1 min readby Jamie Oliver
How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn?
The one-third rule, how frequency changes by season and grass type, and why weekly mowing pays off in thicker turf.
The single biggest lever on lawn health you control is mowing. Specifically, how often and how high you cut.
The one-third rule
Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow. Cutting deeper stresses the plant, exposes soil to sun (hello, weeds), and weakens the root system.
A practical weekly schedule
- Peak spring and summer growing season: weekly
- Early spring and late fall: every 10 to 14 days
- Winter dormancy (cool-season) or drought stress (warm-season): pause
Ideal cut heights
- Tall fescue: 3 to 4 inches
- Kentucky bluegrass: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
- Ryegrass: 2 to 3 inches
- Bermuda: 1 to 2 inches
- Zoysia: 1 to 2.5 inches
- St. Augustine: 3.5 to 4 inches
Why weekly mowing actually saves money
Occasional catch-up mowings when grass is overgrown violate the one-third rule and cause scalping. Consistent weekly service keeps the lawn in its ideal height band, encourages thicker growth, and crowds out weeds.