Mowing Tips

Create a lawn to love ...
a space to make memories

Mowing Tips

Mowing Tips for a Great-Looking Lawn

Regular cutting at the correct height is key to a healthy, attractive lawn. Our team at Greener Gardens advises customers on best mowing practices, incorporating insights from the Institute of Groundsmanship and the latest turf care methods.

Simple Lawn-Cutting Guidelines

  • Mow frequently: Aim to mow weekly when growth is active.
  • Follow the one-third rule: Never remove more than one-third of the grass height in a single mow.
  • Check your mower: Regularly adjust cutting height and keep blades sharp, regardless of mower type (rotary, cylinder, or hover).

Why Mow Little and Often?

Mowing weekly promotes a denser, healthier turf, which naturally reduces weeds by preventing their seeds from reaching the soil.

Ideal Mowing Frequency

  • During peak growth (spring & autumn): Mow every 7-10 days with a rotary mower, or every 3-5 days with a cylinder mower.
  • In dry summer conditions: Mow every two weeks with a rotary mower or weekly with a cylinder mower.

Remember, frequent light mowing is better than an occasional, harsh cut.

The One-Third Rule

Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade in one go. For instance, if your mower is set to cut at 3 cm, mow before the grass exceeds 4 cm.

Considering a New Mower?’

Robotic lawn mowers offer several advantages and disadvantages. Read our thoughts about the pros and cons of a robotic lawn mower here.

Check out our Seasonal Cutting Guide for more tailored advice.

Some mowing faqs

If the 1/3rd rule means you have to do your grass cutting more often than you would like, you can raise the lawn mowing height which will slow growth down. This may now mean mowing every 7 to 10 days depending on temperature and water availability and will have the benefit of encouraging a naturally thicker green weed free lawn.

Regardless of the mowing height never leave your lawn more than 10 to 14 days between cuts.
If you have a lawn mowing service coming every two weeks, just ask them to raise the mowing height so that you stay as close to the one third rule as possible.

Most people mow their lawns too short, scalping the grass, which weakens it.
For best results, keep the grass at more-or-less the same height all year round.
For normal lawns that take a lot of wear and tear the height should be around 3.5 to 5cm (1.5in to 2in).
For ornamental lawns of fine-leaved grasses this should be about 2.5cm (1in).
For lawns growing in shaded areas, mow at a height of around 7.5cm (3in).

Thin patchy lawns are often the result of infrequent mowing or removing too much of the grass when you cut.

Mow infrequently AND mow short and before long you won’t have a lot of lawn left to mow!

Get In Touch!

0115 837 8439

Expert lawncare with experienced personnel

  • Nottingham Most Reviewed lawn care

  • BASIS Lawn Assured

  • Experienced lawn care

  • Hard surfaces - Drives and Patios

  • Call for an online quote

Our office

32 Mowbray Gardens

West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 6JN

24 hours / 365 days

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri 9.00 - 17.00

Out of hours telephone service

Where we operate

We operate North and South of the River Trent and East towards Newark. Many of our customers are located in: West Bridgford, Radcliffe on Trent, Bingham, Cotgrave, Tollerton, Keyworth, Ruddington and North of the River: Beeston, Chilwell, Wollaton, Bramcote, Nottingham, Mapperley and Arnold.