When someone asks me what the most common mistake homeowners make, I know the answer: cutting the grass too short. In over 30 years of experience, I have seen more yellow grass from improper cutting than from pests or drought.
Grass is not just a green carpet. It is a living organism that breathes, grows, and reacts. The cutting height directly impacts the plant’s health, its resistance to heat, and even its appearance. Grass cut too short is more vulnerable. On the other hand, leaving it higher protects the roots, retains moisture, and creates a stronger, more balanced lawn.
That’s why, in our projects at Óscar Herrera Gardens and Landscaping, we always adjust the cutting height based on each case: garden use, grass type, climate, and the time of year.
Recommended Heights Based on Use and Conditions
There is no one-size-fits-all for lawns. However, I can give you some general guidelines based on experience.
- Ornamental Grass: 2–3 cm. Ideal for decorative spaces that aren’t walked on. Very delicate.
- Family or Sports Grass: 4–5 cm. Best for areas frequently used by kids or pets.
- Shaded Areas or Intense Summer: 6–9 cm. A bit taller to reduce water stress.
In the summer, for example, many people lower the cutting height thinking they won’t have to mow as often. However, this weakens the grass and makes it dry out. Our recommendation is always to leave it taller in hot weather and mow more frequently if needed.
How to Apply the 1/3 Rule
A golden rule: never cut more than one-third of the total leaf height in a single pass. It’s that simple.
If your grass is 9 cm, you shouldn’t leave it lower than 6 cm. This practice protects the plant, prevents stress, and keeps enough surface for photosynthesis.
I learned this principle early on, watching my father work with precision. To this day, it remains one of the rules we respect the most in our team.
How Often Should You Mow?
Cutting height is key, but so is frequency. It changes depending on the season:
- Spring and Summer: every 5–7 days.
- Fall: about every 10 days.
- Winter: occasionally, or not at all.
On the other hand, it’s important to observe how the grass grows. In our personalized services, we always adapt the mowing schedule according to the variety and specific conditions of each garden.
Seasonal Lawn Care: Summer, Fall, and Winter
Each season has its own rules, and respecting them makes all the difference in the lawn’s health.
Summer
Increase the height to 7–9 cm. This protects the roots from evaporation.
Always mow early in the morning or late in the evening.
Fall
Gradually reduce the height and clean up the leaves.
It’s a good time to aerate and fertilize.
Winter
Mow only if necessary.
Never mow when the grass is frosty or too wet.
These practices are part of how we work: preparing in advance rather than dealing with problems later.
Cutting Techniques: New Grass, Wet Grass, and Sloped Areas
New grass requires special care. We recommend waiting until it exceeds 8–10 cm before mowing. The first cut should leave it at about 6 cm. This way, we avoid uprooting young seedlings.
Mowing wet grass is never advisable. The blades get stuck, the cut is uneven, and the risk of diseases increases.
What about sloped areas? In this case, we always mow horizontally, never up and down. Additionally, a suitable mower is necessary. We work with traction machinery and adjustable blades to ensure both safety and quality.
Tools and Practical Tips
The cutting height also depends on the quality of your tools. A dull blade makes a rough cut. A rusty blade damages the grass.
- Sharpen the blades every 10–15 uses.
- If you’re using a mulching system, it improves soil nutrition.
- Don’t rely only on the mower dial: actually measure the grass height after mowing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some frequent mistakes we see:
- Cutting the grass too short.
- Not sharpening the mower blades.
- Mowing in strong sunlight or when the grass is wet.
- Not respecting the 1/3 rule.
- Not adjusting the height for shaded areas or hot seasons.
At our studio, each garden is a unique project. And every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Conclusion
Cutting grass at the right height doesn’t just improve the appearance of your garden—it ensures the health of the entire lawn. Grass is part of your garden’s ecosystem. As a gardener with over three decades of experience, I can say that taking care of it in detail makes a huge difference.
At Óscar Herrera Gardens and Landscaping, we understand this: the height of the cut is not just another detail, it’s a key factor. If you want a lawn that reflects care and balance, start by cutting the grass properly.