Georgia Lawn Mowing Calendar
Published: February 1, 2026 · Updated: April 23, 2026
Georgia's warm humid climate and long growing season support extensive warm-season grass use: Bermuda dominates most of the state, with Centipede common in the southern third and Zoysia increasingly popular in Atlanta's northern suburbs. Tall Fescue is a minority choice in the cooler northern mountains.
Best Mowing Heights for Georgia Lawns
St. Augustine Grass
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)
Centipede Grass
Ideal: 38mm (1.5")
Summer: 45mm (1.8")
Never below: 25mm
Mow every: 14 days (peak)
Zoysia Grass
Ideal: 38mm (1.5")
Summer: 45mm (1.8")
Never below: 13mm
Mow every: 14 days (peak)
Georgia Monthly Mowing Schedule
Based on St. Augustine Grass in zone 8a.
Mowing Tips for Georgia
Never mow during peak afternoon heat (12–4pm) in summer. Morning mowing reduces heat stress on cut grass.
Raise mowing height by 15–25mm during heat waves. Taller grass shades roots and reduces soil moisture loss by up to 25%.
Never remove more than one-third of the blade in a single mow. Removing too much causes shock, browning, and weed invasion.
What Makes Mowing in Georgia Different
Georgia's mowing season begins in late March or early April with Bermuda green-up and runs hard through October, with only a brief winter slowdown in November and February. The state's humid summer creates intense disease pressure that shapes mowing practices statewide. Atlanta's urban heat island and heavy red clay soils present particularly challenging conditions — Brown Patch in Fescue lawns (common in north Atlanta suburbs) and Large Patch in Bermuda are both serious threats from June through August. Morning mowing, correct heights, and avoiding evening irrigation provide significantly better disease control than any fungicide program. For Bermuda lawns — the state's most common grass — maintain 25-50mm during the growing season with consistent weekly mowing. Bermuda scalped in spring to remove winter debris greens up faster and denser than unscalped lawns, but scalping should be completed before soil temperatures exceed 15°C. Georgia's red clay soils are iconic but problematic for lawn management: they compact severely under traffic and become waterlogged after the state's frequent summer thunderstorms. Annual core aeration in late August prepares for fall recovery and maintains reasonable mowing conditions throughout the year. The mountain communities in northeast Georgia — Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and the Helen corridor — have enough elevation to support cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue, and their mowing calendar looks more like North Carolina or Tennessee than the rest of Georgia.
Georgia Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start mowing my lawn in Georgia?
Start mowing in Georgia when grass shows active green growth and soil temperature exceeds 10°C. For zone 8a, this is typically February–March. Set mower at maximum height for the first 2–3 cuts.
What height should I mow St. Augustine Grass in Georgia?
St. Augustine Grass in Georgia 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 Georgia in summer?
In Georgia's zone 8a climate, St. Augustine Grass typically needs mowing every 7–14 days in peak summer. If growth slows in heat, extend the interval.
When should I stop mowing my Georgia lawn in fall?
Warm-season grasses in Georgia go dormant when temperatures drop below 10°C — typically November. Final mow at 75mm.
Should I raise my mowing height in Georgia summers?
Yes — raising mowing height by 15–25mm in summer is one of the most important adjustments for Georgia lawns. Taller grass shades roots, retains soil moisture, and reduces heat stress. This applies to all grass types.