Should I mow my grass every week? A lawn care pro answers.

Last Updated on: 10th February 2025, 03:16 pm

Here’s what you should know about cutting frequency and grass blade health.

As lawn care professionals serving clients in Eastern North Carolina zones 7b and 8a, we often get asked, “Should I mow every week?” The overall consensus – from lawn care companies and biologists alike – is a resounding yes. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

This content will look into why weekly mowing is typically necessary and explain a few exceptions to the general rule of weekly lawn mowing.

The Importance of Weekly Mowing

Promotes Healthy Grass Growth: Regular mowing encourages the grass to grow thicker, as cutting off the top third of the grass blades (the 1:3 rule) stimulates new growth from the base.
Weed Control: Consistent mowing helps keep weeds at bay. Weeds grow more aggressively than grass. If left uncut for longer than a week, they can overshadow your turf. That means they’re stealing all the sun’s energy plus absorbing nutrients from already-mowed grass clippings.
Aesthetic Appeal: A neatly trimmed lawn looks attractive and well-maintained, enhancing your home’s overall curb appeal. You will pull the eye of every passerby and be the envy of your neighborhood.
Prevents Pest Infestations: Taller grass can harbor pests and diseases. Of course, regular mowing keeps the lawn short and tidy, reducing these risks.

Exceptions to Weekly Mowing

While weekly mowing is generally recommended, certain conditions may warrant less frequent cutting:

Highly Shaded Yards: Grass in shaded areas grows more slowly due to limited sunlight. In such cases, mowing every 10-14 days might suffice.
Grass Species: Different grass species grow at different rates. For example, Zoysia grass and some varieties of Fescue have slower growth rates and may not require weekly mowing.
Soil Conditions: Soil compaction and poor soil health can also affect grass growth. Regular aeration can alleviate soil compaction, promoting healthier growth and reducing the need for weekly mowing.
Weather Conditions: During extreme heat or drought, grass growth slows down. In such situations, it’s best to mow less frequently and raise the blades to reduce stress on the grass.

Case Study: Client Increased Her Lawn’s Health by Switching to a Weekly Mow

In Zones 7b and 8a, which encompass parts of the southeastern United States, including North Carolina, we experience hot, humid summers. Most lawns in this region benefit from weekly mowing due to the rapid growth rates spurred by the warm climate.

One of our clients, Mrs. Johnson, had a struggling front yard. Despite her efforts, the lawn always seemed overrun with weeds, and the grass looked sparse and unhealthy. Mrs. Johnson had been mowing her lawn bi-weekly, thinking it would suffice.

Upon inspection, we noticed that the weeds were outgrowing the grass during the second week leading up to service. This condition blocked sunlight from the grass and absorbed most nutrients. It also meant a rapid rate of weed seeds developing and overtaking any new grass.

We recommended switching to a weekly mowing schedule to address this issue. We turned the tables, with tall grass overshadowing the weedy plants.

The results were remarkable after just a few weeks of consistent weekly mowing. The grass grew thicker and healthier, and the weed problem diminished significantly. Much to her delight, Mrs. Johnson’s lawn transformed into a green oasis.

Tips for Proper Maintenance When You Mow Your Lawn

Whether you have a top-of-the-line riding lawn mower or push mower, follow these tips when you mow your lawn. The results over time will be a lovely green lawn.

Understand the Types of Grass Plants:

Different types of grass thrive under different conditions. Knowing your grass species and mowing according to their needs is crucial.

For instance, warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda and Zoysia, flourish in hotter climates and may require weekly cuts during the summer. However, as the growing season winds down in the fall, the mowing frequency can be reduced to every two weeks.

Conversely, cool-season grasses (i.e., Kentucky bluegrass and fescue) prefer cooler temperatures and have peak growth periods in the spring and fall. Adjusting your mowing schedule according to the type of grass ensures optimal growth and health.

Healthy Grass Blades Need Regular Fertilization:

Feeding your lawn with the proper nutrients at the right time is essential for promoting strong, healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer suitable for your grass type. For example, warm-season grasses benefit from fertilizers with higher nitrogen content during their active growing season.

Meanwhile, cool-season grasses lean on fall fertilizer to support root development. Fertilizing strengthens your grass and improves its color and resilience to stress, pests, and diseases. Be mindful of the application rates and timing to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the grass and the environment.

Water Wisely:

Watering your lawn deeply but infrequently encourages better root growth, making your grass more drought-resistant and hardy. The best time to water is early morning when temperatures are cooler and winds are calmer. This allows the water to soak into the soil without much evaporation.

Additionally, early morning watering helps prevent fungal diseases caused by wet conditions, as the sun will dry the leaves and stems, reducing excess moisture. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, and adjust based on the specific needs of your grass type and local weather conditions.

Leave the Grass Clippings Lie:

Allowing your grass clippings to remain on the lawn after mowing, known as grasscycling, provides essential nutrients as they decompose. Weekly cuttings ensure the clippings are short and can break down quickly, returning valuable nutrients like nitrogen to the soil.

This practice reduces the need to fertilize and helps maintain soil moisture. Grasscycling also saves time and effort in bagging and disposing of clippings, making it a sustainable and efficient lawn care practice.

Bags are available for all types of lawn mowers – from a riding mower to a new-style electric push model.

Proper Edging:

Keeping the edges of your lawn well-defined is not just about aesthetics; it prevents grass from encroaching into flower beds, walkways, and other areas. Use a sharp edging tool or lawn edger to create clean, defined borders. Regular edging helps maintain the shape of your lawn and makes mowing easier by reducing the need for additional trimming. It also prevents the spread of grass rhizomes and stolons into unwanted areas, keeping your landscape neat and organized.

Overseeding:

Overseeding is planting new grass seeds over existing turf to fill in thin or bare patches. This practice helps maintain a dense turf that resists weeds and diseases.

For cool-season grasses, fall is the ideal time to overseed, as the soil is still warm, and there is less competition from weeds. For warm-season grasses, late spring or early summer is best.

Prevent Soil Erosion:

Soil erosion can be a significant issue, particularly on slopes or in areas with heavy foot traffic. Using ground cover plants or mulch helps protect these vulnerable spots. Ground covers, such as creeping thyme or ivy, can stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Mulching not only protects the soil but also retains moisture and suppresses weeds. Choose mulch materials like straw, wood chips, or bark that suit your landscape aesthetic and practical needs.

Pest Management:

Pest management is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn. Regularly inspect your lawn for any signs of pests, such as discolored patches, holes, or visible insects. Early detection allows for prompt action, preventing extensive damage.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines cultural, biological, and chemical methods to control unwanted visitors. Cultural practices include proper mowing, watering, and fertilization to create an environment less conducive to pests.

Change Your Mowing Pattern to Keep Your Lawn Health:

Changing your mowing pattern is essential for maintaining a healthy and attractive lawn. By varying the direction in which you mow each week, you prevent the grass from developing a grain, which can lead to uneven growth and soil compaction. This simple technique helps the grass blades stand upright, promoting a more uniform and dense turf.

Additionally, altering your mowing pattern can minimize the risk of creating ruts and bare spots caused by riding mowers’ wheels repeatedly traveling the same path. It also distributes wear and tear evenly across your lawn, reducing stress on specific areas and encouraging more robust root development. Incorporate this practice into your routine to ensure a vibrant, resilient lawn that withstands seasonal changes and heavy foot traffic.

Seasonal Adjustments:

Adjust your lawn care practices according to the season to keep your grass healthy year-round. During the hot summer months, reduce mowing frequency and raise the mowing height to protect the grass from heat stress.

After heavy rains, raise the deck height on your mower and mow more slowly to avoid clumps of grass and cutting ruts. In the fall, lower the mowing height slightly to prepare the lawn for winter dormancy and reduce the risk of snow mold. Tailoring your practices to seasonal changes ensures your lawn remains resilient and lush.

Sharp Mower Blades:

When you cut grass with a dull blade, you cause excessive wear and tear on the lawn.

Ensuring your mower blades are sharp is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn. Sharp blades make clean cuts, reducing stress on the grass and helping prevent disease. Dull blades tear the grass, leaving ragged edges more susceptible to infestations and infections.

Regularly inspect and sharpen your mower blades, ideally before the start of each mowing season and as needed throughout the year. Proper blade maintenance not only improves the health and appearance of your lawn but also enhances the efficiency of your mower.

Call Tayloe’s Lawn Care Services to Get Your Lawn Healthy

Weekly mowing is generally the best practice for maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn, especially in Zones 7b and 8a, where the heat and humidity promote rapid grass growth. Adhering to this routine can prevent weeds from taking over, ensure the grass receives adequate sunlight, and keep your lawn looking its best.

However, consider the specific conditions of your yard, such as shade, soil health, and grass species, when determining your mowing schedule. And remember, the key to a thriving lawn – whether a small patch or an acre – lies in consistent care.

Switching to a weekly mowing schedule made a difference for Mrs. Johnson’s lawn, and it could do the same for you. Remember these general tips for beautiful grass throughout the season. And don’t worry – you can seek professional advice tailored to your unique landscape needs.

Tayloe’s Lawn Care is here to help homeowners and commercial property owners achieve the lawn of their dreams. Call or text 252.287.3376 to connect. Rest assured, we will make sure your lawn gets mowed as if it’s our own.

Author Profile

Randy Tayloe

Randy Tayloe is the COO of Tayloe's Lawn Care Service, LLC. He is a certified custom applicator, recognized by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Pesticide Division. A native of Bertie County, NC, and graduate of Bertie High School, he wants to beautify his home county - one yard at a time.