Lawn Mowing Calendar for Every US City
Published: February 1, 2026 · Updated: April 23, 2026
Mowing at the right height and frequency is the single biggest factor in lawn health — more impactful than fertilising or watering. This tool gives you a personalised 12-month mowing schedule based on your city's USDA zone and grass type.
The Golden Rule: Never remove more than one-third of the blade in a single mow.
If your target height is 65mm, mow when the lawn reaches 97mm — no later. Cutting more than one-third causes shock, browning, and weed invasion.
Mowing Heights by Grass Type
| Grass | Type | Ideal Height | Summer Height | Mow Every |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bermuda Grass | Warm | 32mm (1.3") | 38mm (1.5") | 7 days |
| Zoysia Grass | Warm | 38mm (1.5") | 45mm (1.8") | 14 days |
| St. Augustine Grass | Warm | 75mm (3.0") | 90mm (3.5") | 7 days |
| Centipede Grass | Warm | 38mm (1.5") | 45mm (1.8") | 14 days |
| Buffalo Grass | Warm | 75mm (3.0") | 75mm (3.0") | 21 days |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Cool | 63mm (2.5") | 90mm (3.5") | 7 days |
| Tall Fescue | Cool | 75mm (3.0") | 90mm (3.5") | 7 days |
| Fine Fescue | Cool | 63mm (2.5") | 75mm (3.0") | 10 days |
| Perennial Ryegrass | Cool | 50mm (2.0") | 63mm (2.5") | 7 days |
The 5 Mowing Mistakes That Kill Lawns
1. Mowing too short (scalping)
The most damaging mistake. Removing too much blade at once exposes the crown, shocks the plant, and creates entry points for weeds and disease. Each grass type has a "never mow below" threshold.
2. Mowing with dull blades
Dull blades tear rather than cut, leaving ragged brown edges that look like drought stress. Sharpen or replace mower blades every 20–25 hours of use - or at least once per season.
3. Mowing in summer heat
Mowing at midday in summer stresses an already heat-stressed lawn. Always mow before 10am or after 6pm. The cut ends are open wounds - mowing in heat causes them to desiccate rapidly.
4. Mowing wet grass
Wet grass clumps, leaves uneven cuts, and can clog mower decks. Wait 24 hours after rain or irrigation before mowing. Wet grass also promotes fungal disease spread.
5. Mowing dormant grass
Never mow dormant warm-season grass - you’re cutting dead material and potentially damaging crowns. Wait until you see clear green growth returning in spring.
Full Lawn Care Calendar by State
Mowing is one task. See the full month-by-month calendar with pre-emergent, fertilizer, aeration, and overseeding timing for your state.
Find Your City's Mowing Calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I mow my lawn?
Most lawns need weekly mowing during peak spring and fall growth. In summer, warm-season grasses may need weekly mowing while cool-season grasses slow to every 10–14 days. Find your city for a personalised schedule.
What height should I cut my lawn?
The correct height varies by grass type. Bermuda: 25–38mm. St. Augustine: 63–90mm. Kentucky Bluegrass: 50–90mm. Tall Fescue: 63–90mm. In summer, raise the height by 15–25mm to protect roots.
Should I leave grass clippings on the lawn?
Yes — leave clippings whenever possible. They return up to 25% of nitrogen your lawn needs. Only bag when clippings are too long and clumping or the lawn has a fungal disease.
When should I start mowing in spring?
Start when grass shows active growth and soil exceeds 10°C. Warm zones (8+): February–March. Transition zones (6–7): March–April. Cool zones (4–5): April–May. Set mower at maximum height for first 2–3 cuts.
When should I stop mowing in fall?
Stop when growth effectively stops. Warm-season grasses go dormant below 10°C. Cool-season grasses can be mowed until ground freezes. Final mow at ideal height — not too short, not too tall.