As a rule, never remove more than about one third of the grass blade in a single mow, and keep the height a little higher in summer to shade the soil and cope with heat. Cutting too short, or scalping, weakens the lawn and invites weeds.
The one-third rule
Whatever height you aim for, never remove more than about one third of the blade in a single mow. Cutting deeper shocks the grass, slows recovery and exposes the soil to weeds and heat.
Approximate heights by grass type
These ranges are a guide only, so check your specific variety:
- Buffalo: roughly 30 to 50 mm, a little higher in summer or in shade.
- Couch: roughly 15 to 30 mm, lower for a fine, sports-style finish.
- Kikuyu: roughly 30 to 50 mm.
- Zoysia: roughly 20 to 35 mm.
Go higher in summer and shade
Longer grass copes better with heat, shades the soil and keeps it cooler and moister. Raise the setting a notch in the hottest months and for lawns under trees, where light is limited and the grass needs more leaf to photosynthesise.
What scalping does
Cutting too short strips the green leaf, leaving brown stubble and exposed runners. The lawn then has to regrow from stored energy, weeds move in, and sun and heat can burn the exposed soil. If you have scalped the lawn, raise the height, water it and give it time before feeding.
Lawn mowing in Gympie
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Related reading
- Best Grass Types for Gympie Lawns — Which Turf is Right for You?
- How often should you mow your lawn in Gympie
- Why your lawn looks uneven after mowing
Frequently asked questions
What height should I set my mower to?
Start higher than you think and adjust down within the ranges for your grass type. You can always cut again, but you cannot put the grass back.
Is it okay to mow very short before winter?
A slightly lower last cut is fine for some grasses, but avoid scalping, particularly on lawns that stay green through winter.
Why does my lawn look better when it is slightly longer?
Longer grass looks fuller and greener and hides minor unevenness. It is also healthier for most lawns.
Does mowing height affect weeds?
Yes. Taller, thicker grass shades the soil and makes it harder for weed seed to germinate.