Just as some of us prefer the first cup of coffee in the morning and others thrive in the quiet of the evening, your lawn also has its best time to be mowed. Spoiler alert: If your lawn could talk, it would probably tell you that mid-morning, between 8 and 10 amIt is the ideal spot for cutting grass.
But it’s not just about when mowing the lawn, it’s also about when No Mow the lawn (keep the lawnmower off the grass during early morning or midday hours). Learn the secrets of each season and tackle the tricky question of grass length when mowing. Find out how often you should mow the lawn and when it’s time to sound the white flag and call in the professionals.
The best time of day to mow the lawn
Midmorning
Mid-morning, between 8 and 10 am, is the ideal time to mow the lawn. By now, the morning dew will have evaporated, leaving a dry, manageable canvas for your lawnmower.
Since the grass is no longer soaked with moisture, the blades can glide with ease and provide the clean, precise cut your lawn deserves.
Mowing mid-morning gives the grass enough time to recover and heal before the evening humidity arrives.
By the end of the afternoon
As the heat of the day begins to subside, the afternoon emerges as another golden window of opportunity to mow the lawn. From 4 to 6 pm, the scorching sun disappears, offering a much more hospitable environment for both you and your lawn.
As temperatures drop, you can expect a more comfortable outdoor experience. Plus, waiting until the evening will ensure that your grass has had enough time to dry from the morning dew, paving the way for a clean, efficient mowing.
Mowing your lawn at this time allows it to recover and recuperate before dusk and the evening dew sets in. It’s like giving your lawn a gentle care session to prepare it for a restful night’s sleep.
The worst time of day to mow the lawn
Early in the morning
Early in the morning, you may be tempted to grab the lawnmower and start your day by mowing the grass. But don’t forget your gardening gloves, because Early morning, between 6 and 8 am, is one of the worst times to mow the lawn.
During this time, the grass is shiny with morning dew, creating slippery, messy terrain that is difficult to navigate and can also damage your lawn mower.
As the blades try to cut through the moisture, instead of a clean cut, what you are left with is torn, ragged grass – a real nightmare!
Wet grass is not only a nuisance, but also an invitation to fungal diseases on your precious lawn. That’s why, although the early bird may catch the grub, it’s best to let the morning dew settle before you start up the lawnmower.
Noon
Before you fire up the lawnmower and embark on your midday lawn-mowing adventure, stop for a moment and consider this: During midday, your grass is photosynthesizing.
Mowing your lawn during the hottest hours of the day, from 10 a.m. to noon, could have some not-so-pleasant consequences. During this time, the grass is already working overtime to retain moisture and stay hydrated. If you interrupt this process, the grass can turn brown as the sun dries it out quickly.
Plus, putting your lawn through the stress of mowing in scorching heat can be like sending it on an endurance race with no water breaks. And let’s not forget about you: mowing in the midday sun can be exhausting. Leave mowing for the cooler, more forgiving hours of the day.
Mid afternoon
As the clock ticks past noon and into mid-afternoon, you may be tempted to mow the lawn. Mowing the lawn during this time, between 2 and 4 p.m., is a decision worth reconsidering.
Grass is still recovering from the impact of the midday sun and trying to retain every drop of moisture as the temperature continues to rise. Interrupting its recovery process with the blades of a lawnmower can leave grass feeling as wilted as a forgotten bouquet of flowers.
Plus, braving the scorching sun during peak afternoon hours can make mowing the lawn feel more like a sauna session than a stroll through the garden. So while the allure of a freshly cut lawn is undeniable, it’s best to let the grass and you enjoy a nap during the hottest part of the day.
Evening
As the sun sets, you may be tempted to quickly mow your lawn before the day is over. However, between 6 and 8 p.m., it is officially too late to mow the lawn.
You need to give your lawn a chance to heal and recover before you go to bed. Mowing too late in the evening doesn’t give the grass a chance to properly recover, leaving it vulnerable to diseases like fungus.
How short should you cut your grass?
The ideal cutting height for your lawn depends on several factors, including the type of grass you have, the season of the year, and its height. Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade in a single cut. Pay attention to the following tables:
Warm season grasses
| Grass species | Recommended cutting height (inches) | Mow the grass when it reaches this height (inches) |
| Bermuda grass | 1 to 1.5 | 1.5 to 2.5 |
| Buffalo grass | 2 to 4 | 2.5 to 5 |
| Bahia grass | 3 to 4 | 4 to 5.25 |
| Carpet grass | 1 to 2 | 1.25 to 2.5 |
| Centipede grass | 1.5 to 2 | 2 to 3 |
| St. Augustine Herb | 2.5 to 4 | 3.25 to 5.25 |
| Zoysia grass | 1 to 2.5 | 1.25 to 3.25 |
Cool season grasses
| Grass species | Recommended cutting height (inches) | Mow the grass when it reaches this height (inches) |
| Fine fescue | 2 to 4 | 2.5 to 5.25 |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2 to 3 | 3 to 4 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 to 3 | 2.5 to 4 |
| Tall fescue | 2 to 4 | 2.5 to 5.25 |
How often should you mow your lawn?
How often you should mow your lawn will depend on a few factors, such as the season and the type of grass you have in your yard. However, a rule of thumb is to plan to mow once a week during the growing season.
Of course, if your grass happens to grow quite long, you may need to use the lawnmower more often, perhaps every four days or so. But remember: Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This ensures that your lawn stays healthy.
When to cut the grass during the year?
During the year, the time to make the first cut of the year should be in spring, around mid-March.
From there, try to mow your lawn once a week during the growing season, adjusting the frequency depending on how fast your grass grows.
Consider the growing season for each type of grass. The growing season for cool-season grass begins in late spring and continues through summer and fall. For warm-season grass, the growing season begins in late spring and ends in early fall.
During the summer and fall, follow this rule: Mow your grass at the rate it grows and never remove more than one-third of its height.
In winter, it is best to give your lawnmower a rest. However, if you need to mow during this season, be careful. Mow the grass only when it is dry and no frost is expected for at least 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Care and Mowing
What should I do with grass clippings?
You have three simple options when it comes to grass clippings: mulch them, bag them, or dispose of them.
What is the difference between mowing and edging a lawn?
Horizontal mowing involves clearing areas that the mower cannot reach, such as around obstacles or along fences. It is ideal for removing grass and weeds that detract from the overall appearance of the lawn.
On the other hand, edging makes vertical cuts along paths, borders, and flower beds. This helps create clean lines and defines the edges of your lawn, giving it a polished look (check out this guide on 8 common mistakes when pruning trees).
Is there a difference between a weed whacker and a brush cutter?
No, there is no difference between a weed whacker and a grass trimmer. Both terms refer to the same tool that is used to cut weeds along the edges of your lawn. Additionally, this tool is also known as a string trimmer (here’s a guide on how to weed your lawn like a pro).
Hire a professional for the job
Mowing a beautiful lawn can be a chore, requiring time, patience and a green thumb. If you don’t have enough hours in the day to tend to every blade of grass or you simply prefer to spend your weekends relaxing rather than behind a lawnmower, don’t worry!
Call a lawn care professional to do the mowing for you. With their experience and specialized equipment, they will leave your lawn beautiful and you can enjoy it without having to put in the effort.
Main image credit: irontrybex /Adobe Stock/ License
Cecilia Acevedo
Cecilia is a home expert who specializes in gardens. When she’s not writing about how to live comfortably, she’s researching the world of gardening. Cecilia shares practical tips to make your outdoor space thrive. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and join her in cultivating a greener life through her stories filled with gardening knowledge and love for the outdoors.
