2 to 3 inches
- Centipede: 1 to 2 inches
- Bahia: 3 inches
Note: Bahia grass is not typical turfgrass, but it is common in North Louisiana. Always make small adjustments to your mower height to avoid removing too much at once.
How to Measure Grass and Mower Height
To determine your grass height:
- Place a ruler vertically on the soil and measure to the tip of the grass blade.
To set your mower height:
- Place the mower on a flat, level surface (such as a concrete porch).
- Measure from the ground to the cutting edge of the blade.
Watering: Timing and Amount Matter
Watering your lawn properly is just as important as mowing. Some grass requires more water than others, so it’s important to understand your lawn’s needs.
- Best time to water: Between 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM
- Why morning? Watering early allows moisture to soak in before the heat of the day, reducing evaporation and helping prevent fungal diseases that can occur with nighttime watering.
If you have any questions about lawn care, please contact the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service at 318-927-3110.
It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that no person shall be subject to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability.