Summer is a time when lawns can flourish with the right care, but the heat and increased growth can also present challenges. For homeowners in Upstate NY, understanding the proper mowing frequency and best practices is essential to maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn during the hottest months of the year. Here, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about mowing your lawn in the summer, including tips to ensure your grass stays green and vibrant.

Homeowners want to keep their lawns looking great all summer long, but are often unsure about the best methods for mowing lawn in summer months. For homeowners in Upstate NY, this needs to take into account the area’s humidity, temperatures, and how much rain you’re getting at any given time.

Keep reading this summer lawn care guide to how often to mow lawn in summer. Learn how frequently to mow, what length to cut your grass, and the best practices to keep you yard looking green and lush all season long. 

Did you know this is the second installment of our Summer Lawn Care 101 series? If you missed the first, you can learn how often to water lawn in summer (and when) after this.

When to Start Mowing Lawn in Summer 

Summer lawn maintenance, like how often to mow lawn in summer in Upstate NY, is different than spring necessities. Often, the first mowing of the season should typically take place in late spring when temperatures are consistently above 40°F. This is the time when your lawn begins to wake up from its winter dormancy and starts to grow more actively.

That said, transitioning to a different frequency for mowing lawn in summer depends on several other factors such as:

• Summer temperatures: Once daytime temperatures consistently reach the 70s and nighttime temperatures are no longer dipping below 50°F, it’s time to start transitioning into how often to mow lawn in summer.
• Grass height: More than just how often, mow lawn in summer at a taller height than you do in spring or fall. For most cool-season grasses common in Upstate NY, this means your lawn should be around 3 to 4 inches tall. (Learn more about what grass is right for Upstate NY lawns after this.)
• Soil moisture: The soil should be adequately moist, not overly wet from spring rains, which can make mowing difficult and potentially damage your lawn. Aim to mow when the ground is firm but not dry.

How Often to Mow Lawn in Summer

Main Points: Cut your grass every 7 to 10 days, on average, and keep it at a length of roughly 3 inches during the summer.

Maintaining a healthy yard in the Capital Region means knowing how often to mow lawn in summer. During a typical summer, it’s good to mow your lawn every 7 to 10 days. This frequency allows your grass to grow long enough to be cut without causing stress to the blades, keeping a lush and healthy appearance. Regular mowing also helps with weed prevention and boosts the overall curb appeal of your home.

It’s important to adjust how often to mow lawn in summer based on things like weather conditions. During particularly dry periods, the growth rate of your grass slows down due to a lack of moisture. That’s when you might need to mow less frequently to avoid accidentally killing your grass and ending up with brown patches in the yard. Over-mowing during dry periods can also leave your grass more susceptible to drought stress and disease.

Keep an eye on your lawn’s growth and adjust mowing lawn in summer as needed. Conversely, if there’s been plenty of rain and the grass is growing quickly, you might need to mow more often to keep it at an optimal height.

Regular mowing combined with proper watering and care will keep your lawn looking its best, even in hot summer conditions. For those who prefer to leave lawn maintenance to the professionals, consider reaching out to a trusted lawn mowing service in Upstate NY (like us!) to handle the mowing and upkeep for you. This frees up your time and lets you rest assured you’ll have a beautiful yard all season long.

Tips for Mowing Lawn in Summer Months

Now that you’ve got a better understanding of how often to mow lawn in summer months, let’s talk about tips to follow for the best results. After all, maintaining a beautiful lawn in the summer requires more than just frequent mowing.

Some useful lawn mowing tips to help keep your grass healthy during the hot summer months in Upstate NY are:

• Adjust your mower height: Set your mower to a higher setting (~3 inches) to help shade the soil, prevent evaporation and retain moisture. This also encourages deeper root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant.
• Mow in the morning or evening: Mowing during the cooler parts of the day reduces stress on your lawn and yourself. Avoid mowing during the peak heat of the day.
• Keep your mower blades sharp: Sharp blades make clean cuts, which are healthier for the grass. Dull blades can tear the grass, leading to brown tips and increased risk of damage from insects or diseases.
• Follow the one-third rule: Don’t remove more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Cutting too much at once can shock the grass and weaken it.
• Leave grass clippings: Grass clippings are a natural fertilizer, providing essential nutrients back to the soil. They also help retain moisture. Using a mulching mower can evenly distribute the clippings and prevent clumping.

Keeping your lawn looking lush and vibrant this season means knowing how often to mow lawn in summer months. Follow the practices in this guide and you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood. Don’t feel like taking up your free time each week to mow? You can contact us and leave it to the professionals. Your yard will look great without you having to lift a finger.

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