Arkansas Lawn Mowing Calendar
Published: February 1, 2026 · Updated: April 23, 2026
Arkansas occupies an important climate boundary: the northern third grows cool-season grasses that go dormant in summer, while the southern two-thirds supports warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia that brown out in winter. Knowing which category your lawn falls into determines your entire mowing year.
Best Mowing Heights for Arkansas Lawns
Tall Fescue
Ideal: 75mm (3.0")
Summer: 90mm (3.5")
Never below: 50mm
Mow every: 7 days (peak)
Bermuda Grass
Ideal: 32mm (1.3")
Summer: 38mm (1.5")
Never below: 13mm
Mow every: 7 days (peak)
Zoysia Grass
Ideal: 38mm (1.5")
Summer: 45mm (1.8")
Never below: 13mm
Mow every: 14 days (peak)
Arkansas Monthly Mowing Schedule
Based on Tall Fescue in zone 7b.
Mowing Tips for Arkansas
The transition zone (zones 6–7) requires adjusting mowing height dramatically between seasons. Summer height should be 25–40mm higher than spring.
If you have Tall Fescue, maintain at 90mm through summer. This is higher than most guides suggest but critical for heat tolerance.
Never scalp warm-season grasses in fall transition. Leave at least 50mm to protect crowns entering dormancy.
What Makes Mowing in Arkansas Different
The Ozarks and northwest Arkansas use cool-season grasses — primarily Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass — that perform well in the region's cooler winters and moderate summers, while the Arkansas Delta and river lowlands in the south and east favor Bermuda, Centipede, and St. Augustine. This north-south divide means the state effectively has two completely different mowing calendars. For northern Arkansas cool-season lawns, summer management mirrors the broader transition zone approach: raise Fescue to 90mm through July and August, allow dormancy rather than forcing growth, and invest in fall rather than spring care. For southern warm-season lawns, the mowing season extends nearly year-round, with Bermuda requiring cuts from April through October and Centipede lawns demanding careful attention to avoid scalping — Centipede's extremely low fertility requirement and slow recovery from scalp damage make it one of the most easily damaged grasses in the state. Arkansas's high humidity creates persistent fungal disease pressure statewide; both Large Patch in warm-season lawns and Brown Patch in cool-season are seasonal constants. The most practical cultural control is consistent mowing at correct heights — overgrown, wet canopies hold moisture against the soil surface and create ideal disease incubation conditions. Central Arkansas communities like Little Rock sit in the transition zone where a single lawn sometimes contains both grass types, creating genuinely complex mowing decisions.
Arkansas Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start mowing my lawn in Arkansas?
Start mowing in Arkansas when grass shows active green growth and soil temperature exceeds 10°C. For zone 7b, this is typically March–April. Set mower at maximum height for the first 2–3 cuts.
What height should I mow Tall Fescue in Arkansas?
Tall Fescue in Arkansas should be maintained at 75mm during spring and fall, raised to 90mm in summer. Never cut below 50mm.
How often should I mow my lawn in Arkansas in summer?
In Arkansas's zone 7b climate, Tall Fescue typically needs mowing every 7–14 days in peak summer. If growth slows in heat, extend the interval.
When should I stop mowing my Arkansas lawn in fall?
Cool-season grasses in Arkansas can be mowed until the ground freezes — typically December. Final mow at 65mm.
Should I raise my mowing height in Arkansas summers?
Yes — raising mowing height by 15–25mm in summer is one of the most important adjustments for Arkansas lawns. Taller grass shades roots, retains soil moisture, and reduces heat stress. This applies to all grass types.