Insect infestations, increased water needs, and lawn diseases are just some of the signs you are cutting your grass too short. Other signs include a sudden surge of weed growth, brown patches, uneven grass growth, or wilting in warm weather.
Since lawn mowing can be tedious and time-consuming, it’s only natural to look for shortcuts. You may be tempted to cut your grass really short in the hopes of saving money, time, and effort. But in truth, you’re actually inviting more problems.
What happens when you mow your grass too short?
Cutting your grass too short can negatively impact your lawn’s health and appearance. And if you keep doing it, the effect can snowball and lead to more severe issues down the line.
Even if it’s not your intention to mow your lawn until there’s no more grass in sight, you might find yourself in this situation at some point. Fortunately, your lawn will show tell-tale signs if you’ve made the mistake of mowing your grass too short. Watch for the following signs:
1. Uneven grass growth
Cutting below the recommended height for your specific grass can hinder grass regrowth in some areas of your lawn, and eventually lead to uneven grass growth. Your grasses will now have to compete with each other for the nutrients available in the soil and find it difficult to generate nutrients from photosynthesis.
So, if you want to avoid scalping the top layer of your lawn, remember to follow the one-third mowing rule.
In some instances, though, lawn scalping happens due to faulty mower blades. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your lawn mower in top condition at all times. If you need lawn mower service or repair, expect to spend anywhere from $10 to $275, depending on factors like the type of mower.
2. Sudden surge of weed growth
Due to lawn scalping, your turf will become thin and sparse — creating spaces for weeds to start invading. And if weeds continuously sprout, your lawn will have to focus on recovery instead of developing and deepening its root system.
With your grasses struggling to grow back, they won’t have the strength to fend off these lawn invaders. As a result, the weeds will grow more aggressively and take over your lawn in no time.
I learned this lesson the hard way. Several years ago, I cut my grass too short in an effort to save time due to my busy work schedule. Clusters of clover started growing in the sparse areas. Not knowing that clover is a weed and because of the belief that it brings good luck, I let them be and even nurtured them. Soon enough, they proliferated and almost took over my lawn.
Don’t make the same mistake. Familiarize yourself with the most common lawn weeds so you’ll know what to look for and take action right away.
3. Brown patches start to appear
If you let your mower blades cut too low, you’ll be more likely to cut into your grasses’ crown or growing point, killing them in the process. Even if they survive the cut, the damage done can attract fungus which can cause brown spots to appear.
Most homeowners would resort to using fertilizer when the brown patches become apparent. However, it’s best to avoid doing this as it will just make things worse. These patches usually go away on their own, so it’s best to apply fertilizer only when the grasses have recovered.
4. Grass blades wilt in warm weather
When the season heats up, your grasses need to be at their recommended height so they can provide their crowns enough shade. Imagine how excruciating it feels to be exposed to the heat of the summer sun for several hours every day. So, you’ll understand how it can cause a lot of stress to your turf.
If your lawn is having a tough time in the heat, you’ll notice brown grass blades growing together with green ones. To ensure your lawn is more resilient to wilting in warm weather, avoid cutting your grass too short.
Can’t wait to learn more about the right mowing height for your grass? Skip to this section:
How long to cut your grass
5. Diseases can appear
Kris Lord | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
Cutting your grass too short can weaken it, making it hard to fend off lawn diseases. With a weakened root system, your lawn becomes more vulnerable and susceptible to diseases like summer patch and red thread.
According to Nancy Doubrava, former horticulture information specialist at Clemson University’s Home and Garden Information Center, you may experience an increase in disease severity if you mow your lawn lower than the recommended mowing height.
6. Grass needs more water
The length of the grass has a direct effect on the development of its roots. Cutting your grass too short can make it more susceptible to stressors that impede the growth of the roots. As such, it becomes less efficient in absorbing water and other nutrients.
Since your lawn loses moisture faster through evaporation, you’ll find yourself watering your lawn more often than usual. Apart from wasting resources, you’ll also shell out more money on your water bill.
7. Insect infestation
Many species of lawn insects are actually beneficial — from the ladybugs that feed on aphids to the ants that help break down organic matter in the soil.
But if your grass becomes weak due to cutting it too short, it can be a magnet to pests. And when your yard suffers from an infestation, even the presence of beneficial insects is no match for lawn pests that can be fatal to your grasses.
Why optimal grass height matters
Mowing the grass within its optimal height range means a healthier and more appealing lawn in the long run. While you might have to mow your lawn a little more frequently, the benefits far outweigh the extra time and effort. Some of the advantages include:
- Photosynthesis: Your grass will have enough surface in the leaf or blade area for photosynthesis, which helps in both leaf and root development.
- Crown safety: With the grass blades mowed at the right height, you’re eliminating the possibility of cutting the crown of the grass. Plus, the blades can provide the crown with adequate shade.
- Resilience: Since there’s no need for your lawn to exert effort for recovery, it remains strong and becomes resilient to heat, pests, and other environmental conditions.
- Efficient absorption: If there’s no compromise in the root development, the grasses can absorb nutrients and water more efficiently. If you have compacted soil, remember to aerate your lawn for better nutrient and water absorption.
How long should you cut your grass?
Generally, the grass height should be around 2 ½ to 3 inches. But while staying within this range should be safe, the recommended mowing height for each type of grass differs.
Here’s a quick overview of the recommended mowing height for the most common grass types:
| Grass species | Recommended mow height (inches) | Mow when it reaches this height (inches) |
| Annual ryegrass | 1.5 – 2 | 2.25 – 3 |
| Bahiagrass | 3 – 4 | 4 – 4.5 |
| Bermudagrass (common) | 1 – 2 | 1.5 – 3 |
| Bermudagrass (hybrid) | 0.5 – 1.5 | 0.75 – 2.25 |
| Buffalograss | 1 – 2 | 1.5 – 3 |
| Centipedegrass | 1 – 2 | 1.5 – 3 |
| Colonial bentgrass | 0.5 – 1 | 0.75 – 1.5 |
| Creeping bentgrass | 0.5 or less | 0.75 |
| Dichondra | 0.5 – 0.75 | 0.75 – 1.125 |
| Fine fescue | 2.5 – 4 | 3.75 – 4.5 |
| Hard fescue | 1.5 – 2.5 | 2.25 – 3.75 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 3 | 3 – 4.5 |
| Kikuyugrass | 1 – 1.5 | 1.5 – 2.25 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 | 2.25 – 3.75 |
| Red fescue | 1.5 – 2.5 | 2.25 – 3.75 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 3 | 3.75 – 4.5 |
| Tall fescue | 1.5 – 3 | 2.5 – 4 |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.5 – 1 | 0.75 – 1.5 |
Pro tip: Don’t let your grass grow taller than 6 to 8 inches before mowing it. If the grass blades are too long, you risk tearing them off instead of cutting them cleanly. Also, trimming long grass blades can result in too many clippings that can turn into a thick thatch layer if left untouched. Plus, you’ll have to mow several times to get your lawn to the right height.
FAQ about cutting your grass
How do I avoid mowing my grass too short?
The best way to avoid cutting your grass too short is to hire professional lawn mowing services. But if you want to do the mowing yourself, remember to mow your lawn regularly, following the recommended cutting height for your type of grass.
Additionally, avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the grass blade’s length in one mowing session. If your lawn’s terrain is uneven, don’t forget to adjust the mower’s height accordingly.
Will grass come back after cutting too short?
Yes, the grass will naturally recover from being cut too short. Depending on how short you cut it, it could take up to three weeks before your lawn recovers completely.
If you can’t wait and want to seed certain areas of your lawn, you can check this guide on the best ways to grow grass fast.
Should I water my lawn immediately after cutting it?
No, it’s not good to water your lawn right after cutting it. Allow at least an hour before watering your lawn so as not to stress it. Doing so also will help ensure the freshly cut grass can absorb more moisture quickly.
Free yourself from the usual mowing woes
While you can avoid these issues by following the clear-cut rules on how long to cut your grass, other factors also can cause these lawn problems. Taking care of your lawn doesn’t stop on the last mow of the season. So, if you don’t find lawn care to be satisfying and fun, Lawn Love can connect you with a lawn care pro who can handle these things on your behalf.
Main Image Credit: Andrii | Adobe Stock Free | License
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