Texas Lawn Mowing Calendar
Published: February 1, 2026 · Updated: April 23, 2026
Texas's vast size creates some of the most diverse lawn environments in North America: the Panhandle's cold winters and dry climate, East Texas's pine-shaded humidity, the Hill Country's alkaline soils, and the Gulf Coast's subtropical conditions all demand different grass choices and mowing approaches. Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Buffalo Grass all play important roles.
Best Mowing Heights for Texas 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)
Texas Monthly Mowing Schedule
Based on St. Augustine Grass in zone 8b.
Mowing Tips for Texas
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 Texas Different
Mowing in Texas is shaped more by regional climate variation than any other US state. Coastal Texas from Houston to Corpus Christi operates in subtropical conditions with year-round St. Augustine Grass mowing, while Panhandle communities near Amarillo and Lubbock manage a short cool-season window or dryland Buffalo Grass. Central Texas Hill Country including Austin and San Antonio struggles with alkaline soils (pH 8.0+) that cause severe iron chlorosis in Bermuda and St. Augustine; chelated iron applications are a standard practice. Dallas-Fort Worth and the Blackland Prairie communities have extreme clay soils that compact severely and drain poorly — annual core aeration is essential for maintaining consistent mowing conditions. For Bermuda lawns, which dominate most of Texas, the mowing season runs from April through October at 25-50mm weekly, with late-March or early-April scalp-cutting to stimulate spring green-up. St. Augustine lawns, common across East Texas and the Gulf Coast, require maintenance at 75-100mm at all times — never below 75mm, even in regions where aesthetic norms favor shorter grass. Texas's chronic chinch bug pressure in St. Augustine is severe and often misdiagnosed as drought stress; raising mowing height is the most effective non-chemical control. Texas summers regularly bring 38-40°C heat waves with low humidity west of I-35 and high humidity east; morning mowing and sharp blades preserve grass appearance meaningfully better than afternoon cutting. Zoysia has become increasingly popular across Texas as a water-efficient alternative to both Bermuda (lower irrigation needs) and St. Augustine (less pest pressure).
Texas Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start mowing my lawn in Texas?
Start mowing in Texas 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 Texas?
St. Augustine Grass in Texas 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 Texas in summer?
In Texas'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 Texas lawn in fall?
Warm-season grasses in Texas go dormant when temperatures drop below 10°C — typically November. Final mow at 75mm.
Should I raise my mowing height in Texas summers?
Yes — raising mowing height by 15–25mm in summer is one of the most important adjustments for Texas lawns. Taller grass shades roots, retains soil moisture, and reduces heat stress. This applies to all grass types.