Should You Cut Grass Low in Spring?

When spring arrives, your lawn starts transitioning out of dormancy. The big question is, should you cut the grass low that first mowing to spur new growth? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding your spring lawn mowing height.

Why Some Cut Low

Some lawn care experts recommend cutting grass lower early in spring. Here are a few of the reasons behind this school of thought:

• Removes dead material from winter to allow sunlight to reach new growth.

• Can help speed up green-up of cool season grasses.

• Provides a clean cut on new blades instead of cutting old growth

• Lowers risk of disease by removing accumulation of dead grass before new growth emerges.

• Allows soil to warm up faster since it’s more exposed

• Prevents messy clumps of old growth from matting down new blades

So in favor of a rejuvenating spring scalp, many aim to cut their lawns about 1-2 inches lower than their normal height that first mowing.

Potential Risks of Cutting Too Low

While an initial low cut can provide some benefits, taking things too far can actually damage your lawn. Here are some potential downsides to avoid:

• Cutting below 1 inch can scalp or expose crowns leading to thinning.

• Too much shock to the grass plant’s system when coming out of dormancy.

• Can remove beneficial organic matter.

• Exposes soil to more erosion and rapid moisture loss.

• Invites more weed growth in bare areas.

• Stresses root system leading to summer issues.

Basically, you don’t want to cut so low that you scalp the lawn, as that can leave bare patches. Nor do you want to remove more than 1/3 of the blade height in a single mowing. Moderation is key.

Best Practices for Spring Lawn Cutting

When giving your lawn that important first mowing in spring, keep these tips in mind:

• Lower mower 1-2 notches below normal height, but not below 2 inches.

• Use sharp mower blades to prevent tearing grass.

• Remove no more than 1/3 of grass blade per mowing session.

• Allow soil to dry out adequately before mowing to prevent rutting.

• Adjust mowing schedule to allow for rapid spring growth.

• Raise mower height back to normal once green-up occurs.

• Time first mowing based on your local climate and grass type.

• Ensure mower blades are sharp to provide clean cuts.

Ideal Spring Mowing Heights

The best spring lawn mowing height can vary based on factors like your grass type and local climate. Some general recommendations:

• Cool season grasses: 2.5-3 inches

• Warm season grasses: 1-2 inches

• Always mow at least 2 inches high to avoid scalping

• Time first mowing based on green-up in your region

• Transition height back to normal once lawn greens up

While a slightly lower cut can help rejuvenate your lawn in spring, take care not to overdo it. Patience and moderation is key for a healthy green lawn all season long.