Louisiana Lawn Mowing Calendar
Published: February 1, 2026 · Updated: April 23, 2026
Louisiana's subtropical climate, abundant summer rainfall, and famously heavy clay soils create one of the most challenging residential lawn environments in the country. St. Augustine dominates in southern parishes while Bermuda is more common in the north, and both grasses demand specific management for Louisiana's persistent heat, humidity, and disease pressure.
Best Mowing Heights for Louisiana 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)
Louisiana Monthly Mowing Schedule
Based on St. Augustine Grass in zone 8b.
Mowing Tips for Louisiana
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 Louisiana Different
Mowing in Louisiana is a year-round commitment with no true dormant period for most lawns. St. Augustine Grass is the most common lawn grass across southern Louisiana including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the bayou parishes, and it requires specific management to survive the state's combined heat, humidity, and waterlogged soil conditions. Maintain St. Augustine at 75-100mm at all times — the grass's broad blades and stolon-based spread pattern mean that scalping below 75mm removes the runners the grass needs to recover, and in Louisiana's summer heat, scalped St. Augustine simply does not regrow in the same season. The state receives 55-65 inches of annual rainfall depending on location, with the majority falling in intense summer thunderstorms that saturate the heavy clay soils common throughout Louisiana. Mowing waterlogged clay causes severe compaction and ruts that persist the entire growing season; waiting for the top two inches of soil to drain before mowing is essential. Louisiana's chronic Chinch Bug pressure in St. Augustine lawns is severe — these insects cause irregular patches of brown grass that look like drought stress but are actually insect damage, and they are far more active in closely-mowed, heat-stressed lawns. Raising mowing height is the single most effective non-chemical chinch bug management strategy. Louisiana hurricanes and tropical storms require specific lawn preparation: cut grass short enough before storms to prevent wind-lay damage, but not so short that post-storm saltwater exposure causes further injury.
Louisiana Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start mowing my lawn in Louisiana?
Start mowing in Louisiana when grass shows active green growth and soil temperature exceeds 10°C. For zone 8b, 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 Louisiana?
St. Augustine Grass in Louisiana 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 Louisiana in summer?
In Louisiana's zone 8b 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 Louisiana lawn in fall?
Warm-season grasses in Louisiana go dormant when temperatures drop below 10°C — typically November. Final mow at 75mm.
Should I raise my mowing height in Louisiana summers?
Yes — raising mowing height by 15–25mm in summer is one of the most important adjustments for Louisiana lawns. Taller grass shades roots, retains soil moisture, and reduces heat stress. This applies to all grass types.