How to Mow Tall Grass with a Lawn Mower: A Step-By-Step Guide

The weekend you had planned to mow the lawn had somehow slipped away. You were either busy with other pressing tasks or simply desired to relax a bit. Now, a week or two later, you step outside and realize your once neatly trimmed grass has surged upwards, creating a shaggy, overgrown landscape. 

What is the right way to tackle this tall grass and restore order to your yard? Mowing is the best solution, but you must cut the grass correctly. This blog will guide you through the steps for cutting the grass with a lawn mower. Let's see how you can reclaim your yard's neat, green charm with a mower!

Importance of Mowing the Lawn

Mowing is a fundamental practice in maintaining a healthy and attractive lawn. It involves cutting the grass blades to a consistent and appropriate height using a lawn mower. Here's why regular mowing and the proper management of tall grass is important:

• Encourages Healthy Growth: Consistent mowing stimulates the grass plants to produce more shoots and leaves, resulting in a thicker, denser turf.
• Improves Appearance: A regularly mowed lawn has a neat, uniform, and well-maintained look, significantly enhancing your property's curb appeal.
• Controls Weeds: By regularly cutting the grass, you also remove the seed heads of many common weeds before they have a chance to mature and spread. 
• Reduces Pest and Disease Issues: A dense, healthy, properly mowed lawn is generally more resistant to pests and diseases. Overgrown grass can create a humid environment near the soil surface, which can favor fungal growth and provide shelter for certain pests.
• Prevents Thatch Buildup: While grass clippings can decompose and return nutrients to the soil, excessively long clippings from rarely mowed tall grass can contribute to thatch buildup. This dense layer of dead organic matter can impede the penetration of water and nutrients.

Rules for Mowing Tall Grass

When managing a lawn that has grown exceptionally tall, your first instinct might be to mow it in a single swoop. However, severely cutting back tall grass can shock the plants, hindering their ability to photosynthesize and recover, which leads to a stressed and unhealthy lawn. Here are the two golden rules to consider when cutting the grass:

• The One-Third Rule: Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade's height in a single mowing session. For example, if your grass is 6 inches tall, cut it down to a height of no more than 4 inches. If it's significantly taller, mow it multiple times over several days, gradually reducing the height with each pass.  
• Recovery Time: After each mowing session, when the height is reduced, allow your lawn a recovery period before the next cut. This gives the grass plants time to adjust and begin regrowth. Depending on how tall the grass was initially, this recovery time could be between 2 and 4 days.

Step-By-Step Guide for Cutting Tall Grass

A more gradual and careful strategy is essential when dealing with overgrown turf. Let’s break down the process of cutting the grass into manageable steps to yield better results for your lawn. Here's a comprehensive guide to get you started.

Step 1: Gather the Right Tools

Before starting the engine of your mower, ensure you have all the necessary equipment ready. Having the right tools not only makes the job easier but also contributes to your safety and the quality of the cut:

• Lawn Mower: Ensure your lawn mower is in good working condition with sharp blades. A dull blade will tear the tall grass unevenly. For unusually tall grass, a mower with a higher cutting capacity or a self-propelled feature can be particularly helpful.
• Protective Gear: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. Sturdy closed-toe shoes or work boots are essential. Consider wearing ear protection, especially if you use a gas-powered mower, and gloves for better grip and hand protection.
• String Trimmer or Brush Cutter: For extremely tall or dense grass, a string trimmer (also known as a weed whacker) or a brush cutter can be invaluable for knocking down the grass before using the lawn mower.
• Rake or Leaf Blower: Use these tools to manage the potentially large amount of grass clippings.

Step 2: Check the Grass, Soil Conditions, and Weather

A quick assessment of the current conditions can significantly impact the success of your mowing efforts. Mowing when conditions are not right can stress your lawn or damage your equipment.

• Grass Condition: Observe the type and density of your tall grass. This will help you determine the best approach and the number of passes needed.
• Soil Condition: Avoid mowing when the soil is excessively wet. Mowing wet, tall grass can lead to clumping, uneven cutting, and potential damage to your lawn and mower. Allow the soil to dry out before proceeding.
• Weather: Choose a cool, dry time of day for mowing, ideally in the late afternoon or early evening, to avoid the sun's peak heat. Mowing in extreme heat can stress the tall grass. Avoid mowing if rain is expected shortly after, as this can cause clumping of the clippings.

Step 3: Clear the Lawn for Mowing

Your lawn might have become a temporary storage space while the grass grew tall. A thorough clearing is essential to protect your mower blades and prevent accidents during the process. Here are the potential objects/obstacles to look out for:

• Toys
• Garden furniture
• Pet items
• Hoses
• Stray branches
• Rocks
• Debris

Step 4: Trim Overgrown Grass (Initial Knockdown)

For grass that is significantly taller than your usual mowing height (more than 6-8 inches), consider using a string trimmer or brush cutter for an initial knockdown. Follow the steps below for trimming: 

• Start at the top of the tall grass, gradually working your way downwards. This prevents the trimmer head from getting bogged down in a large mass of clippings.
• Cut the grass down to about half its original height. Don't cut down to your desired mowing height with the trimmer in the first pass.
• Work in consistent, overlapping sweeps to ensure a more even initial cut.
• Be cautious around trees, shrubs, and garden beds to avoid damaging desirable plants.

Step 5: Remove the Weeds Before Mowing

Tall grass often hides weeds that might have gone to seed. Removing them before mowing helps prevent their spread across your lawn:

• Identify and hand-pull or use a weeding tool for prominent weeds.
• Focus on removing weeds that have developed seed heads.

Step 6: Cut the Grass with a Lawn Mower

Once the weeds are removed, bring in your lawn mower and get ready to see your lawn transform. Remember the one-third rule and take your time for the best results.

Adjust Blade Height

Set your mower blade to a higher setting than your usual mowing height for the first pass. If your grass is now around 4 inches tall after trimming, set your mower to cut no more than 2.7 inches, which will remove roughly one-third of it.

Mowing Technique: 

• Walk at a steady, consistent pace. Avoid rushing, as this can lead to an uneven cut, especially with thick, tall grass.
• Overlap each mowing pass by a few inches (about 25-50%) to prevent scalping and ensure all the grass is cut.
• If the grass is too thick or the mower starts to bog down, slow your walking speed.
• Allow a few days of recovery between each mowing session, observing the one-third rule each time. 
• Repeat the mowing process over several days or a week to gradually reduce the grass to your desired height, typically 2-3 inches. 
• For subsequent passes, mow in a different direction (e.g., if you mowed north-south the first time, mow east-west the next). This helps prevent the grass blades from leaning in one direction, resulting in a more even cut.

Step 7: Manage Grass Clippings

Cutting a large volume of tall grass will result in a significant amount of clippings. You must manage them well to improve the health and appearance of your lawn:

• Leave the clippings where they fall: As long as these clippings are small (about one inch or smaller), they can decompose quickly, enriching your soil with natural fertilizers and nutrients. 
• Bagging: If the clippings are long and heavy, bagging them might be the best option for the initial few cuts to prevent them from smothering the remaining grass. Dispose of the bagged clippings properly.
• Mulching (with caution): If your mower has a mulching feature and the amount of clippings isn't excessive after subsequent, shorter cuts, you can try mulching. However, avoid mulching long clippings, as they can create a thick layer that doesn't decompose quickly and can contribute to thatch. You should make multiple passes with the mulching setting to finely chop the clippings.
• Raking: If you choose to leave the clippings, ensure they are evenly distributed and not forming thick clumps. You must rake and spread them to allow them to dry and decompose more effectively.

Step 8: Edge and Tidy Up

The finishing touches can make a significant difference in the overall look of your freshly mowed lawn.

• Use a string trimmer or edger to create clean lines along walkways, driveways, and garden beds.
• Blow or rake away any stray clippings from hard surfaces.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Lawn After Mowing

Creating a lush, healthy lawn doesn’t just end with mowing—you also need to care for it. Letting your grass grow too long again negates the benefits of your hard work. Here are some essential tips for taking care of your lawn after mowing:

• Mow Regularly: Consistency is crucial. Establish a regular mowing schedule based on your grass type and the current growth rate, especially during the active growing seasons. Sticking to a schedule prevents the grass from becoming excessively tall again, making each subsequent mowing easier and healthier for your lawn.
• Watering: Proper watering after mowing helps the grass recover from the stress of being cut. Water deeply and less frequently, allowing the soil to soak down to the root zone. The best time to water is usually early in the morning. Consider the weather conditions and adjust your watering schedule during dry or humid periods.
• Fertilizing: Regular fertilization provides your lawn with the essential nutrients it needs to thrive. The type and frequency of fertilization will depend on your grass type, soil conditions, and the time of year. Consider using a slow-release fertilizer to provide a steady supply of nutrients over time.
• Overseeding: If you notice thin or bare patches in your lawn after mowing, overseeding can help thicken the turf and improve its overall density. Fall and early spring are generally good times for overseeding. Choose a grass seed that is well-suited to your local climate and the type of lawn you already have. Proper soil preparation and consistent watering are essential for successful overseeding.

The Best Mowing Height for Your Grass Type

Achieving that perfect, carpet-like lawn isn't just about how often you mow, but also about cutting your grass to the ideal height. Generally, it's best to keep your lawn between 2 and 3 inches tall. Here's a guide to the ideal mowing heights for common warm-season and cool-season grasses.

Warm-season grass

These types of grasses actively grow during the late spring, summer, and early fall when temperatures are higher. They are well-adapted to the heat and humidity and often go dormant, turning brown, during the cooler winter months. Let’s explore the most suitable heights for warm-season grasses:

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Cool-season grass

Cool-season grasses grow most actively during the cooler periods of the year, such as early spring and late fall. They generally prefer milder temperatures and can struggle in prolonged high heat. Here are the preferred heights for cool-season grasses:

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Conclusion

Tackling tall grass with your lawn mower might require patience and extra steps, but the reward of a healthy, well-maintained lawn is certainly worth the effort. By following these guidelines, you're not just cutting the grass but cultivating a vibrant outdoor space that enhances your home and provides a welcoming green carpet for you to enjoy. 

If you ever find yourself facing an overgrown jungle or simply prefer to entrust your lawn care to the experts, the team at Percy's Lawn Care is ready to help. We bring our expertise and a personalized touch to every lawn, ensuring your grass receives the precise care it needs to thrive. 

Let us take the hassle out of lawn maintenance, so you can spend more time enjoying your beautiful outdoor space. Contact Percy's Lawn Care today for a free on-site consultation and discover the difference a professional, tailored approach can make!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I cut very tall grass all at once?

It's best to avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time to prevent stress on the grass. Mow in stages.

2. What should I do with the long grass clippings?

For the first cut, bagging is often the best option. For shorter subsequent cuts, mulch or rake them evenly.

3. How often should I mow grass?

Mow regularly, typically every 1-2 weeks during the active growing season, depending on your grass type and growth rate.

4. What's the ideal height to keep my lawn?

Aim for about 2-3 inches for most common lawn grasses, but check the specific recommendation for your grass type.