{"id":26056,"date":"2024-07-11T16:19:50","date_gmt":"2024-07-11T16:19:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=26056"},"modified":"2025-07-10T02:29:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T02:29:29","slug":"one-third-rule-of-mowing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/one-third-rule-of-mowing\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the One-Third Rule of Mowing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The one-third rule says you shouldn&#8217;t cut more than one-third of grass&#8217;s height per mow. Hence, it&#8217;s best to mow when the turf is 50% taller than ideal. Doing so helps lawns look lively and lush.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our article explains all the ins and outs of one-third mowing, including how it works, why it matters, and how to apply it each season. Using reputable research, personal practice, and expert interviews, we left no stone unturned. Now, we break it all down in an easy-to-follow guide.&nbsp;<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-4861ded7-a0b3-4008-b9cc-a9fc1b7396e4\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">More about the one-third rule:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/one-third-rule-of-mowing\/#0-understanding-the-one-third-rule\" style=\"\">Understanding the one-third rule<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/one-third-rule-of-mowing\/#1-why-the-one-third-rule-matters-\" style=\"\">Why the one-third rule matters\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/one-third-rule-of-mowing\/#6-how-to-apply-the-one-third-rule\" style=\"\">How to apply the one-third rule<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/one-third-rule-of-mowing\/#11-faq-about-the-one-third-rule\" style=\"\">FAQ about the one-third rule<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-understanding-the-one-third-rule\"><span id=\"understanding-the-one-third-rule\">Understanding the one-third rule<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-one-third-rule-illustration.png\" alt=\"illustration explaining the one-third rule for mowing grass\" class=\"wp-image-5960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-one-third-rule-illustration.png 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-one-third-rule-illustration-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-one-third-rule-illustration-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-one-third-rule-illustration-610x343.png 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-one-third-rule-illustration-390x219.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez <\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The one-third rule of mowing tells you not to trim more than \u2153 of the turf&#8217;s height. So, at least \u2154 of the grass blade tissue remains. For example, if the grass is 3 inches tall, don&#8217;t cut off more than 1 inch. It&#8217;s simple yet vital to maintaining a healthy lawn.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About 60 years ago, U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists figured it out. The one-third rule has remained the gold standard ever since. Thus, it is the first step in understanding <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-mow-lawn\/\">how to mow the lawn<\/a> correctly.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-why-the-one-third-rule-matters-\"><span id=\"why-the-one-third-rule-matters\">Why the one-third rule matters&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The way a good stylist helps your hair, proper mowing matters to your lawn. Following the one-third rule strengthens grass blades and invigorates growth.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I asked Dr. Grady Miller, a distinguished professor in Turfgrass Management at NC State University, why the one-third rule is important.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFirst, it is an easy-to-explain concept. Using it can help prevent (shock) when a significant amount of top growth is removed at once. This often cuts into the stem of the plant, rather than just leaf material. Turfgrass plants may not recover as quickly from the stress of those severe (low) cuts as well.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following this rule has significant benefits.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-%E2%9C%94-fosters-photosynthesis\"><span id=\"%e2%9c%94-fosters-photosynthesis\">\u2714 Fosters photosynthesis<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plants get energy from photosynthesis like people get energy from eating. Lacking stomachs, grass turns light into storable energy by absorbing sunlight and carbon dioxide through its blades.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cutting off too much blade tissue is like giving the grass a gastric sleeve. The butchered blades can&#8217;t soak up as much sun and, thus, produce less energy. Following the one-third rule helps your lawn get the energy it needs to thrive.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-%E2%9C%94-aids-mineral-absorption\"><span id=\"%e2%9c%94-aids-mineral-absorption\">\u2714 Aids mineral absorption<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plants must also absorb water and minerals through their roots to photosynthesize. The most important minerals are <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-n-p-k\/\">NPK<\/a> \u2014 nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Grass with extensive roots slurp up hearty helpings of these nutrients.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since stunted grass blades can\u2019t store much energy, it uses most of its might to regrow blade tissue. This leaves roots unenergized, inhibiting their growth. As a result, grass absorbs less water and minerals.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-%E2%9C%94-creates-natural-mulch\"><span id=\"%e2%9c%94-creates-natural-mulch\">\u2714&nbsp; Creates natural mulch<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The one-third rule turns <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/ways-to-use-grass-clippings-as-mulch\/\">mulched grass clippings<\/a> into healthy <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-organic-fertilizer\/\">organic fertilizer<\/a>. The clippings quickly decompose into the soil, providing turf with essential minerals. It\u2019s one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/the-best-type-of-fertilizer-for-your-grass\/\">best types of lawn food<\/a>, and it takes minimal effort to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-fertilize-lawn\/\">fertilize the lawn<\/a>\u2014just leave the clippings on the grass.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I asked grass guru Chris Webber of Heritage Landscape Supply about the benefits of fertilizing turf with organic ingredients. Webber says they:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Help water move through the soil<\/li>    <li>Add structure to the soil<\/li>    <li>Feed beneficial microbes that also helps support beneficial bacteria that helps with nutrient breakdown<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conversely, cutting more than one-third of the grass\u2019s height creates excess clippings that harm the lawn in the following ways:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Smothers the turf so the grass can\u2019t synthesize the sun<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Increases <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-thatch\/\">thatch<\/a> accumulation, which prevents water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots<\/li>    <li>Retains excess water in your lawn, which invites pests and encourages <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-treat-lawn-fungus\/\">fungal<\/a> growth<\/li>    <li>Creates a habitat for pests<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>My tip:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-mulching-lawn-mowers\/\">best mulching mowers<\/a> make the finest grass clipping mulch, and the ones with side discharge distribute the fertilizer quickly and evenly. A regular mower also works if you replace the standard blades with gator blades, but the clippings won\u2019t break down as rapidly.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-%E2%9C%94-increasing-immunity\"><span id=\"%e2%9c%94-increasing-immunity\">\u2714 Increasing immunity<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like people, plants need proper energy to quickly recover from stress. Following the one-third mowing rule fortifies grass to fight its foes, including:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Adverse weather, like extreme heat and extended <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-maintain-lawn-during-drought\/\">drought<\/a><\/li>    <li>Fungal infections, like <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-powdery-mildew-on-lawn\/\">powdery mildew<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-leaf-spot-and-melting-out\/\">leaf spot<\/a><\/li>    <li>Weeds, like <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/remove-dandelions\/\">dandelions<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-crabgrass\/\">crabgrass<\/a><\/li>    <li>Pests that damage grass, like <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-chinch-bugs\/\">chinch bugs<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-sod-webworms\/\">sod webworms<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, grass that&#8217;s too short can\u2019t shade the soil. When exposed to the love of the sun, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-weed-control\/\">lawn weeds<\/a> are more likely to sprout.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-how-to-apply-the-one-third-rule\"><span id=\"how-to-apply-the-one-third-rule\">How to apply the one-third rule<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mowing-grass.jpeg\" alt=\"Lawn mower cutting green grass in backyard, mowing lawn\" class=\"wp-image-23022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mowing-grass.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mowing-grass-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mowing-grass-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mowing-grass-610x406.jpeg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/lawn-mower-cutting-green-grass-in-backyard-mowing-lawn\/485141410\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mariusz Blach<\/a> | Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Properly applying the one-third rule maximizes the appearance and health of your lawn. Here\u2019s what you need to know:<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-know-the-ideal-height-for-your-grass-species\"><span id=\"know-the-ideal-height-for-your-grass-species\">Know the ideal height for your grass species<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each type of turf has its own Goldilocks height. Thus, identifying your lawn&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/guide-to-grass-types\/\">grass type<\/a> is paramount to knowing when to mow it.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The table below shows the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-high-should-your-grass-be-cut\/\">ideal grass height<\/a> for the most common types of turf.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Grass type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Mow at this height (inches)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cut to this height (inches)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"3\"><strong>COOL-SEASON GRASSES<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tall-fescue-guide\/\">Tall fescue<\/a><\/td><td>3 to 6<\/td><td>2 to 4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/kentucky-bluegrass-guide\/\">Kentucky bluegrass<\/a><\/td><td>3 to 4.5<\/td><td>2 to 3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fine-fescue-guide\/\">Fine fescue<\/a><\/td><td>2.25 to 4.5<\/td><td>1.5 to 3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/perennial-ryegrass-guide\/\">Perennial ryegrass<\/a><\/td><td>2.25 to 4.5<\/td><td>1.5 to 3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-care-for-bentgrass-lawn\/\">Bentgrass<\/a><\/td><td>.38 to 1.5<\/td><td>0.25 to 1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"3\"><strong>WARM-SEASON GRASSES<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bahiagrass-guide\/\">Bahiagrass<\/a><\/td><td>4.5 to 6<\/td><td>3 to 4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/st-augustinegrass-guide\/\">St. Augustine<\/a><\/td><td>3.75 to 6<\/td><td>2.5 to 4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/buffalograss-guide\/\">Buffalograss<\/a><\/td><td>3 to 6<\/td><td>2 to 4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/centipedegrass-guide\/\">Centipedegrass<\/a><\/td><td>2.25 to 3<\/td><td>1.5 to 2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/zoysiagrass-guide\/\">Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/td><td>1.5 to 3.75<\/td><td>1 to 2.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/carpetgrass-guide\/\">Carpetgrass<\/a><\/td><td>1.5 to 3<\/td><td>1 to 2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-guide\/\">Bermudagrass<\/a><\/td><td>1.5 to 3<\/td><td>1 to 2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-measure-grass-height\"><span id=\"measure-grass-height\">Measure grass height<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I recommend using the one-third rule as a guide, not a mandate. Miller reminds us that one-third rule is \u201ca general guide to use. It does not mean that the grass will die if it is not followed.\u201d So, please don\u2019t stress over exact measurements. Instead, stick to a routine mowing schedule that keeps grass from growing too tall.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, sometimes measuring the grass helps homeowners get a feel for timing. It might also aid those who struggle with spatial awareness. To measure the grass height, use a ruler or yard stick. Then, place the ruler level on the ground and measure to the top of the grass blades.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember to look at the average height of the lawn; don\u2019t get distracted by a few overly grown areas.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-adjust-the-mower-\"><span id=\"adjust-the-mower\">Adjust the mower&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before mowing, don&#8217;t forget to adjust your lawn mower&#8217;s cutting height. Most mowers have one or two levers that adjust the height, but refer to the user manual for specifics on your model.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-sharpen-mower-blades\"><span id=\"sharpen-mower-blades\">Sharpen mower blades<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-does-my-blade-need-sharpening-illustration.png\" alt=\"illustration depicting the grass cut with a sharp blade vs a dull blade\" class=\"wp-image-5961\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-does-my-blade-need-sharpening-illustration.png 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-does-my-blade-need-sharpening-illustration-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-does-my-blade-need-sharpening-illustration-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-does-my-blade-need-sharpening-illustration-610x343.png 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1lawnlove-does-my-blade-need-sharpening-illustration-390x219.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do you want your hair cut with dull scissors? Or a surgeon operating with a dull scalpel? Probably not. And with good reasons. Dull blades make messy cuts, so they&#8217;re prone to damaging the things they slice.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay on top of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-sharpen-lawn-mower-blades\/\">sharpening lawn mower blades<\/a> to reap the rewards from one-third mowing. Blades typically need sharpening after about 25 hours of use, meaning most mowers need it done around twice yearly. Otherwise, dull mower blades will likely tear up the turf.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fall-lawn-care-tips\/\">Fall Lawn Care Tips<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-faq-about-the-one-third-rule\"><span id=\"faq-about-the-one-third-rule\">FAQ about the one-third rule<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1745237529661\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can your grass recover if you cut it too short?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, grass can recover from being <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-lawn-scalping\/\">cut too short<\/a> if adequately cared for. That includes proper mowing and watering. You also have to learn from your mistakes. If you continually <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-lawn-scalping\/\">scalp<\/a> the lawn, eventually, it can die.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1745237537882\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How does the one-third rule apply if you have overgrown grass?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If your grass grows more than 50% taller than the upper end of its ideal range, don\u2019t cut more than \u2153 of its height per mow. Also, increase your mowing frequency until you get the grass back to its ideal range.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1745237545901\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is there ever a time you wouldn\u2019t apply the one-third rule?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Whenever possible, it&#8217;s best to obey the one-third rule. However, when I lived in South Florida, many people didn&#8217;t follow it because the St. Augustine lawns grow super fast there. Since South Florida&#8217;s climate is so favorable to that turf, most lawns still thrived as long as they weren&#8217;t cut too short.<br\/><br\/>With that being said, Florida&#8217;s turf science professors and landscaping pros still recommend sticking to the one-third rule. If you decide to stray, do so at your own risk.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-when-to-hire-a-lawn-care-pro\"><span id=\"when-to-hire-a-lawn-care-pro\">When to hire a lawn care pro<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When in doubt, hire a pro. Lawn Love connects you to a network of vetted <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-mowing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lawn care pros<\/a>. They&#8217;re affordable, experienced, and insured. We back their quality by offering customers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. It only takes a moment to get an online quote, and you can manage your services via our user-friendly phone app.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-40521a26-f4a2-46d0-b467-b1930863a289\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-060d91bb-d735-4dcf-8173-af74479313b5\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-40521a26-f4a2-46d0-b467-b1930863a289\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-40521a26-f4a2-46d0-b467-b1930863a289\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-40521a26-f4a2-46d0-b467-b1930863a289\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/utia.tennessee.edu\/person\/?id=2246\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Becky Bowling<\/a>, agricultural and resource economics professor and extension specialist at the University of Tennessee. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/chris-webber-11342741\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chris Webber<\/a>, manager at Heritage Landscape Supply. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.uga.edu\/about\/personnel-directory\/person.html\/6856\/clint-waltz.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clint Waltz<\/a>, turfgrass extension specialist and professor at the University of Georgia. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/people\/glmille3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Grady Miller<\/a>, ENVU Distinguished Professor of Sustainability &amp; Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Management at NC State University. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umn.edu\/lawn-care\/how-control-thatch-your-lawn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to control thatch in your lawn<\/a>.\u201d By Sam Bauer, extension educator, Deborah Brown, contributor, and Don Taylor, contributor. University of Minnesota Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usga.org\/course-care\/regional-updates\/central-region\/the-one-third-rule.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The One-Third Rule<\/a>.\u201d By Bob Vavrek, regional director. United States Golf Association.<\/li>    <li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.extension.iastate.edu\/turfgrass\/blog\/story-13-rule\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Story of the 1\/3 Rule<\/a>.&#8221; By Marcus Jones, graduate research assistant. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/lawn-mower-cut-grass-garden-work-electric-rotary-lawn-mower-machine\/358230287\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zedspider<\/a> | Adobe Stock Free | <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The one-third rule of mowing tells you not to trim more than \u2153 of the turf&#8217;s height. So, at least \u2154 of the grass blade tissue remains. For example, if the grass is 3 inches tall, don&#8217;t cut off more than 1 inch. It&#8217;s simple yet vital to maintaining a healthy lawn.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":38413,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[226],"class_list":["post-26056","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-tips","tag-lawn-care-tips"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/AdobeStock_358230287-1.jpeg","author_info":{"display_name":"Michelle Selzer","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/michelle-selzer\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26056","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26056"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26056\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40087,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26056\/revisions\/40087"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38413"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26056"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26056"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26056"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}