The Grass Whisperer: Tips for Mowing

Because Cutting Grass Isn’t Just Chores—It’s Lawn Art

Ever looked at your lawn and wondered if it’s too long, too short, or just mildly offended by your mowing skills? Let’s talk about the not-so-secret secret behind a great lawn: HOC. That’s “Height of Cut,” for those not fluent in turf talk.

What the HOC?

HOC is the Goldilocks zone of grass height.
• Too high? You’re halfway to hosting a safari.
• Too low? You’re one mow away from a sunburned dirt patch.
• Just right? Lawn magic.

Different grasses have different preferences:
• Fescue & Bluegrass like to keep things chill and tall.
• Zoysia & Bermuda prefer the clean, tight, well-manicured look.

Know your grass type so you’re not unintentionally stressing it out. And let’s squash this myth once and for all: Mowing low to “buy time” is not a time-saver—it’s a lawn ruiner. You’ll just invite weeds, sunscald, and sad vibes.Winter HOC: Chill, but Not Too Much

As winter rolls in, it’s tempting to go all or nothing. But when it comes to mowing, moderation is key. Keep your cool-season grasses between 2 to 4 inches before they hunker down for the winter. For warm-season types like Bermuda and zoysia, a shorter cut is okay, but don’t go overboard. Think of it as prepping your lawn for a cozy nap, not a buzz cut.

Seasonal Mowing Tips

Winter: Chill, But Don’t Chop

• Cool-season grasses? Keep ‘em around 2–4 inches before winter nap time.
• Warm-season types can handle a shorter cut, but don’t go full buzz cut.

Stay off frosty lawns. Grass doesn’t like being stepped on when it’s frozen. You wouldn’t either.

Spring: The Great Reset

Lower the mower a notch or two for the first mow. Trim off those tired winter tips so sunlight can work its magic. Don’t scalp—you’re waking up the lawn, not punishing it.

Summer: Keep It High, Keep It Cool

Raise the blade. A taller mow (around 4 inches) helps shade roots, conserve moisture, and keep cool-season grasses from melting down. Rule of thumb: Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass height in one mow. It’s the lawn-care equivalent of portion control.

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More Mow-Know-How

• Dull mower blades tear grass. Torn grass turns yellow and looks rough. Sharpen your blade every 10 hours of mowing, or when your lawn starts looking like it got a bad haircut.

• Mowing wet grass? Messy. Clumpy. Bad for your mower. Worse for your grass. Wait for it to dry—your mower and your shoes will thank you.

• Before You Overseed...Lower the mower a notch or two before seeding to help sunlight hit the soil. Just don’t go full scalp-mode. You want sunlight, not soil shock.

Your lawn is a living thing with opinions, preferences, and a definite style. Treat it right, mow it smart, and it’ll reward you with a lush, green carpet that turns heads—and makes your neighbors suspiciously curious.

Swing by Merriam Feed + Seed to talk grass seed, sharpen your mower blades, or just swap lawn stories.