Proper mowing is important for a beautiful and healthy lawn. However, cutting too much can damage your grass and cause yellowing. While the general rule is to never cut more than a third of the total grass height, the proper mowing height varies depending on the type of grass you have in your yard.
Common Types of Grass in Virginia Beach
Turf grass is generally divided into two categories: cool season grasses and warm season grasses. Cool season grasses provide winter lawn color in most areas of Virginia, while warm season grasses go dormant after the first hard frost, requiring less maintenance and water.
Tall fescue grass, a cool season grass that’s highly adaptable to changing seasons, is the most common type of grass found in Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake area, followed by cool season Kentucky bluegrass, and warm season St. Augustine, Zoysia and Bermuda grass.
| Grass Type | Proper Mowing Height |
| Tall Fescue | 2-3” |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 1½-2½” |
| St. Augustine Grass | 1-3” |
| Bermuda Grass | ½-2½” |
| Zoysia Grass | ½-2½” |
Because the root system depth directly correlates to the height of the grass, Sean’s Lawns recommends cutting each species of grass at the taller height. Deeper roots will allow the grass to be more drought and disease tolerant. Plus, the taller heights help prevent weeds and decrease the amount of water needed for turf growth.
Additional Lawn Mowing Tips for Virginia Beach
A properly mowed lawn is more drought tolerant, has less weeds, and looks lush and healthy. Here are a few additional tips to ensure your lawn is the envy of the neighborhood.
- Most grass species should be mowed every 7 to 10 days, with the exception of tall fescue, which is every 4-5 days.
- Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
- To be safe, keep your mower deck at its highest setting.
- Mulch your clippings instead of bagging them to naturally recycle nutrients back into your lawn.
- For cool season grasses, increase mowing height during the summer to reduce stress on the turf.
Keeping your lawn looking its best can be tricky, but help is available. Sean’s Lawns is a local, family-owned lawn care business in Virginia Beach, offering dependable, affordable service and same-day appointments for mowing, edging and leaf removal. Contact us to request a quote or make an appointment for lawn care service in Virginia Beach.