- Rules for Mowing Tall Grass<\/a><\/li>
- Step-by-Step Guide for Mowing Tall Grass<\/a><\/li>
- Lawn Care Tips for After Mowing<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Mowing Height For Your Grass Type<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About Overgrown Lawn<\/a><\/li>
- Call In the Pros<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Rules for Mowing Tall Grass<\/h2>
![\"One](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_ls-one-third-rule-illustration-1.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> Are you tempted to cut your long, dense lawn in one go? We get it. But, unfortunately, that\u2019s not the best approach. Cutting too much grass at once can cause trouble. Wondering why?<\/p>
Well, it\u2019s all about keeping your grass and mower happy and healthy. Your poor mower might groan, overheat, or clog up. And you could damage the very grass you\u2019re trying to tidy up. So, the best way to handle this is a gradual approach, especially if your lawn\u2019s already thick at the bottom. <\/p>
Depending on the grass’s height, this may take between several days to 2 weeks. Stick with it through; your perseverance will surely pay off.<\/p>
Before you start chopping away, remember the following green thumb rules:<\/p>
- The One-Third Rule: <\/strong>Trimming more than one-third of the grass blade at a time can shock your grass and may end up dehydrating it. This can lead to brown patches and an overall dull-looking yard. <\/li>
- Recovery Time: <\/strong>Mowing down tall grass isn\u2019t a one-and-done task. Space out your mowing sessions between 2 to 4 days, each time<\/strong> cutting off another third of the height until you reach your desired lawn level.<\/li> <\/ul>
There are two scenarios a homeowner may encounter regarding tall grass:<\/p>
- Mildly Tall Grass<\/strong>: Almost everyone familiar with lawn care has faced this level of overgrowth at least once. When left unattended for a few weeks,<\/strong> the grass on your lawn can reach this mildly tall state. The good news? It\u2019s still manageable and won\u2019t need arduous work to get it back to looking neat again. <\/li> <\/ol>
If your tall grass is up to 6 inches tall (no taller), a good mower with a sharp blade and a bit of determination in your stride should do the trick. Just make sure to start with your mower\u2019s highest setting and gradually lower it over subsequent mowings. <\/p>
- Wildly Tall Grass: <\/strong>While most urban homeowners in the US rarely face this level of overgrowth, those in rural areas or places with lots of rain and sun might deal with extreme grass growth. <\/li> <\/ol>
Wildly tall grass is more of a beast to tackle. With grass reaching ankle or even knee height<\/strong>, it can feel like you\u2019re in a serious battle with nature\u2019s own green giant. Here, you\u2019ll need additional tools, such as a string trimmer, and much more patience. <\/p>
But let\u2019s see how to cut tall grass step by step.<\/p>
Step-by-Step Guide for Mowing Tall Grass<\/h2>
Step 1. Gather The Right Tools for the Task<\/h3>
![\"Shed](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shed-with-tools.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tool Dude8mm<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Mowing high grass is more than a regular lawn job. You\u2019ll need extra tools and safety gear. Tall grass can hide surprises like rocks and sticks, and you don\u2019t want those flying at your face. <\/p>
Here’s what you need on your mowing mission:<\/p>
- Lawn mower<\/strong>: Sure, it seems obvious, but ensure your lawn mower is up to scratch. If blades are blunt, consider getting them professionally sharpened or replaced. Your mower should have a strong engine and adjustable cut height settings for the best results. <\/strong>Here\u2019s our guide, “How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades<\/a>.\u201d<\/li>
- Trimmer\/Brush Cutter: <\/strong>A line trimmer, also known as a \u2018weed eater\u2019 or \u2018weed wacker,\u2019 especially cordless versions such as battery-powered ones, can be nimble to ally tall grass stalks before bringing in the lawn mower. If your lawn has thick, wild growth, consider using a brush cutter to get things under control.<\/li> <\/ul>
A scythe <\/strong>can also be an effective tool for tackling long grass, especially if you\u2019re dealing with smaller areas, but keep in mind that it requires a bit of practice. <\/p>
- Rake or Leaf Blower:<\/strong> These are ideal for gathering clippings that can be composted<\/a> or bagged up. <\/li>
- Protective Gear: <\/strong>Get your goggles on or a face shield, along with ear protection. Slip into long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves; no one wants cuts or scratches. <\/li>
- Other Garden Tools (Optional): <\/strong>Consider using a weed puller or trowel to deal with any weeds lurking within your tall grass.<\/li> <\/ul>
Step 2. Check the Weather<\/h3>
Mowing isn\u2019t a rain or shine chore. You have to mow on a sunny, dry day, and here\u2019s why:<\/p>
- Wet Grass Is Slippery:<\/strong> It makes it harder for the mower blades to cut cleanly, often resulting in uneven trims. <\/li>
- Possibility of Lawn Damage: <\/strong>There\u2019s a chance your mower wheels might slide on wet grass, causing more harm than good. <\/li>
- Delayed healing:<\/strong> Clippings from wet grass can prevent sunlight from reaching the lower parts of your lawn, slowing down recovery.<\/li> <\/ul>
So, check the weather forecast to ensure you\u2019re setting out on a clear day with no predicted rain or storms. Even better, if possible, make sure there’s no rain predicted for the next week.<\/p>
Step 3. Scan Your Lawn For Obstacles<\/h3>
![\"Feet](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Walking-on-grass.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: bilanol<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Take a stroll through your tall grass. Check for any obstacles that could potentially damage your mower or be dangerous if they were hit by the speeding blades. <\/p>
Hiding within the tall grass could be anything from fallen sticks, dog toys and bones, large rocks, and even kids\u2019 playthings, objects that are hard for you to spot but great at causing problems during mowing. <\/p>
Heads Up: <\/strong>There might be some critters hiding in the tall grass (for example, voles), so give them a chance to find new shelter before you start mowing. Also, be sure to check for any anthills or underground nests. <\/p>
Step 4. Start High: Trimming Overgrown Grass<\/h3>
Knee-high grass isn\u2019t an ideal starting point for a mower, so step up with a trimmer or brush cutter first. This will lop off the top section of your lawn, making it easier to tackle what\u2019s left later through mowing. <\/p>
Here\u2019s how:<\/p>
- Begin at one end of your yard and slowly walk to the other hand, cutting tall blades down to about half their height. <\/strong><\/li>
- Move in a slow, steady, side-to-side motion, overlapping each pass<\/strong> to prevent strips of untouched grass.<\/li>
- Gather the clippings after first trimming <\/strong>down to help avoid suffocating your lawn, and it also deprives any hiding pests of their shelter. <\/li>
- Don\u2019t rush into the next cut on your list.<\/strong> Let the lawn enjoy a little recovery session – two or four days should do the trick. <\/li>
- Repeat the trimming process until the grass is around 6 inches tall, <\/strong>waiting a few days in between each cut.<\/li> <\/ol>
*Note:<\/strong> In special cases of severely long grass, you need to break the \u2018never remove more than one third\u2019 <\/strong>rule and initially cut up to half its length. Afterward, when your grass is at a manageable mowing height, shift back to the usual \u2018cut one-third’ routine for lawn recovery and maintenance.<\/p>
Step 5. Weed It Out: Getting Ready For Mowing<\/h3>
![\"Gloves,](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Weeding.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ruth Hartnup<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you think trimming is all for mowing tall grass, you\u2019re in for a surprise. When left unattended for long periods, your lawn, in addition to growing frighteningly tall grass, also creates an ideal climate for weeds.<\/p>
Here\u2019s the approach we recommend to prep your landscape before hitting it with the mower:<\/p>
- Identify The Weeds:<\/strong> Look closely to recognize the common intruders, such as crabgrass, dandelions, or thistles in your lawn.<\/li>
- Pull Or Dig Out Weeds<\/strong>: Equip yourself with gloves and manual tools like a weed puller or trowel to dig out, especially the uproot, which is vital for weed survival.<\/li>
- Spot-Treat With Herbicide (Optional)<\/strong>: For larger patches of weed, apply a targeted herbicide directly on the weeds. <\/li>
- Allow Time For The Herbicide To Work:<\/strong> Give it a few days so that the solution is properly absorbed by the targeted weed for better results. <\/li>
- Rake Away Debris<\/strong>: Once they\u2019ve wilted away post-herbicide treatment, rake off the dead weeds. Clearing this debris prepares your turf for a smooth mowing session. <\/li> <\/ol>
Step 6. Mow It Down<\/h3>
![\"person](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pexels-magic-k-6728926-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Now that your long grass has been tamed a fair bit, the weeds have been dealt with, and you\u2019ve waited 2 to 4 days, it\u2019s finally time to bring out the lawnmower. <\/p>
Starting out, adjust your mower\u2019s deck height to the correct level; that way, you ensure there\u2019ll be no more than one-third of the grass blade height getting shaved during this mowing run. <\/p>
So, for instance, if your cut grass is now standing tall at 6 inches<\/strong> (as recommended in the previous step), set the deck to 4 inches high<\/strong>. This will remove 2 inches, which is just about the right amount, one-third of the current height. <\/p>
Pro tips:<\/p>
- Using an orderly pattern <\/strong>(think back-and-forth or in spirals), run the mower over your entire yard.<\/li>
- Gradually decrease the cutting height<\/strong> with each subsequent mow every few days until you reach an ideal level of three to four inches for cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass or about one to two inches for warm-season varieties. <\/li>
- Overlap your rows a bit, as you did while trimming.<\/strong> This ensures an even cut and covers any spaces you might have missed in the previous pass. <\/li>
- Leave the clippings where they fall. <\/strong>As long as they\u2019re small (about one inch or smaller), they can decompose quickly, nourishing your soil with natural fertilizers and nutrients. <\/li>
- Water your lawn properly after mowing.<\/strong> This will help keep the grass hydrated and healthy, promoting new growth. <\/li>
- Wait for a few days between every mow. <\/strong>This is to give your grass some recovery time.<\/li> <\/ul>
*Note:<\/strong> The entire process might take about a week or two with repeated cuttings depending on how tall the initial overgrowth was, but be patient. Your garden hasn\u2019t turned into a meadow overnight and cannot be recovered in a single afternoon. <\/p>
Step 7. Edge and Tidy Up (Optional)<\/h3>
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Edging-lawn.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: olrat<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Edging is like dotting an \u2018i\u2019 – a finishing touch that elevates your lawn from merely presentable to perfection. It\u2019s simple: use an edger tool or a string trimmer (held vertically) and cleanly carve out the boundaries by cutting excess growth leading onto paths or flowerbeds. Leave no blade untrimmed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
Need help to achieve the perfect finish on your lawn’s edge? Check out these articles:<\/p>
- How to Edge a Lawn<\/a><\/li>
- How to Edge a Lawn With a String Trimmer<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Next, use a leaf blower to tidy up any remaining grass clippings or debris left behind from the mowing process. <\/p>
Lawn Care Tips for After Mowing<\/h2>
![\"Fertilizing](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fertilizing-lawn.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: maykal<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Now that you\u2019ve managed to handle your tall grass don’t let it become overgrown again. Switch gears from rescue mode to maintenance mode and keep things in check. <\/p>
First of all, don\u2019t forget to mow regularly. Other maintenance tasks to keep your lawn looking its best include, but are not limited to:<\/p>
- Watering:<\/strong> It\u2019s important to water your lawn well after cutting tall grass. This helps it recover and grow back quickly. Then, water it 1 to 1.5 inches per week in two or three sessions. Need more tips on watering your lawn? Here is our guide: “How Often Should I Water My Lawn?<\/a>\u201d<\/li>
- Fertilizing:<\/strong> Boost new growth with a high-nitrogen fertilizer. After tackling tall grass, fertilization supports strong leaf growth from the roots below ground level. Always refer to product guidelines for optimal utilization and scheduling. (Here is our guide: “How to Fertilize Your Lawn<\/a>\u201d)<\/li>
- Overseeding:<\/strong> A lawn recovering from a heavy trim may have thinned out areas. Overseed any patchy spots to encourage denser growth. Early fall is ideal for overseeding cool-season grasses, while spring works for warm-season varieties. Looking to learn the best way to overseed your yard? Check out this easy guide on lawn overseeding.<\/a>\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>
Just stepped into homeownership and clueless about lawn care? Check out our straightforward, easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide titled “Lawn Care for Beginners<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
The Best Mowing Height For Your Grass Type<\/h2>
As a rule of thumb, it is best not to allow your grass to grow more than three to four inches tall.<\/strong> This might require mowing once or twice a week during the growing season and less often during dormant periods. <\/p>
However, mowing a lawn the right way<\/a> can be tricky, as it depends on several factors, including:<\/p>
- Type of grass;<\/li>
- The time of year;<\/li>
- Local climate conditions;<\/li>
- Watering and fertilizing frequency<\/li>
- The level of traffic your lawn receives.<\/li> <\/ul>
Warm-Season Grass<\/h3>
Warm-season grasses are known for their resilience in high heat and aridity. They do well with sunlight, regular watering, and a proper mowing routine. <\/p>
To avoid damage to your lawn, here are the most suitable heights for warm-season grass types: <\/p>
- Fertilizing:<\/strong> Boost new growth with a high-nitrogen fertilizer. After tackling tall grass, fertilization supports strong leaf growth from the roots below ground level. Always refer to product guidelines for optimal utilization and scheduling. (Here is our guide: “How to Fertilize Your Lawn<\/a>\u201d)<\/li>
- How to Edge a Lawn With a String Trimmer<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Gradually decrease the cutting height<\/strong> with each subsequent mow every few days until you reach an ideal level of three to four inches for cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass or about one to two inches for warm-season varieties. <\/li>
- Pull Or Dig Out Weeds<\/strong>: Equip yourself with gloves and manual tools like a weed puller or trowel to dig out, especially the uproot, which is vital for weed survival.<\/li>
- Move in a slow, steady, side-to-side motion, overlapping each pass<\/strong> to prevent strips of untouched grass.<\/li>
- Possibility of Lawn Damage: <\/strong>There\u2019s a chance your mower wheels might slide on wet grass, causing more harm than good. <\/li>
- Protective Gear: <\/strong>Get your goggles on or a face shield, along with ear protection. Slip into long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves; no one wants cuts or scratches. <\/li>
- Trimmer\/Brush Cutter: <\/strong>A line trimmer, also known as a \u2018weed eater\u2019 or \u2018weed wacker,\u2019 especially cordless versions such as battery-powered ones, can be nimble to ally tall grass stalks before bringing in the lawn mower. If your lawn has thick, wild growth, consider using a brush cutter to get things under control.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Lawn mower<\/strong>: Sure, it seems obvious, but ensure your lawn mower is up to scratch. If blades are blunt, consider getting them professionally sharpened or replaced. Your mower should have a strong engine and adjustable cut height settings for the best results. <\/strong>Here\u2019s our guide, “How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades<\/a>.\u201d<\/li>
- Wildly Tall Grass: <\/strong>While most urban homeowners in the US rarely face this level of overgrowth, those in rural areas or places with lots of rain and sun might deal with extreme grass growth. <\/li> <\/ol>
- Recovery Time: <\/strong>Mowing down tall grass isn\u2019t a one-and-done task. Space out your mowing sessions between 2 to 4 days, each time<\/strong> cutting off another third of the height until you reach your desired lawn level.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Step-by-Step Guide for Mowing Tall Grass<\/a><\/li>