Too High or Too Low? The Best Mowing Height for Spring

Lawn mowing is a familiar part of most homeowners' routines—but it's not something you should do on a strict schedule. While it may be tempting to fire up the lawn mower every Saturday, the truth is that grass mowing height matters more than frequency. Rather than sticking to a fixed calendar, mow when your grass reaches just above its ideal height.

Each grass plant has a recommended mowing height, and staying within range promotes healthier, more resilient turf. Mowing too short or allowing grass to grow too tall can stress the lawn, leading to bare spots, increased weed pressure, and a weaker root system.

The correct mowing height depends on your grass type, region, and—most importantly—the season. In this article, we’re focusing on spring, a key growth period for many grasses. We’ve previously explored why mowing height matters. Now, let’s look at how high to mow in the spring and what makes this season necessary for lawn care success.

Why Grass Mowing Height Matters in Spring

Spring marks the return of active growth for most grass types. After winter dormancy, lawns start to green up and grow vigorously as temperatures rise and sunlight becomes more consistent. Mowing at the proper height during this season supports natural growth by encouraging a stronger grass leaf structure, healthier roots, and improved photosynthesis. This translates to a greener, thicker lawn with better resistance to stress and weeds.

The Effects of Cutting Grass Too Short

When you maintain the ideal mowing height, you help each grass plant establish deeper roots and retain more moisture. Cutting off too much of the leaf blade all at once can shock the plant, especially in early spring when the lawn is still recovering. A dull mower blade can further damage the grass leaf, tearing instead of cleanly cutting, which opens the plant to disease and slows recovery.

Overgrown Grass Can Increase the Risks of Pests and Diseases

Leaving grass uncut for too long can be equally harmful. Excessive height allows pests to hide, creates humidity at the soil line, thus increasing the risk of fungal diseases, and leads to floppy, uneven growth that smothers nearby blades. A well-timed mow with a sharp mower blade keeps your lawn even, healthy, and full of energy going into summer.

Recommended Mowing Heights by Grass Type in Spring

Several factors influence the ideal mowing height, especially during spring. This season marks the beginning of active growth for both cool- and warm-season grasses, depending on your region. In warmer climates like Florida, lawn mowing may begin earlier in the year, as grasses like bermudagrass and St. Augustine may not go fully dormant—though their growth may slow during cooler months. As growth picks back up, it’s time to begin mowing again—but at the right height to support lawn health.

You should also assess the current condition of your yard. Lawns that are newly established or recently repaired—such as those planted with grass plugs like SodPods—benefit from less aggressive mowing in early spring. Grass plugging during this season aligns with the active growth cycle of warm-season varieties, allowing the grass plugs to establish a strong root system before the stress of summer heat. Avoid mowing over newly planted plugs too soon to prevent setbacks. Below is a quick reference guide to ideal mowing heights for common warm-season grasses in spring:

Additional Tips:

• Follow the one-third rule: Never remove more than one-third of the grass leaf in a single mow.

• Mow when the grass is dry and standing upright for a cleaner cut and less clumping.

• Always use a sharp mower blade to prevent tearing or damaging the grass plant.

Adjusting Mowing Height Throughout Spring

Spring isn't a one-size-fits-all season—your mowing approach should evolve as the grass continues to grow and weather conditions shift to support a stronger, healthier lawn.

In early spring, start with a slightly higher mowing height, especially if the grass is waking from dormancy or recovering from soil compaction and winter stress. This allows for longer leaf blades, which help the lawn photosynthesize and build energy reserves.

By mid- to late spring, you can begin maintaining your grass at its ideal height range, depending on your grass type. Be cautious not to lower the mower too suddenly—this can scalp the lawn and cause damage.

As spring progresses, monitor for vigorous growth after rainfall or fertilization. Rather than shortening the mowing height, increase your mowing frequency. This prevents stress from removing too much leaf blade at once and keeps the lawn even and attractive.

Other Spring Mowing Tips

Here are more spring mowing tips to help promote a lush and resilient lawn:

• Sharpen mower blades before the first cut. A dull mower blade tears rather than cutting cleanly, resulting in ragged grass leaf edges that are more prone to disease.

• Mow in different directions each time to encourage upright growth and prevent the grass from lying flat or developing ruts.

• Keep your lawn well-watered, especially after mowing. Healthy grass plants need moisture to recover and continue growing strong.

• Bag or mulch grass clippings, depending on your lawn’s needs. Mulching returns nutrients to the soil, but bagging clippings if weeds are present avoids spreading seeds.

• Don’t scalp the lawn. Cutting too short, especially with dull blades, can lead to severe stress, soil exposure, and increased weed competition.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining the proper mowing height in spring is one of the most effective ways to support a thriving, beautiful lawn. With grass actively growing, the decisions you make now can either set the stage for a strong summer or leave your lawn struggling to keep up.

Know your grass type, adjust your mowing habits as the season progresses, and pay attention to how your lawn responds. And remember: longer grass isn’t always better, and shorter isn't always stronger—strike the right balance to promote healthy, even growth.

If your lawn still looks uneven or patchy despite mowing at the proper height, consider filling in gaps with SodPods grass plugs. These easy-to-plant plugs—available in varieties like bermudagrass plugs—help quickly repair bare spots and blend seamlessly with your existing turf. They’re particularly helpful in spring, when the warm-season grass is ready to root and spread. For best results, use NutriPod grass fertilizer during planting to accelerate growth up to two times faster.

Looking to give your lawn a head start this spring? Fill in thin or patchy areas with SodPods grass plugs for faster, fuller coverage where it’s needed most. Visit our website today.