You might not give much thought to mowing other than getting it done or making sure your lawn care provider gets it done. Did you know there are ideal cutting heights depending on the species of grass in your yard? Yes, your Florida lawn care should include making sure your grass is cut to the right height based on grass species. So, what’s the ideal cutting height for your grass?
Florida Grass Cutting
There are three main grass species in Florida: St. Augustine, Zoysia and Bahia. The ideal cutting height for your lawn depends on knowing which grass species you have. If you have St. Augustine or Bahia, your grass cutting height should be 3.5 to 4 inches. If you have Zoysia, your grass cutting height should be 2.5 to 3 inches. You might be wondering to yourself why the height really matters and isn’t shorter grass better so you can go longer between mowings? The short answer is no and that height really does make a difference in the health of your lawn. Here are a few basic principles in grass cutting that you should know:
1. Mow to keep grass even, not to keep it short. Always use the ideal cutting height to guide you.
2. During the summer, grass might need to be mowed more frequently than once a week. During the cooler months, grass can often go a few weeks without a cut, depending on growth.
3. Cut no more than 1/3 of the grass blade at any one time.
Why Does Cutting Height Matter?
Cutting height matters for a few reasons, most of which involve the health and root system of your lawn. Different species of grass build different depths of root systems. The root system is vital in keeping your grass healthy.
Cutting Too Short
Cutting too short can produce long term damage to the turf. In fact, repeatedly mowing below the recommended height for a grass species is the primary cause of turf injury. This leaves the turf susceptible to diseases, sunscald, insects and drought.
Cutting the Right Height
Cutting to the right height for your grass species allows it to grow a more hardy and deeper root system. A deeper root system gives your grass greater tolerance to temperature stress, poor soil, nutrient deficiencies, drought, insects, nematodes and disease.
Cutting Too High
Setting your cutting height too high results in a shaggy looking yard and increased lawn thatch. Thatch is the dead layer of turf between the green top layer and the root system. A small amount of thatch helps insulate the lawn and protect the health of your grass. Too much thatch produces spongy areas in your yard and also makes grass more susceptible to insect infestations and promotes diseases.
Grass cutting height is an important part of proper lawn care. Knowing the right height for your species of grass is essential to give you a sturdy, healthy lawn. Cutting to the wrong height can introduce injury to the turf or increased thatch that can damage the integrity of your lawn. Have questions? We have answers! Call Your Oasis Outdoor Care with your grass height questions or any of your lawn care questions!