The ideal lawn cutting height for your lawn can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of grass you have, the time of year, and the specific conditions of your lawn. However, as a general rule of thumb, a cutting height of around 2.5 to 4cm (1 to 1.5 inches) is recommended for most types of grass in the UK.
If your lawn is composed of fine grasses such as fescue or bentgrass, you may want to keep the cutting height closer to the lower end of this range, as these grasses tend to grow more densely and look better when cut shorter. For family grasses such as modern ryegrass, a slightly higher cutting height may be more appropriate.
It’s also important to remember that cutting your lawn too short can stress the grass and make it more vulnerable to diseases, pests, and drought. Therefore, it’s generally better to err on the side of caution and keep your cutting height on the higher side.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the cutting height you choose may need to be adjusted depending on the time of year. For example, during periods of drought, it may be advisable to raise the cutting height to help the grass retain moisture. Similarly, during the cooler months of the year, you may want to lower the cutting height slightly to encourage the grass to thicken up.
Greener Gardens Top Tips for cutting your lawn
The team at Greener Gardens regularly advice customers on the best practice for cutting routine and practices, these are backed up with learnings from the Institute of Groundsmanship and latest turf care practices.
Lawn cutting simplified:
• Mow frequently – weekly is best when the lawn is actively growing
• Never more than 1/3rd off in any one cut
• Check your mower regularly for cutting height and blade sharpness
• The principles remain the same, regardless of your mower type eg rotary, cylinder or hover mower.