Mississippi Lawn Mowing Calendar
Published: February 1, 2026 · Updated: April 23, 2026
Mississippi's hot, humid Gulf Coast climate and heavy clay soils create a demanding environment for warm-season grasses that is distinctly different from most of the continental US. St. Augustine and Centipede dominate, and both require careful management to survive the state's intense summer combination of heat, humidity, and thunderstorm rainfall.
Best Mowing Heights for Mississippi 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)
Mississippi Monthly Mowing Schedule
Based on St. Augustine Grass in zone 8b.
Mowing Tips for Mississippi
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 Mississippi Different
Mowing in Mississippi is a near-year-round activity with a brief winter slowdown rather than a true dormant period. St. Augustine Grass is the most common lawn grass across the southern two-thirds of the state, and it requires management fundamentally different from the cool-season grasses common in northern states. Maintain St. Augustine at 75-100mm at all times — cutting below 75mm removes the runners (stolons) that the grass needs to spread and recover, and scalped St. Augustine in Mississippi's summer heat simply does not recover in the same season. The state's Gulf Coast proximity means Chinch Bugs are a constant summer threat; they cause drought-stress-like browning in irregular patches and are far more active in closely-mowed, heat-stressed lawns. Raising mowing height is one of the most effective non-chemical chinch bug management tools available. Mississippi receives some of the highest annual rainfall in the continental US — 55 to 65 inches depending on location — which means grass grows almost continuously from March through October and mowing intervals are often seven days or shorter during peak season. The heavy rainfall also means disease pressure, particularly Large Patch (a warm-season relative of Brown Patch), is endemic in most years. Never mow in the evening during humid periods; morning mowing and prompt clipping removal significantly reduce spore spread. Centipede, the second most common grass, is even more sensitive — fertilize sparingly, mow infrequently at 50-65mm, and resist the temptation to over-manage a grass designed for low inputs.
Mississippi Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start mowing my lawn in Mississippi?
Start mowing in Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
St. Augustine Grass in Mississippi 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 Mississippi in summer?
In Mississippi'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 Mississippi lawn in fall?
Warm-season grasses in Mississippi go dormant when temperatures drop below 10°C — typically November. Final mow at 75mm.
Should I raise my mowing height in Mississippi summers?
Yes — raising mowing height by 15–25mm in summer is one of the most important adjustments for Mississippi lawns. Taller grass shades roots, retains soil moisture, and reduces heat stress. This applies to all grass types.