How High Should I Set My Mower Blades?

Expert lawn care encompasses many techniques — not just watering on a set schedule. While you may have a yard with a lawn, you may not be an expert. Still, one thing you can do to ensure healthier grass is to set your lawn mower blades appropriately.

How does this make a difference? This may be surprising to you, but setting your mower blades at the proper height can keep your grass healthier. This means you can water less and save money.

Experts say to cut your lawn to a height of 2.5 to 3 inches throughout the growing season (generally the summer). As temperatures cool down, you should raise the mower height up to 1 inch more to help grass retain nutrients over winter.

That height may seem high to a lot of homeowners, who may cut their grass much shorter. Cutting your grass short may mean more time between mowings, but that is not the best technique. A higher height is best for the health of your grass, as it makes it more resilient to weeds and drought.

As a rule, you should never cut more than one-third of the grass blade height at a time. Cutting too much at a time can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to disease and weeds.

Benefits of a Higher Height

Blades of grass serve as your lawn’s leaves. Longer blades allow your grass to survive and provide oxygen. Here are some other benefits of a higher grass height:

• More shade. This keeps the soil cooler and allows moisture to remain longer, so the grass does not dry out as quickly. More shade also makes it harder for weeds to sprout.
• Deeper root development. This will be helpful through hot days.
• Improved health. Healthy grass is better able to withstand hotter weather and fight off diseases.

Adjusting the Mower Height

Adjusting your lawn mower shouldn’t be too hard. There may be some variations based on the manufacturer, so check your owner’s manual for details. In general, though, here are the steps to take:

• Make sure your lawnmower is turned off.
• Place the mower on a flat surface. A sidewalk or driveway works well.
• Using a ruler, measure the distance from the sidewalk to the bottom of the mower.
• Use the levers on the wheels to adjust the height of the deck. An ideal height is 2.5 to 3 inches.
• Double-check the adjustment afterward by measuring the height of the grass after it has been mowed.

Contact Us Today

Taking great care of your lawn means incorporating many details into your routine, including proper mower height. Setting blades at the right height can mean healthier grass.

Want more lawn care advice? All Star Landscaping has more than 30 years of experience caring for Missouri yards. We are known for our expertise, rates, and top-notch service. Contact us today and see for yourself. Fill out the online form or call (314) 568-6332.